Canada has a rich record of supporting victims or war and other humanitarian crisis through its refugee programs. In that tradition, it is fully committed in its support of those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As part of the Government of Canada’s response, it has introduced special programs to help thousands of Ukrainian nationals and their family members find safety in Canada. As a result of these measures, between January 1 and July 17, 2022, 10,046 Ukrainian citizens and returning Canadian permanent residents of Ukrainian origin arrived in Canada by land and 54,951 arrived by air.
Through the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET), Ukrainian nationals and their family members can apply for a temporary resident visa to travel to and stay in Canada temporarily. CUAET measures help Ukrainians and their family members reach Canada as quickly as possible and the program provides them with the ability to work and study while in Canada. The CUAET measures also give those who are already in Canada the ability to extend their visitor status, work permit or study permit so that they can continue to live and work or study in Canada temporarily.
Temporary residence programs are intended to help those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine to seek temporary safe harbor in Canada, until it is safe to return to Ukraine. Temporary residents may be able to apply for permanent residence through various programs, should they decide to stay in Canada at the end of their temporary stay. Under the CUAET measures, you can apply for free to extend your stay in Canada as a:
- visitor for up to 3 more years or until your passport expires
- worker for up to 3 more years or until your passport expires
- student for the duration of your studies
If you wish to learn more about these programs or use them to immigrate to Canada, please contact our team.