Canada has updated its rules for Ukrainians who are in the country under the family reunification program. This is about a simplified procedure for extending legal status, allowing them to live, work, and study without additional bureaucratic barriers. The new conditions will be in effect until March 31, 2027, providing families with more time to adapt and wait for immigration decisions.
The decision was announced by the Government of Canada.
The Government of Canada announced the adopted changes, which concern Ukrainian citizens who previously applied under the family reunification mechanism, as well as their family members. The decision was made after the completion of emergency programs to reduce the burden on people and streamline the transition to long-term statuses.
Extension of legal stay in Canada: what has been simplified
According to the updated rules, Ukrainians can submit documents for temporary statuses even without confirmation of their permanent residence application. This allows them to remain in the country continuously and be economically active.
Until March 31, 2027, it is possible to:
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extend or obtain a work permit
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obtain a new study permit
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extend or restore temporary resident status.
At the same time, authorities emphasize that the acceptance of new family reunification applications is currently not being carried out. The relaxations apply only to those Ukrainians who have previously used this program.
Ukrainians in Canada after CUAET: what options remain
The CUAET program ended the acceptance of applications on March 31, 2024. It allowed Ukrainians to quickly enter Canada, obtain an open work permit, and legally stay in the country for up to three years.
After its closure, other pathways for legal residence remain:
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standard temporary visas followed by permit applications
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economic and provincial immigration programs
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the International Experience Canada program for youth aged 18–25.
For participants in the family reunification program, the new relaxations effectively create a transitional mechanism between temporary stays and possible permanent status acquisition.
Recall that Canada announced providing Ukraine with an additional $2.5 billion for economic support and the rebuilding of infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks.