441-00226 (Foreign affairs)

Canada is committed in our support for those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

On March 17, 2022, IRCC launched the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) to help Ukrainians and their family members come to Canada as quickly as possible and to provide them with the ability to work and study while in Canada.  The CUAET also gives those who are already in Canada the option to extend their visitor status, work permit or study permit so that they can continue to live and work or study in Canada temporarily.

The CUAET is one of the many special measures the Government of Canada has introduced to support the people of Ukraine. It offers Ukrainians and their family members extended temporary status and allows them to work, study and stay in Canada until it is safe for them to return home.

Ukrainians and their family members coming to Canada from overseas:

• can apply for a fee exempt visitor visa and may be allowed to stay in Canada for 3 years, as opposed to the standard 6-month authorized stay for regular visitors;
• have the option to apply for an open work permit with their visa application, enabling them to work as quickly as possible;
• will have their electronic visa application processed within 14 days of receipt of a complete application, for standard, non-complex cases;
• are exempt from Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements, but must meet all other public health requirements for travel, such as quarantine and testing. With limited exceptions, all travellers to Canada, including anyone arriving under the CUAET, must also use ArriveCAN;
• are exempt from completing an immigration medical exam (IME) overseas, if applicable, but may be required to complete and pay for a medical diagnostic test within 90 days of arrival in Canada to screen for reportable communicable diseases (chest x-ray or suitable alternative and blood test).

Ukrainians and their family members who acquire or already have temporary status in Canada:

• may apply to extend their temporary resident status for up to 3 years;
• can leave and return to Canada at any time while their visa is valid;
• may renew their work or study permit
• may apply for a new work or study permit;
• are eligible to attend elementary and secondary school;
• may be required to complete and pay for an immigration medical exam (IME) if they haven’t completed one on initial entry to Canada.

All Ukrainians and their family members:

• will have most of their application fees waived, including the visa application fee, biometric collection fee, work and study permit application fees, and visitor extension, and work and study permit renewal fees;
• will have all their IRCC applications prioritized for processing (14 days for non complex and complete applications);
• may apply for permanent residence under a variety of different immigration programs and streams if they are eligible to do so;
• have access to IRCC’s dedicated service channel.      

IRCC has increased operational readiness in Europe in anticipation of an increased volume of requests. This includes relocating staff and moving additional supplies and equipment, such as mobile biometric collection kits. We are also adjusting operations in offices across our global network to ensure service continuity for Ukraine. Online options are available for most applications. IRCC has been working closely with other government departments, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and others across the Ukrainian-Canadian community to ensure that all measures meet the needs of Ukrainians and their communities.  IRCC will continue to engage with provinces and territories, and other partners as to how they can contribute and support the effort. Canada will continue to support those fleeing the war in Ukraine. We are expanding the federal settlement program to offer key services for temporary residents in Canada eligible under the CUAET, such as language training, orientation, employment assistance and other supports for Ukrainians as they settle into their new communities. Access to these supports will remain in place until March 31, 2023.The Budget 2022 provides additional funding to bolster Canada’s response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and details some measures already in place, including the funding of $111 million over 5 years, with $6 million in future years, to implement new immigration measures for Ukrainians. This funding will help to set up the new immigration pathways, expedite the processing of applications, and provide support to Ukrainians once they arrive in Canada.

There are currently no refugee resettlement commitments related to the situation in Ukraine. The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) is for Ukrainians and their family members who want to come to Canada temporarily while the situation in Ukraine unfolds. This new temporary residence pathway allows for Ukrainians and their family members to seek temporary refuge in Canada, with the intent of returning home when it is safe to do so or applying for permanent residency if the eligibility requirements are met.