Canada has extended the deadline for Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) participants to apply for open work permits.
The deadline has been extended till March 31, 2025. This extension is part of Canada’s ongoing support for Ukrainians who have been displaced due to the conflict with Russia.
Nevertheless, these work permit applications will not be free of charge, unlike earlier CUAET programs.
Depending on the applicant’s biometrics and passport expiration date, the validity of the open work permits may extend up to three years.
What is CUAET?
The Canadian government launched the CUAET program in March 2022 as a short-term immigration solution to assist Ukrainians who were escaping the escalating turmoil in their homeland. Through this program, Ukrainians and members of their immediate family can travel, study, or work temporarily in Canada.
IRCC data shows that the agency received 1,189,320 applications for the program between March 17, 2022, and April 1, 2024, and approved 962,612. Less than 300,000 Ukrainians landed in Canada during that time, according to the same figures.
This benefit also extends to Ukrainian citizens currently living in Canada who would like to extend their stay in order to get a work or study visa.
Extended Deadline for Work Permits
The original deadline for applying for a work permit under CUAET was set to expire soon. However, recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainians, the Canadian government has extended this deadline. Ukrainians who are eligible can now apply for an open work permit until March 31, 2024.
Participants must have arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024, and they must have been accepted under the CUAET measures in order to be eligible.
On July 15, 2023, CUAET formally ceased to accept new applications. Those who were accepted were required to go to Canada by March 31 of this year in order to take advantage of all program benefits, which include waivers of fees.
The program was previously extended to July 31, 2024. The IRCC also disclosed that these work permit applications are now subject to a cost, in contrast to earlier.
Eligibility Categories for CUAET Applicants with Family in Canada
There are two categories for eligible candidates, but in both cases, the applicant must show that they have a family member in Canada who is already a citizen or permanent resident. Eligible family members include:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Child (of any age)
- Grandchild
- Parent
- Grandparent
- Sibling (or half-sibling)
In the first category, the applicant must be a Ukrainian national and provide a statutory declaration form signed by their family member in Canada, confirming their relationship.
The second category is for the spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national. They must demonstrate that their spouse or partner has immediate family in Canada and that their spouse or partner is unable to leave Ukraine, is missing, has passed away, or is presumed dead.
In addition, Canada allows Ukrainians with family members currently living in Canada to obtain Canadian permanent residency.
Why This Extension Matters
The extension of the work permit application deadline provides much-needed flexibility and support to Ukrainians in Canada. Open work permits allow these individuals to work for any employer in Canada, helping them to integrate into Canadian society, support themselves financially, and contribute to the economy.
This move aligns with Canada’s broader humanitarian efforts and reaffirms the country’s commitment to offering a haven to those affected by international crises. The work permit not only provides economic opportunities but also offers a sense of stability for those who have been displaced from their homes.
This benefit also applies to Ukrainians already residing in Canada who wish to stay longer for work or study visa purposes.
What are the Settlement services for Ukrainians?
Settlement services are available to CUAET participants in Canada, and they can continue to access these free services until March 31, 2025. These services offer assistance with finding employment, learning an official language, preparing for citizenship, and providing specialized support for specific groups like women, 2SLGBTQI individuals, and seniors.
Canada’s commitment to helping Ukrainian people through these difficult times is demonstrated by the postponement of the work visa application deadline for CUAET participants. This program offers those who are starting over in a new nation useful assistance in addition to being a reflection of Canada’s humanitarian ideals. This extended deadline is an opportunity for Ukrainians living in Canada under CUAET to obtain work permits and fully integrate into Canadian society.
