On January 16, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced an extension that gives eligible Ukrainians additional time to remain in Canada legally.
On This Page
In October 2023, in response to the conflict, Canada put forth temporary measures to help Ukrainian’s (who have family in Canada) become permanent residents. The goal of this program was to help families stay together and eventually transition from temporary status to permanent residency in Canada.
2026 Extension
Eligible Ukrainians now have until March 31, 2027, to apply from inside Canada for new or extended work permits, new or extended study permits, or to extend or fix their temporary resident status even without a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR). Previously, Ukrainians had until March 31, 2026. The extension reflects Canada’s continued support for Ukrainians already in the country by giving them more flexibility as they plan their next steps.
What This Means
Many Ukrainians in Canada are worried about what will happen when their permits end. Some are not sure how to renew their status, and others may already be out of status.
This update gives people time to fix their situation and stay legally in Canada, as long as they apply before the deadline and meet the requirements. Not everyone will qualify automatically so applications must be completed correctly and on time. As with any government application, if there are mistakes or missing documents, an application can be refused.
Contact Us Today
Evidently, immigration procedures and documents can be difficult to navigate alone. A small mistake in your application or a misunderstanding of eligibility can result in unnecessary delays or in some cases rejection.
At Canadim, we focus on making the process easier and helping clients choose the best option available to them. If you are a Ukrainian national currently in Canada or have family members affected by the conflict in Ukraine, we can help with your situation and guide you through every step of the process.
To learn more about your options and how to extend your work or study permit, fill out our free immigration assessment form to schedule a consultation.
Written by
Mariam Baher
Immigration Journalist
Mariam holds a Bachelor of Journalism with a minor in English from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). Her early interest in the intersection of law and marketing has grown into nearly seven years of experience in legal marketing, where her journalism background brings a storyteller's perspective to strategic, engaging marketing initiatives within the legal industry.
