Canada extends work permit measures for Ukrainians
The federal government has introduced new measures allowing certain Ukrainian nationals in Canada to extend their open work permits. The policy applies to individuals who entered under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) and related temporary public policies.
The updated measures provide a new deadline of March 31, 2027, for eligible individuals to apply for an extension. Previous provisions enabling similar extensions expired on March 31, 2026.
The announcement affects thousands of Ukrainians and their family members currently residing in Canada under temporary status following displacement caused by the war in Ukraine.
- Eligible Ukrainian nationals can apply to extend open work permits until March 31, 2027
- The measures apply to individuals who arrived in Canada in 2024 under specified timelines
- Applicants must hold valid temporary resident status during application and decision
- Only one extension is permitted under this temporary policy
- Work permits issued under this measure can be valid for up to three years
Overview of the new temporary measures
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that the new provisions will be implemented through a temporary public policy. At the time of announcement, the full policy text had not yet been formally published.
The measure allows eligible Ukrainian nationals with open work permits issued under specific public policies to apply for a single extension. The extension, if granted, can be issued for a period of up to three years.
Only individuals who meet defined arrival timelines and status requirements are included under the updated framework.
Defined eligibility groups
The policy divides eligible applicants into two categories based on their arrival date in Canada during 2024.
Group 1 includes Ukrainian nationals and their family members who entered Canada on or before March 31, 2024. These individuals must have applied under earlier CUAET-related public policies that remained in process as of February 4, 2024.
Group 2 consists of those who arrived between April 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. This group includes individuals covered by a broader set of temporary public policies supporting entry and status maintenance for Ukrainians.
Both groups are subject to the same requirement of maintaining valid temporary resident status at the time the extension application is submitted and when a final decision is made.
Details of qualifying public policies
The public policies governing eligibility differ between the two groups, reflecting changes introduced throughout 2024 as Canada adjusted its response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
For Group 1, eligibility is tied to earlier measures that supported applicants whose CUAET submissions were still under review in early 2024. These measures were designed to provide continuity for individuals already in the system.
Group 2 applicants fall under several policies introduced or extended in 2024. These include exemptions from certain immigration requirements, renewed CUAET facilitation measures, and policies supporting access to open work and study permits.
These overlapping policies reflect a phased approach to managing temporary residence for Ukrainian nationals following the initial emergency response period.
Application conditions and limitations
Applicants are required to remain in Canada with valid temporary resident status throughout the application process. This condition applies both at the time of submission and at the point of decision.
The extension opportunity is limited to one application per eligible individual under this policy. No additional extensions are предусмотрed within the same framework.
Work permits issued through this measure can be granted for a maximum duration of three years, depending on individual circumstances and administrative decisions.
Background on the CUAET program
The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel was launched on March 17, 2022, as part of Canada’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The program enabled Ukrainians and their family members to enter Canada on a temporary basis with access to work and study permits.
Since its introduction, approximately 300,000 Ukrainian nationals and their relatives have arrived in Canada through the program. The initiative has represented one of the country’s largest recent humanitarian immigration responses.
CUAET allowed for expedited processing and flexible entry conditions during the initial stages of the crisis. Over time, the federal government has introduced additional policies to facilitate longer-term stays and transitions for those already in Canada.
Recent immigration policy developments for Ukrainians
In January 2026, the federal government introduced another temporary public policy aimed at Ukrainians with family ties in Canada who had applied for permanent residence. That measure enabled applicants to receive work and study permits while their permanent residence applications were being processed.
These policies form part of a broader approach by IRCC to address humanitarian needs through temporary immigration pathways. Similar measures have been introduced in response to other global crises affecting regions such as Sudan, Haiti, Iran, and Gaza.
The continued adjustments to policies related to Ukrainian nationals reflect ongoing efforts to manage temporary residency and legal status for individuals already present in Canada.
Ongoing implementation and public relevance
The newly announced extension measures are expected to provide continuity for individuals whose prior authorization options expired in March 2026. The updated deadline introduces additional time for eligible individuals to maintain legal work status.
As the policy is implemented, further operational details are anticipated through official government channels. These details are expected to clarify application procedures and administrative requirements.
Developments related to temporary and permanent immigration pathways for Ukrainians continue to form part of Canada’s broader immigration system adjustments. Additional updates are typically issued as public policies evolve.
Further reporting on Canadian immigration programs and policy changes is available through ongoing coverage of federal and provincial initiatives.