Canada Extends Support for Ukrainians: CUAET Measures Updated for 2025-2026

Canada Extends Support for Ukrainians: CUAET Measures Updated for 2025-2026

In a significant move to continue supporting Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict in their homeland, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an extension of key measures under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. This update aims to provide continued stability and opportunities for Ukrainian nationals and their families who have sought refuge in Canada.

Extended Deadlines and Eligibility

The latest announcement brings good news for many Ukrainians currently in Canada:

1. Extended Application Window: Ukrainian nationals who arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024, under CUAET can now apply for extensions until March 31, 2026.

2. Permit Options: Eligible individuals can apply for new open work permits, study permits, or visitor status extensions, all valid for up to three years.

3. Continued Support: Free settlement services will remain accessible to all Ukrainian temporary residents and their family members until March 31, 2025.

It's important to note that these facilitated processes are not available to those who arrived after March 31, 2024. These individuals must follow standard application procedures and pay regular fees for work permits, study permits, or visitor status.

Processing Challenges and Ongoing Efforts

While the CUAET program has been largely successful, processing some applications has proven challenging:

• Backlog from 2023: IRCC is still working through complex applications submitted as far back as 2023.

• Ineligibility for Facilitated Processing: Applicants still awaiting decisions on their CUAET applications cannot access the new facilitated processing measures.

Despite these challenges, IRCC remains committed to supporting Ukrainians during this difficult time.

CUAET: A Pathway to Permanent Residency?

An interesting aspect of the CUAET measures is their potential to facilitate pathways to permanent residency:

1. Building Canadian Experience: Work and study permits allow Ukrainians to gain valuable Canadian experience and education.

2. Express Entry Eligibility: This experience can contribute to eligibility for programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

3. Provincial Nominee Programs: CUAET beneficiaries may also explore provincial nomination as a route to permanent residency.

The Success of CUAET

Since its launch in March 2022, CUAET has made a significant impact:

• Over 298,000 Ukrainian nationals have entered Canada through the program.

• More than 1.18 million applications were received, with an impressive 80% approval rate.

Looking Ahead

As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, Canada's immigration policies adapt to provide necessary support. The extension of CUAET measures demonstrates Canada's ongoing commitment to offering a safe haven for those affected by the conflict.

For the latest updates on Canadian immigration policies and to explore your eligibility for various programs, visit the official IRCC website or consult with a Sanjay Prasher registered Canadian immigration consultant.