Canada Extends Ukrainian Refugee Permit Deadline by One Year

TORONTO - Nearly 300,000 Ukrainians who fled Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have found temporary refuge in Canada through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program, which allowed them to work and study. As these visas near expiration four years later, many face growing anxiety over their uncertain futures, prompting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to extend the application deadline by one year this week.

The original deadline for CUAET holders to apply for new work or study permits, or to renew existing work permits for up to three years, was March 31. Government data indicate that only about 2,500 participants have transitioned to permanent residency so far. More than 25,000 applied through a temporary family reunification stream for those with Canadian citizen or permanent resident relatives, but just 3,200 approvals have been granted. Officials note that Ukrainians remain eligible for permanent residency via standard work-based and provincial nominee programs, though the process lacks dedicated support for this group.

Community leaders express concern over the limbo status affecting families who have built lives in Canada....