Extension of Temporary Public Policy for Ukrainians in Canada: A Lifeline Extended Until 2026
On July 4, 2025, Canada reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukrainians fleeing the ongoing war in Ukraine by extending key temporary immigration measures under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. This extension, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), provides critical support for Ukrainian nationals and their families who arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024, allowing them to extend their temporary resident status, work permits, or study permits until March 31, 2026. Additionally, free settlement services remain available until March 31, 2025. This blog explores the details of this policy extension, its significance, eligibility criteria, application process, and the broader context of Canada’s support for Ukrainians amidst the ongoing crisis.
Key Features of the July 4, 2025, Policy Extension
The extension of the temporary public policy, effective July 4, 2025, builds on previous updates and offers the following provisions for Ukrainian nationals and their family members who arrived in Canada under CUAET on or before March 31, 2024:
Extended Application Period for Permits:
Ukrainians in Canada with valid temporary resident status can apply to extend their status, obtain a new open work permit (valid for up to three years), extend an existing work permit, or apply for a new study permit until March 31, 2026.
This applies to those who arrived under CUAET, including those with Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs), ensuring they can maintain legal status to work or study.
Standard application fees now apply, as earlier fee exemptions for work and study permits ended on December 31, 2024.
Continued Access to Settlement Services:
Free settlement services, including language training (English/French), job search assistance, housing support, and community integration programs, remain available until March 31, 2025. These services have supported over 120,000 Ukrainians in 2023–2024, helping them adapt to life in Canada.
Flexibility for Passport Issues:
Due to delays at the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, applicants unable to renew their passports can still apply for extensions, with cases assessed individually. Those who obtain a new passport during processing can submit it via IRCC’s web form.
Pathways to Permanent Residence:
While the CUAET program is temporary, it facilitates pathways to permanent residency through existing programs like Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or the Express Entry system. Extended work and study permits allow Ukrainians to gain Canadian work experience and education, enhancing eligibility for economic immigration streams.
A separate public policy for permanent residence, launched in 2023, allowed Ukrainians with family in Canada to apply until October 22, 2024, though this deadline has now passed.
Suspension of Removals:
Canada continues to suspend removals to Ukraine due to the ongoing war, ensuring Ukrainians can remain in Canada without fear of deportation while their status is valid or applications are pending.
Eligibility and Application Process
To benefit from the extended measures, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a Ukrainian national or an immediate family member (spouse, common-law partner, dependent child) of a Ukrainian national.
Have arrived in Canada under CUAET on or before March 31, 2024.
Hold valid temporary resident status at the time of application.
Steps to Apply:
Check Eligibility: Confirm your CUAET status and ensure your temporary resident status is valid.
Gather Documents: Prepare forms such as IMM 5710 (for work permits) or IMM 5707 (Family Information), a valid passport (or explanation if unavailable), proof of status, and biometrics (fee-exempt for CUAET applicants in some cases).
Apply Online: Use the IRCC portal to submit applications. Create or log into an account, complete forms, and upload documents.
Biometrics: Schedule an appointment if required, though CUAET applicants may be exempt from biometric fees.
Pay Fees: Standard fees apply for work/study permits (e.g., approximately CAD 150 for extensions).
Monitor Status: Submit applications before your current permit expires to maintain implied status, allowing you to work or study while awaiting a decision.
For those unable to apply online due to accessibility issues, IRCC’s crisis web form (noting “Ukraine2022”) is an alternative.
