Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel Extended

Canada’s Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced the extension of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) for overseas Ukrainians until July 15, 2023.

Current CUAET holders now have until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada from overseas. Those already in Canada will also have until March 31, 2024, to extend or adjust their temporary status with no fees. 

Settlement services remain the same for Ukrainians and their family members. This includes one-time tax-free financial support and access to emergency accommodation for up to two weeks after arrival in Canada if needed. Ukrainians are able to benefit from accommodation services up until March 31, 2025.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

The IRCC created the CUAET in support of those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The measure aims to help Ukrainians and their family members come to Canada as quickly as possible and to provide them with the ability to work and study while in Canada.

The CUAET allows you to come to Canada and stay for up to 3 years.

• You can apply for a free visitor visa and an open work permit.
• You can study in Canada during your stay.

The CUAET measures also give those who are already in Canada the option to extend their visitor status, work permit or study permit so that they can continue to live and work or study in Canada temporarily.

Over 600,000 CUAET applications have been approved however only 133,323 CUAET applicants have entered Canada since the temporary measure started in March 2022.

Some Benefits For CAUET Applicants

Urgent processing of travel documents

Canada will also be urgently processing travel documents for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who do not have valid passports.

The IRCC tries to process most CUAET applications within 14 days but it may take longer for some complex cases.

Application fees waived

The application for CUAET is free and can be applied online. Beware of fraud, or any agency asking to pay a fee for the CUAET application or saying you must pay for biometrics, as that is not true with this application. To apply visit the Canadian government’s dedicated website. 

Extending stay of Ukrainians in Canada

To ensure Ukrainians can extend their stay in Canada, IRCC will prioritize processing work and study permit renewal applications. Canada will also permit these individuals to apply for a work permit from within Canada. This will allow applicants with a job offer to remain in Canada and work while awaiting the processing of their work permit application.

As well, Canada has installed additional resources in offices in Poland, Austria, and Romania to handle any influx of Canadian visa applications.

Ukrainians that come to Canada under one of these measures will be eligible to apply for an open work permit, which will allow them to work anywhere in Canada.

Learn more about your options to immigrate to Canada by completing our free online assessment form.