The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) is a fast temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians fleeing the war.
Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality can stay in Canada for up to 3 years. An online application for a Canadian visitor visa and providing the biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) are needed by the applicants. Biometrics can be given at any Visa Application Center (VAC) outside of Ukraine. VACs are open in Moldova, Romania, Austria and Poland, and there is an extensive VAC network across Europe.
Applicants not holding a passport may still apply and a single journey travel document may be issued for them.
Ukrainian temporary residents of Canada (workers, students and visitors) and their family members who are already in Canada may either apply to extend their visitor status or work permit for 3 years, apply for a new work or study permit, or extend their existing permit. All extension and application fees are waived.
The CUAET will process electronic visa applications within 14 days of receipt of a complete application for standard cases. Standard background checks along with careful screening will be done for all visa applicants before coming into Canada.
Ukrainians are exempt from COVID-19 vaccination requirements but need to undergo quarantine and testing.
2025 Update: Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)
The Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program officially closed to new applications on July 15, 2023. People who arrived in Canada under CUAET measures before March 31, 2024, are still eligible for certain benefits, but no new applications are accepted.
If you’re already in Canada under this pathway, options are still open. Ukrainian nationals and their family members can apply for an open work permit that lasts up to three years or extend an existing one. Study permits are also available. All of these applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026; this time, standard fees apply.
Access to settlement services is also available, but not much longer. Ukrainians with temporary resident status can use free language classes, employment support, and community services until March 31, 2025. After that date, those programs will shift back to regular eligibility rules.
There’s also been some trouble with passport renewals. The Ukrainian Embassy in Canada has been handling a heavy load, so delays are common. If your passport renewal is held up and your temporary status is about to expire, don’t panic. You can still submit an application to extend your stay, and it’ll be reviewed case by case.
For Ukrainians who arrived in Canada after March 31, 2024, things work a little differently. You’ll need to apply through regular immigration channels and meet the usual requirements for work permits, study permits, or visitor extensions. Standard processing fees apply for these cases.
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