441-02067 (Citizenship and immigration)

As Russia continues its illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, Canada remains steadfast in its support for those who have been forced to flee. This includes helping people find a temporary safe haven in Canada and providing them with the support they need.

In order to respond to this unprecedented invasion, the Government of Canada launched the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) on March 17, 2022. These measures provide Ukrainians and their immediate family members the opportunity to stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years. 

Overall, Canada received close to 1.2 million^[1]overseas applications, of which over 958,000^[2]applications have been approved as of January 27, 2024, and over 221,000^[3]CUAET holders have arrived in Canada from abroad.

CUAET holders arriving in Canada by March 31, 2024, continue to be eligible for one-time transitional financial assistance of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child (17 years and under), temporary accommodations for up to 14 nights, and access to free study permits, open work permits and multiple entry visas valid up to 10 year (or passport validity) with an extended stay of up to three years. The study permits and open work permits allow CUAET holders to enroll in an education program in Canada or work anywhere in Canada for almost any employer.    

While overseas application intake for CUAET closed on July 15, 2023, Ukrainians and their family members can still apply through regular IRCC channels for a regular temporary resident visa (TRV) to come to Canada. Once inside Canada, until March 31, 2024, these clients are still eligible to apply for study permits, open work permits, and an extended stay of up to three years, for a fee and will receive priority application processing.

All Ukrainian temporary residents and their family members also continue to be eligible for federally-funded settlement services until March 31, 2025. These temporary measures have been successful in allowing Ukrainians to find safety in Canadaand fully participate in Canadian communities while they are here.

The Government of Canada continues to work closely with provincial, territorial and municipal partners, as well as settlement service providers and the Ukrainian-Canadian community, to welcome Ukrainians and  Canada continues to adapt its response to help those fleeing violence.

On October 23, 2023, IRCC launched a new family reunification pathway to permanent residence for Ukrainian nationals who want to stay in Canada permanently.  To qualify, Ukrainian nationals must be in Canada with valid temporary resident status and have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member in Canada. Since the start of the public policy and February 6, 2024, IRCC has received just over 1,150 applications from principal applicants, with over 850 accompanying dependents, for a total of just over 2,000 persons.

In addition to the family reunification pathway, Ukrainians who wish to immigrate to Canada permanently can apply for permanent residence through various existing immigration programs and streams. The extended visit, work and study status offered by CUAET – as well as access to settlement services – will help those seeking to transition through these programs. This could be by improving language skills, gaining work experience in Canada or having their foreign credentials recognized. Between January 1, 2022 and January 27, 2024, 8,278 Ukrainian national’s applications for permanent residence through these programs have been approved (in persons).

The Government of Canada is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to assess whether further immigration measures may be required. Any new developments would be communicated publicly.

^[1]Mesures d’immigration pour l’Ukraine :Statistiques clés as of January 27, 2024

^[2]Mesures d’immigration pour l’Ukraine :Statistiques clés as of January 27, 2024

^[3]Mesures d’immigration pour l’Ukraine :Statistiques clés as of January 27, 2024