Canada-Ukraine Authorization Program for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Background:

The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) is one of the special measures the Government of Canada has introduced to support the people of Ukraine. This program provides Ukrainians and their family members with free, extended temporary status and allows them to work, study and stay in Canada until it is safe for them to return home.

Who can apply:

• Ukrainian citizens
• Family members of Ukrainian citizens (of any nationality)
• Family members are defined as:
  • A spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian citizen
  • Their dependent children
  • Dependent children of their spouse or common-law partner
  • Dependent children of dependent children

CUAET benefits and features:

For Ukrainians and their family members arriving in Canada from abroad:

• Can apply for a free visitor visa and may be allowed to stay in Canada for 3 years, instead of the 6 months permitted for regular visitors
• Have the right to apply for a free open work permit alongside their visa application, helping them find employment as quickly as possible
• Their electronic visa applications will be processed within 14 days of receiving a complete application, for straightforward cases
• Are exempt from COVID-19 vaccination requirements for entry into Canada, but must meet all other public health requirements for travel, such as quarantine and testing. With some exceptions, all travelers to Canada, including those arriving under CUAET, must also use ArriveCAN
• Are exempt from the immigration medical examination (IME) abroad, if applicable, but may be required to complete and pay for a medical diagnostic test within 90 days of arriving in Canada to screen for reportable communicable diseases (chest X-ray or appropriate alternative and blood test)

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

• Can apply to extend their temporary resident status for up to 3 years
• Can leave and re-enter Canada at any time while their visa is valid
• Can extend their work or study permit for free
• Can apply for a new work or study permit for free
• Are eligible to attend primary and secondary school
• May be required to complete and pay for an immigration medical examination (IME) if they did not complete one upon their initial entry into Canada

All Ukrainians and their family members:

• Will be exempt from most application and processing fees, including visa application fees, biometrics collection fees, work and study permit application fees, and fees for visitor visa extensions and work and study permit renewals
• Will receive priority processing for all their IRCC applications
• May apply for permanent residence under various immigration programs and streams if they are eligible
• Have access to a dedicated IRCC service channel

All CUAET applicants must still follow:

• Visa and travel requirements
• Background checks (including biometrics) and security screening

Additional information about the program:

• CUAET is for Ukrainians and their family members who want to come to Canada temporarily due to the crisis resulting from President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and subsequently return home when it is safe. This is not a refugee resettlement stream.
• Unlike refugee resettlement and permanent residence streams, there is no limit on the number of visa, work, and study permit applications we will accept under CUAET.
• Ukrainians and their family members working and studying in Canada will have the opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work and study experience to prepare for future success, should they eventually choose to apply for permanent residence through IRCC’s immigration programs and streams.
• IRCC has increased operational readiness in Europe in case of increased demand. This includes deploying staff and moving additional resources and equipment, such as mobile biometrics collection kits. IRCC is also adjusting operations at offices globally to ensure service continuity for Ukraine. Online options are available for most applications.
• IRCC may issue single-journey travel documents and temporary resident permits abroad to allow for travel for those without passports or those with expired passports. This is done on a case-by-case basis, under exceptional circumstances, and depending on the applicant's situation. IRCC also has the option to assist applicants within Canada with missing documentation.
• Recognizing that some close and extended 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 residence.
• Employers wishing to support Ukrainians by offering jobs can post available positions via the Job Bank's Jobs for Ukraine webpage. Job Bank is a free, bilingual website that provides employers with access to thousands of potential candidates and offers a free and secure space for posting jobs.
• IRCC will continue to engage with provinces, territories, and other partners on how they can contribute to and support this effort, including settlement support services.
• For more information on CUAET and how to apply for special visas, permits, and extensions, please visit the IRCC Ukraine immigration information page.

Key program deadline dates

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

This includes the final date to:

• Apply for a visitor visa under CUAET measures
• Travel to and enter Canada under CUAET measures
• Access settlement services in Canada

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

• July 15, 2023:
  • The final date to apply for a visitor visa under CUAET measures
• March 31, 2024:
  • The final date to arrive in Canada under the special CUAET measures. Those holding a CUAET visa have until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada under the special measures to be eligible for the supports provided under CUAET.
  • Those holding a CUAET visa and arriving on or after April 1, 2024, will need to meet Canada's general entry requirements and will not be eligible to receive supports under CUAET measures.
  • The final date 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 continue to be waived until March 31, 2024.
• March 31, 2025:
  • The final date when Ukrainians and their family members who are in Canada temporarily can benefit from settlement services. Settlement services normally available to Canadian permanent residents will continue to be extended to all Ukrainians and their family members until March 31, 2025.

Key dates for post-CUAET measures:

• March 31, 2024:
  • The final date to apply under post-CUAET measures. Once you are in Canada, under post-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:
  • The final date when Ukrainians and their family members who are in Canada temporarily can benefit from settlement services. Settlement services normally available to Canadian permanent residents will continue to be extended to all Ukrainians and their family members until March 31, 2025.

Information update date: July 17, 2023

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