Immigration Updates Living in Canada Newcomers to Canada

Program Extended: Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

By: Mariam Baher

In response to the continued war in Ukraine, the Canadian government has extended the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program to continue providing Ukrainians with a temporary accelerated residency pathway.

Extension Period

Ukrainians who arrived in Canada through the CUAET program before March 31, 2024, now have until March 31, 2026, to apply for a new open work permit. The CUAET program also allows Ukrainians to remain in Canada by extending their current visitor, work, or study permits.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel

In March 2022, Canada introduced the CUAET to provide support for Ukrainians fleeing their country due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. This program was designed to offer not only refuge for Ukrainians but to also provide them with helpful services to further aid them in relocating and settling in Canada.

Since its launch, the CUAET program has welcomed approximately 300,000 Ukrainians and their families as well as provided temporary housing, financial assistance, and other support necessary.

Expired Status and Deportations

Applicants must apply to extend their permits before their status expires and are allowed to continue working or studying while waiting for a decision to be made on their application/case. Decisions are individually assessed/made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

It is important to note that the Canada Border Services Agency has placed a temporary hold on deportations for Ukrainians, meaning that Ukrainians will not be forced to leave Canada and return home during this dangerous time. As a result, if a Ukrainian’s passport is expired, they are still eligible to apply to extend their stay in Canada through the various visas and permits mentioned earlier.

Canadian Permanent Residency

The CUAET program has a high approval rate with an impressive amount of 80% of applications being approved from 2022-2024. This high approval rate has provided many Ukrainians the ability to secure work and study permits, putting them on a promising path towards Canadian permanent residency. The CUAET program not only offers temporary refuge through a streamlined immigration process, but the program also creates a potential pathway to long-term settlement and permanent residency in Canada.

Canada continues to support Ukrainian victims during this challenging time through the CUAET program, offering hope and safety to those fleeing the conflict in their home country. If you find yourself in this situation, contact us today and we will help make your journey as easy and efficient as possible.

Contact us to assess your eligibility for the CUAET program and get started today.