Temporary residence program in Canada for Ukrainian citizens
On March 17, 2022, the CUAET permit begins to take effect. How can Ukrainians take advantage of it and what awaits them in Canada?
The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) allows Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members of any nationality to enter and remain in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years.
Read the detailed guide for overseas applicants on how to apply online for a Canadian visitor visa on the Immigration Canada (IRCC) website. After submitting the application, you need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo). Read the separate guide on how to submit biometric data. Applicants can do this by appointment at visa centers throughout Europe.
They promise to review applications within 14 days. You can enter the code Ukraine2022 in the electronic application so that the Department of Immigration staff will give the application a higher priority. There is also a special phone line for citizens of Ukraine — 613-321-4243.
The Department of Immigration has waived registration fees for Ukrainian citizens. Those who have lost their documents can also apply, their case will be considered individually, after which the Ministry of Immigration will issue a travel document for one trip.
All Ukrainians already in Canada on tourist, work and study visas have the right to apply and stay in the country for three years by obtaining or extending a work or study permit. This includes their family members. Permit renewal fees are waived for all Ukrainian citizens and their family members.
Ukrainians and their family members may not be vaccinated against COVID-19 when they enter Canada. But they must submit a negative rapid antigen test (valid for 24 hours) or a negative molecular test (valid for three days), and those who are not vaccinated must observe a two-week quarantine.
Those arriving under CUAET must also register with ArriveCAN within three days before entering Canada. To learn about the current rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers entering Canada, see a separate article.
The Department of Immigration recommends that you apply for a three-year open work permit at the same time as you apply for a visa. That way, you can get a job in Canada more quickly.
Children who attended elementary or secondary school will be able to register and go to a local school as soon as they arrive in the country. Any Ukrainian wishing to study at a Canadian college or university can apply for a permit to study with temporary resident status (but you should keep in mind that studying for foreign citizens in Canada is expensive).
The Government of Canada urged employers willing to hire Ukrainians to publish their proposals on a special portal. Information on specific support measures from provincial governments and the Congress of Ukrainians of Canada should appear soon.
After obtaining temporary resident status in Canada, Ukrainian citizens are eligible to apply for permanent residency under any of the existing immigration programs, federal or provincial. In addition, the Department of Immigration plans to launch a special stream for family reunification in Canada.
