The work permit deadline is extended for CUAET participants. The deadline is now March 31, 2025 for CUAET participants who in Canada as temporary residents. However, unlike previous CUAET measures, these work permit applications will not be fee-exempt. 

The open work permit is valid for up to three years, depending on the applicant’s age and passport expiry date, as well as biometrics. 

In order to be eligible, participants must have been approved under the CUAET measures and arrived in the nation on or before March 31, 2024. 

Also, CUAET officially stopped accepting new applications on July 15, 2023. Those who were approved had until March 31 this year to come to Canada to benefit from the support offered by the program, including fee exemptions. 

Settlement Services For Ukrainians

CUAET participants presently in Canada can also benefit from many free settlement services until March 31, 2025. 

These include services to help newcomers find employment, learn an official language, prepare for citizenship, and others directed at specific groups such as women, 2SLGBTQI, or seniors.

Permanent Residence Pathways For Ukrainians With Family In Canada

The work permit deadline is extended for CUAET participants. Some Ukrainians might also be eligible for a dedicated pathway to Canadian permanent residency. 

IRCC is accepting applications through this pathway until October 22, 2024. 

These are two categories for eligible applicants. However, in both categories, the applicant should be able to demonstrate a relationship with a family member in Canada who is already a citizen or permanent resident. This includes a: 

  • Spouse or common-law partner
  • Child 
  • Grandchild
  • Parent
  • Grandparent
  • Sibling 

In the first category, the candidate must be a Ukrainian national. They must also have a statutory declaration form signed by their family member in Canada explaining the relationship to them. 

The second category is for the spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national. They must be able to prove that their spouse or partner has immediate family in Canada. They must also prove that their spouse/ partner is unable to leave Ukraine, be missing, have passed away, or be presumed to have passed away. 

CUAET  

The work permit deadline is extended for CUAET participants. CUAET was launched in February 2022 as a temporary measure for Ukrainians fleeing unrest in the region.

Under the measure, Ukrainians and their immediate family members were permitted to stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years. After arrival, they could apply for a work or study permit without paying fees. This also applies to any Ukrainians already in Canada requiring an extension on their work or study permit. 

According to IRCC data, between March 17, 2022, and April 1, 2024, the department obtained 1,189,320 applications for the program and approved 962,612. However, the same data shows that less than 300,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada in that period.  

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490. You can also drop us an email at [email protected].