The Government of Canada has announced the new Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program to support the people of Ukraine. This relief measure provides a free, extended temporary stay to Ukrainians—and their dependent family members—allowing them to work, study, and stay in Canada while it is unsafe to be in Ukraine. Under this measure, Ukrainians may remain in Canada for three years at a time, as opposed to the standard 6-month temporary stay permitted for regular visitors. They may also extend their stay in Canada when their status is about to expire.
Other benefits under CUAET
- Quick visa processing: Electronic visa application will be processed within 14 days of receipt for standard, non-complex cases
- Work permit: The CUAET provides the option to apply for an open work permit (free of charge), enabling visitors under this measure to find work quickly
- Study permit: Visitors may apply for a new or renewed study permit free of charge, and children are eligible to attend elementary and secondary school during temporary visitor stay
- COVID vaccine requirements: Provides an exemption from Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements
- Eligibility: Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members (of any nationality) who are coming to Canada from overseas or who already have temporary status in Canada
This temporary program for Ukrainians and their family members, due to the crisis caused by the invasion of Ukraine, will result in priority visa applications, waivers of most application and processing fees, and a dedicated service channel within IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to address immigration-related questions for Ukrainians.
