Extension of Open Work Permit and/or Study Permit Eligibility for CUAET Ukrainians

On August 11, 2024, a new public policy[1] from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) took effect which provides a further avenue for Ukrainians who came to Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (“CUAET”) to remain in Canada as workers or students.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, approximately 300,000 Ukrainian citizens and permanent residents entered Canada under the CUAET measures. Given the difficulty for many newcomers in general with finding jobs that require higher education and given that many avenues to permanent residence require highly skilled work experience, many Ukrainians were left without a durable solution regarding their immigration status in Canada following the end of the CUAET measures on March 31, 2024. The new public policy now gives further time for CUAET beneficiaries to remain in Canada and transition to permanent residency.

The public policy allows Ukrainian temporary residents (workers, students, or visitors) who arrived in Canada under the CUAET measures before March 31, 2024, to apply for an open work permit or study permit valid for three (3) years, subject to passport validity. It is important to note that consular services for male Ukrainian citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 residing outside of Ukraine have been suspended unless one has registered for a military document, which adds an extra step for Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 in getting a new passport.

Further, this public policy does not exempt one from paying the processing fees as the CUAET did, and applicants will be required to pay the open work permit or study permit fees. This public policy expires on March 31, 2025, and applicants must apply for an open work permit or study permit by then.

Additionally, IRCC implemented another public policy[2] on August 1, 2024, for those who applied for the CUAET and whose applications were still begin processed as of February 4, 2024. These individuals can still enter Canada under the CUAET measures up to December 31, 2024.

If you or an employee has any questions about the public policy allowing CUAET recipients access to further three (3) -year work or study permits, or the public policy allowing for entry to Canada up to December 31, 2024 for those who applied for the CUAET and whose applications were still being processed on February 4, 2024, feel free to reach out to us for a consultation. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; fagan@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca.

 

[1]https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/ukraine-cuaet-februrary-4-extension.html

[2]https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/ukraine-cuaet-februrary-4-extension.html