Canada-Ukraine Authorization Program for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Context:

The Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization Program (CUAET) is one of the special measures that the Government of Canada has introduced to support the people of Ukraine. This program provides Ukrainians and their family members with free and extended temporary status, allowing them to work, study, and remain in Canada until they can safely return home.

Eligible applicants:

• Ukrainian citizens
• Family members of Ukrainian citizens (who may be of any nationality)
• Family members are defined as:
  • Wife or cohabiting partner of a Ukrainian citizen
  • Their dependent children
  • Dependent children of a spouse or partner.
  • Dependent children of dependent children

Benefits and features of CUAET:

For Ukrainians and their family members coming to Canada from overseas:

• It is possible to apply for a tourist visa free of charge and may be allowed to stay in Canada for 3 years, instead of 6 months as a regular tourist.
• They have the right to apply for an open, free work permit along with their visa application, which helps them find employment as quickly as possible.
• Their e-visa application will be processed within 14 days of receiving all necessary documents, for typical, uncomplicated cases.
• You are exempt from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement upon entry into Canada, but you must meet all other public health requirements for travel, such as quarantine and testing. With some exceptions, all passengers arriving in Canada, including those arriving under CUAET, must also use ArriveCAN.
• You may be exempt from an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) overseas, if applicable, but may need to complete and pay for medical diagnostic testing within 90 days of arriving in Canada to screen for reportable infectious diseases (chest X-ray or appropriate alternative method and blood test).

For Ukrainians and their family members who have or have obtained temporary status in Canada:

• It is possible to apply for an extension of temporary residence status for up to 3 years.
• They can leave and return to Canada at any time while their visa is still valid.
• It is possible to renew a work or study permit free of charge.
• It is possible to apply for a new work or study permit free of charge.
• Eligible to attend primary and secondary school.
• They may have to complete and pay for an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) if they did not complete it upon their first entry into Canada.

All Ukrainians and their family members:

• Most application and processing fees will be waived, including visa application fees, biometric data collection fees, work and study permit application fees, and fees for tourist visa extensions and work and study permit extensions.
• Their IRCC applications will be given priority processing.
• It is possible to apply for permanent residency under various programs and immigration streams if they meet the eligibility requirements.
• Having access to IRCC's dedicated service channel.

All CUAET candidates must still adhere to:

• Visa and travel requirements
• Background checks (including biometric data) and security screenings.

Additional information about the program:

• CUAET is for Ukrainians and their family members who wish to come to Canada temporarily due to the crisis resulting from President Putin's invasion of Ukraine, and then return home when it is safe. This is not a refugee immigration stream.
• Unlike resettlement applications such as refugee and permanent residency streams, there are no limits on the number of visa, work, and study applications we will accept under CUAET.
• Ukrainians and their family members working and studying in Canada will have the opportunity to gain valuable work and study experience in Canada to prepare for future success, should they eventually choose to apply for permanent residency through IRCC's immigration programs and streams.
• IRCC has increased its operational readiness in Europe in case of increased demand. This includes reassigning staff and moving additional resources and equipment, such as mobile biometric data collection kits. IRCC has also adjusted operations at its offices globally to ensure continuous service to Ukraine. Online options are available for most applications.
• IRCC may issue single-entry travel documents and temporary residence permits abroad to allow travel for individuals without passports or those with expired passports. This is done on a case-by-case basis, under special circumstances and depending on the applicant's situation. IRCC also has the option to assist applicants in Canada with missing documents.
• Recognizing that some close and distant family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may wish to start a new life in Canada, IRCC is developing a special family sponsorship pathway for permanent residency.
• Employers wishing to support Ukrainians by providing job opportunities can register available jobs through Job Bank's Jobs for Ukraine website. Job Bank is a free, bilingual website that gives employers access to thousands of potential candidates and provides a free and secure space to post job openings.
• IRCC will continue to engage with provinces, territories and other partners on how they can contribute to and support this effort, including resettlement support services.
• For more information about CUAET and how to apply for special visas, permits and extensions, please visit the IRCC Ukraine migration information page.

Key dates of the program deadline

Below are the key dates for the Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization Program (CUAET) and other temporary measures.

This includes the last day to:

• Apply for a tourist visa under the CUAET measures.
• Travel to and enter Canada under the CUAET measures.
• Access to immigration services in Canada

Key dates for the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program:

• July 15, 2023:
  • This is the last day to apply for a tourist visa under the CUAET measures.
• March 31, 2024:
  • This is the last day to enter Canada under the CUAET special measures. Those with visas under CUAET have until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada under the special measures to be eligible for the assistance provided under CUAET.
  • Individuals holding visas under CUAET and arriving on or after April 1, 2024, will need to meet Canada's general entry requirements and will not be eligible for assistance under the CUAET measures.
  • This is the last day to extend or change your temporary resident status in Canada under CUAET. Those in Canada under CUAET measures have until March 31, 2024, to apply to extend or change their temporary resident status in Canada through CUAET measures. Application fees will remain waived until March 31, 2024.
• March 31, 2025:
  • This is the last day that Ukrainians and their family members who are temporarily in Canada can benefit from settlement services. Settlement services, normally reserved for permanent residents of Canada, will continue to be extended to all Ukrainians and their family members until March 31, 2025.

Key dates for the following CUAET measures:

• March 31, 2024:
  • This is the last day to apply under the CUAET measures. While you are in Canada, under the CUAET measures, you and your family members can apply for an open work permit, a study permit, or an extension of stay for up to 3 years.
• March 31, 2025:
  • This is the last day that Ukrainians and their family members who are temporarily in Canada can benefit from settlement services. Settlement services, normally reserved for permanent residents of Canada, will continue to be extended to all Ukrainians and their family members until March 31, 2025.

Information updated on: July 17, 2023

KeyApply's services