Canada launches a new temporary residence pathway to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine - Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). This is a special accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians seeking a temporary home in Canada for up to 3 years while the war in Ukraine continues.
CUAET Program Details:
Ukrainians and their immediately family members of any nationality are eligible
Temporary Residence program for up to 3 years.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for a 3-year open work permit at the same time as their visa application
This is Temporary Residence program. This not a refugee program or Permanent Residence Program.
There is no quota for this program.
Elementary and high school students can register for and start attending school as soon as they arrive in Canada, No study permit is required.
Those who are studying at post-secondary school level can apply for a study permit when they reach Canada.
Applicants who do not have a valid passport may still apply, Canada will issue a single journey travel documents on a case-by-case basis.
Ukrainian workers, students and visitors and their family members who are already in Canada may either apply to extend their visitor status or work permit for 3 years, apply for a new work or study permit, or extend their existing permit.
Canada will waive application fees for the CUAET Program and the extension application fees for Ukrainians already in Canada.
Support Program (Details will be available soon)
Ukrainians can check out jobs in Canada on Canada's jobs bank.
Public Health Entry Requirements
Ukrainians and their family members are exempt from Canada's COVID-19 vaccination entry requirement
Those who are not fully vaccinated will be subject to quarantine and testing
All travellers must use ArriveCAN and submit their information within 72 hours of arriving in Canada.
How to apply
Visa applications for the CUAET program can be submitted online from anywhere in the world.
Once you have signed up for your IRCC account with a valid email address, you have 60 days to complete your application form online.
You need to apply for a visa for each person (regardless of age) but you will only need to complete the family information for those who are 18 and above.
Biometrics can be given at any visa application centre (VAC) outside of Ukraine. VACs are open in Moldova, Romania, Austria and Poland, and there is an extensive VAC network across Europe.
Please visit the VAC website to find the closest service point.
For standard cases, the CUAET will facilitate the rapid processing of electronic visa applications within 14 days of receipt of a complete application.
All visa applicants will undergo standard background checks and be carefully screened before coming into Canada.
Those wishing to immigrate to Canada permanently can apply for permanent residence under a variety of different immigration programs and streams. IRCC is also developing a special permanent residence stream for family reunification.
IRCC established a dedicated service channel for Ukraine immigration enquiries available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. Clients can add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC crisis web form with their enquiry and it will be prioritized.
Avoid becoming a victim of fraud. There is no government application fee for the CUAET for Ukrainians and their family members.
1to1 Immigration will provide free Canadian immigration advice for the CUAET program to Ukrainians fleeing from the war. Please feel free to connect with Tiffany Chia via our webchat or Telegram (@tiffany_chia) if you need help with your application for CUAET program. We look forward to keeping you safe in Canada.