On March 31, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced an important extension for Ukrainians currently living and working in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. If you or a family member arrived in Canada under CUAET, this update directly affects your ability to remain and work here legally — and there are deadlines you need to be aware of.
What Was Announced?
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced that eligible Ukrainians and their family members will have an additional year to apply to extend their work permit. Those who qualify now have until March 31, 2027 to submit their application to extend their work permit for up to three years.
This extension reflects Canada’s continued commitment to supporting Ukrainians displaced by Russia’s ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine, which began with a full-scale assault in February 2022.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for this extended work permit measure, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024 under CUAET or related measures; or
- You received a CUAET approval but could not arrive by March 31, 2024 due to processing delays, and were permitted to arrive by December 31, 2024 under a previously announced extension.
Both principal applicants and their accompanying family members who meet these arrival conditions are covered by this announcement.
What If I Want to Extend My Visitor Status or Study Permit?
This announcement is specifically about work permits. If you are looking to extend your stay as a visitor or to extend a study permit, you will need to apply through the standard IRCC processes. Regular government fees will apply to those applications.
Is This a Path to Permanent Residence?
These measures remain temporary in nature. The Canadian government has acknowledged that many Ukrainians in Canada intend to eventually return home to help rebuild Ukraine. However, Canada has also established a separate permanent residence pathway for Ukrainians with family members already in Canada — the Family Reunification Pathway to Permanent Residence — launched in 2023. If you are interested in exploring permanent residence options, it is important to seek qualified legal advice as eligibility criteria and processing times vary.
How We Can Help
Navigating Canadian immigration law — even when the news is positive — can be complicated. Questions about eligibility, application requirements, supporting documents, and what happens if your circumstances have changed since you first arrived are all common concerns we hear from Ukrainian clients.
Our firm is experienced in assisting Ukrainian newcomers with work permit renewals, status extensions, and exploring permanent residence options. If you are unsure whether you qualify for this extension or what steps to take next, we encourage you to contact our office for a consultation. We’ll review your situation confidentially and help you understand your options — with no obligation. Contact us today to discussion your questions.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific; individual circumstances vary significantly. Reading this article does not create a lawyer-client relationship. If you are facing a removal order or believe you may be eligible for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment, please consult a qualified Canadian immigration lawyer or authorized immigration consultant as soon as possible.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules are subject to change. Please consult a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer or regulated immigration consultant for advice specific to your situation.
Source: Canada extends certain work permit measures for Ukrainians — IRCC, March 31, 2026
