On March 17, 2022, Canada has announced the next phase of support to Ukrainian nationals and their families affected by the war in Ukraine. Under the new Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program, Ukrainian nationals and their spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, and dependent grandchildren of any nationality will now be able to apply for temporary visas to stay, work, or study in Canada for three (3) years.
Ukrainians and their family members applying for visas will have the option to request open work permits with their applications. Canada intends to process most non-complex applications within 14 days of receipt. Such applicants will also be exempt from COVID-19 vaccination requirements, but will still need to give their biometrics outside of Ukraine before having their visas issued.
Ukrainian nationals and their family members who are already in Canada will also be able to extend their visitor, worker, or student statuses for up to 3 years.
Government processing fees associated with visitor visas, work permits, study permits, extension applications, and biometric collection fees will be waived under the CUAET program.
Finally, Canada is also in the process of developing a family reunification sponsorship pathway for permanent residence for Ukrainian nationals who are immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. We expect more details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Should you require assistance with the CUAET program, please contact our office.
