Canada extends deadline for CUAET visa holders

NP-UN National Affairs Desk

February 27 Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that Ukrainians and their family members who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program on or before March 31, 2024, will now have until March 31, 2026, to apply for a new open work permit valid for up to three years, renew an existing work permit, or apply for a new study permit, subject to standard fees. Those who wish to renew their status as a visitor or student can continue to apply to renew as they have.

These temporary measures will allow Ukrainians and their family members to continue to work and study in Canada during this difficult time, and eventually return home when it is safe to do so.

Access to free settlement services for all Ukrainian temporary residents and their family members in Canada are available until March 31, 2025.

“Canada remains committed to supporting the people of Ukraine and their families as the war continues by providing safety. That is why, through this extension, our aim is to offer protection while recognizing the long-term goal for many to return home when it is safe and there is a proper peace. We continue to stand with Ukraine and its people,” said Miller.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) has commended the Government of Canada for the extension of some temporary measures for Ukrainian displaced persons in Canada.

Ihor Michalchyshyn, executive director of the UCC, told The Globe and Mail he was pleased to see that the minister listened to their concerns. While the process of renewal is not automatic, applicants will have more time to apply, he noted.

“There will continue to be some nervousness about the process, but we’re pleased to see there has been some consideration of the timing,” he said in an interview.

Michalchyshyn said the Ukrainian Canadian community’s push, and the prospect of a spring election, may have spurred government movement on the program: “This is the kind of communication that comes after pressure has built.”

In a statement issued to the media the UCC stressed that “this is NOT an automatic extension of work or study permits. Individuals holding permits under the CUAET measures must apply for extensions at least 30 days prior to the expiration of their current permit.”

“The UCC will continue to work with the Government of Canada to ensure strong support for the Ukrainian people as they bravely defend their country and the freedom of Europe from Russia’s genocidal war of aggression,” stated the UCC.

CUAET was launched in March 2022 as a temporary special measure to provide immediate assistance to Ukrainians fleeing the war in Ukraine. Nearly 300,000 Ukrainians and their family members were welcomed to Canada under the program.

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