Special measures for CUAET have made it impossible for Ukrainians to enter Canada

Today, March 31st, 2024 marks the date. Three key deadlinesFor the best, Emergency Travel Authorization Canada-Ukraine (CUAET) program.

Two of these deadlines are specific for the program, while the third is about what Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) Calls “post-CUAET measures”.

Deadlines 1 & 2: CUAET Program

Today is the last day eligible visa holders can enter Canada under IRCC’s CUAET special measures. IRCC allowed foreign nationals holding a CUAET visitor visa until today to enter Canada and be eligible to receive the various benefits offered through this program.

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According to IRCC figures The Globe and Mail quoted by the Globe and Mail in last week, “960,000 Ukrainians have been approved to join [CUAET], but, as of the end of February, only 248,726 had arrived in Canada.”

Note: Those who obtained a visa through CUAET and arrive after today (meaning April 1, 2024, and beyond) will be required to meet Canada’s general set of entry requirements. They will not be eligible for CUAET-related support from IRCC.

Those in Canada who are covered by CUAET can also apply today for an extension of their temporary resident status or to change it through this program. IRCC has also announced that the waivers of application fees associated with these processes are ending today.

Deadline 3: Post CUAET measures

For those already in Canada under CUAET, today also marks the deadline for visa holders and their family members to apply for an open work permit, for a study permit, or to extend their stay for up to three years under IRCC’s post-CUAET measures.

What is CUAET

The CUAET ProgramThe purpose of the foundation was to provide “Ukrainians and their family members free, extended temporary status … in Canada until it is safe for them to return home.”

This special immigration measure provided Ukrainian nationals (and their family members of any nationality) with a dedicated pathway for obtaining temporary resident status for up to three year in Canada.

Important: The application deadline for IRCC’s CUAET program passed on July 15, 2023.

The CUAET does not charge any fees for the visitor visa. Applicants are also eligible to apply simultaneously for a work permit. The open work permits application would be provided free of cost to the applicant.

More: Click here to learn moreCUAET: Click here to learn more.

Other initiatives to assist Ukrainian nationals in Canada

IRCC created two new permanent residence pathways for Ukrainians living in Canada with family ties. Both of these new options are Sponsorships for familiesThe new law took effect on October 23, 2023.

In both scenarios, the Canadian family members of the Ukrainian applicant have to be Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are 18 years old or older, currently living in Canada, and not already have PR status.

Stream 1

The first stream is only for Ukrainians who are the family members of Canadian PRs or citizens. The Ukrainian applicant has to be related in one of three ways to the Canadian citizen/PR:

• A spouse/common-law Partner
• A child
• Grandchild
• A parent
• A grandparent
• A sibling/half sister

Note:Visit This webpageFor a complete list and additional information about the first permanent residency stream.

Stream 2

IRCC’s second permanent residence stream for Ukrainian nationals is dedicated to applicants “who are the spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national who has family in Canada.”The following criteria are among the eligibility requirements for this second path:

• The applicant must be a spouse or common-law partnership of a Ukrainian citizen
• The applicant must be a member of the family of a Canadian citizen, PR, including: their spouse, common-law partner or child, grandchild or parent, grandparent or sibling.
• Both the applicant and the permanent resident are in Canada when they submit their application.
• The applicant cannot have remarried since leaving Ukraine or entered into another common-law relationship.

Note: This websiteThe document contains complete eligibility criteria for Ukrainians seeking Canadian PR via this second pathway.

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