On March 17, 2022, Canada launched the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) – a new temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians wanting to move to Canada.
The CUAET is a special, accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians who are fleeing the war in Ukraine and would want to settle in Canada.
Applications for temporary residence in Canada through the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) pathway is free for Ukrainians and their family members.
Through this accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians fleeing war, Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality may live in Canada for up to three years.
Ukrainians currently living outside of Canada need to apply online for a visitor visa and provide their biometrics at any visa application centre (VAC) outside of Ukraine that are still open such as in Moldova, Romania, Austria, Poland, etc.
To be able to legally work in Canada for any employer, IRCC encourages CUAET applicants to apply for a three-year open work permit at the same time with their visa application.
Waivers the Canadian government has given under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) include:
- Elementary and high school students can attend high school as soon as they arrive in Canada.
- Anyone interested in studying at the post-secondary level can apply for a study permit as soon as they arrive in Canada.
- Ukranians without a valid passport can still apply for Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET)
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue a single journey travel document on a case-by-case basis, where appropriate, to any applicants who do not have a valid passport.
- Ukrainians in Canada:
- may either apply to extend their visitor status or work permit for three years, apply for a new work or study permit, or extend their existing permit.
- IRCC will also waive all extension and work or study permit application fees.
- A dedicated Jobs for Ukraine webpage on the Job Bank website whereby Canadian employers who wish to support Ukrainians with jobs can register.
- Ukrainians and their family members are exempt from Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements, but they must still meet all other public health requirements for travel, such as quarantine and testing. Anyone arriving under the CUAET must use ArriveCAN to upload their travel documents before arrival.
- A dedicated service channel for Ukraine immigration enquiries available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. Clients can add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC crisis web form with their enquiry and it will be prioritized.
