Following the termination of CUAET applications intake on July 15, 2023, Ukrainians who have not applied for a CUAET visa can still apply to come to Canada through pre-existing immigration pathways. As of July 16, 2023 Ukrainians can apply for a regular temporary resident visa (TRV) and will be subject to meet regular pre-existing immigration requirements and application fees. Once in Canada, those who received a regular TRV can apply for extended stay, work and study permits, subject to regular application fees. However, such in-Canada applications are given priority processing if submitted until March 31, 2024.

CUAET visa-holders can travel to Canada as long as their visa is valid. However, in order to benefit from the temporary special measures (such as a work permit) and have access to in-Canada benefits associated with the CUAET (such as one-time financial assistance and up to 14 nights of accommodation at the federally-funded hotels), CUAET visa holders have to travel to Canada until March 31, 2024.

CUAET visas do not expire after March 31, 2024. If CUAET visa holders arrive after March 31, 2024, their CUAET visa becomes a regular temporary resident visa, with clients being authorized for a regular period of stay upon entry to Canada, which a border services officer will determine. However, they will not have access to in-Canada benefits associated with the CUAET.

Settlement services are available to all Ukrainians until March 31, 2025. CUAET visa holders are also eligible for financial benefits until June 30, 2024, and temporary accommodation until March 31, 2024. Once in Canada, Ukrainians will have access to extended stays, work/study permits and will have priority processing to do so.

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, announced a new permanent resident pathway for displaced Ukrainians in Canada with temporary resident status. The new pathway to permanent residency is designed to support family reunification and allows Ukrainians who fled the Russian invasion to apply for permanent resident status if they have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Those who are eligible include Ukrainian spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, siblings and children or grandchildren of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The pathway will go live on October 23, 2023. The intake for this program is separate from the existing family intake program.

CUAET Facts:

• Since March 17, 2022, the CUAET gave Ukrainians, along with their immediate relatives of any nationality, a chance to reside in Canada temporarily for a maximum of three years.
• Ukrainians and their families were given until July 15, 2023, to submit applications from abroad for a CUAET visa without any cost. IRCC will continue to process applications sent before this cut-off date.
• Individuals possessing a CUAET visa have until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada to have access to temporary special measures in-Canada benefits associated with the CUAET. Those with a CUAET visa already in Canada can extend or modify their short-term status without any fees before March 31, 2024.
• Starting July 16, 2023, Ukrainians wishing to come to Canada using established temporary resident pathways will need to comply with standard IRCC procedures and fees.
• The new permanent residency pathway announced by Minister Sean Fraser has no financial obligations. Families are given up to October 22, 2024, to complete their submissions.
• This pathway will not have an impact on the number of spaces available through the Parents and Grandparents Program. Ukrainians accepted under this pathway are in addition to any family members who come to Canada through this program.

You can find more information on the Frequently Asked Questions and review information on deadlines and in-Canada supports on the website of the Government of Canada.

Canada is giving financial assistance to help Ukrainian families who are in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET). 

The assistance is a one-time, non-taxable benefit. It’s to take care of your basic needs while you get settled in Canada. You can learn more about this temporary assistance at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures/settlement/get-financial-assistance.html  

On April 9, 2022, the Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced additional support measures for Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s war and coming via the Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization. These measures include new income supports for Ukrainians for up to six weeks for those in need. This measure will allow them to get off to a good start in Canada and access basic necessities. We will also provide temporary hotel rooms for two weeks to ensure that those who need a place to stay have access to initial accommodation. 

For more information, visit this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2022/05/speaking-notes-honourable-sean-fraser-minister-immigration-refugees-citizenship-announcement-regarding-additional-measures-fleeing-war-ukraine.html  

On March 22, 2023.  As Russia continues its illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, Canada will remain 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.

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that the Government of Canada will extend the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). This means that:

• Ukrainians and their family members will have until July 15, 2023, to apply overseas for a CUAET visa free of charge;
• Anyone holding a CUAET visa will have until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada under the special measures; and
• CUAET holders who are already here in Canada will have until March 31, 2024, to extend or adjust their temporary status through these measures, free of charge.

Settlement services will remain available to Ukrainians and their family members after they arrive so that they can fully participate in Canadian communities while they are here. Ukrainians and their family members will also continue to benefit from the one-time transitional financial support, as well as from access to emergency accommodations for up to 2 weeks, if needed after they arrive in Canada.

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 fleeing Russia’s illegal war.

These measures build on the Government of Canada’s previous actions to support Ukraine’s security and resilience and to hold Russia accountable for its atrocities and crimes. We are closely monitoring the ongoing needs of Ukrainians and will adapt our response as needed.

You can find more information on this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/03/canada-extends-support-for-those-fleeing-russias-illegal-and-unjustifiable-invasion-of-ukraine.html