CUAET Visa Expiry Raises Concerns for Ukrainians in Canada

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Key Takeaways

Canada’s CUAET program helped 300,000 displaced Ukrainians since 2022, now facing visa expirations and uncertain futures.
Eligible Ukrainians can apply for work, study permits, or status extensions by March 31, 2025, with fees posing challenges.
Advocacy groups urge Canada to provide clear guidance or permanency options amid ongoing instability in Ukraine and community concerns.

Ukrainians in Canada are facing uneasy times as their three-year emergency visas are set to expire. Roughly 300,000 Ukrainians came to Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program since 2022, fleeing the war in Ukraine to find safety. Now, many are grappling with how to navigate the looming expiration of their temporary status and what it means for their future in the country.

The CUAET program was introduced as a direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It allowed Ukrainians—many of whom were displaced at short notice—to enter Canada quickly and with fewer barriers than traditional immigration processes. This program has been credited with providing stability and safety for thousands of Ukrainians. However, as their initial three-year authorization begins to end, those who arrived under the program are left to make big decisions, often in short timeframes.

CUAET Visa Expiry Raises Concerns for Ukrainians in Canada

The Role of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress, which has been a voice for Ukrainians in Canada for many years, has expressed its worries about how the expiration of these visas could affect the Ukrainian community across the country. The group has urged the Canadian government to provide clear steps and guidance to help Ukrainians caught in this uncertain situation. They argue that many people have built lives here—finding jobs, raising families, and contributing to Canada in important ways—but are now left with more questions than answers.

What Options Do CUAET Participants Have?

Ukrainians who arrived in Canada under the CUAET program face different options depending on when their applications were approved and when they entered the country. For those whose CUAET applications were greenlit before February 4, 2024, and who arrived on or before March 31, 2024, certain temporary measures may ease their situation. These individuals can apply for:

Open Work Permits: This allows them to work anywhere in Canada.
Study Permits: If studying in Canada is their goal, this document enables them to stay legally while pursuing education.
Temporary Status Extensions: They can extend their current status while working or studying.

It’s vital, however, to stress that these applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025. Failing to meet this deadline could leave people without legal status, something that could disrupt their lives completely.

There’s also a financial aspect to all of this. The Canadian government requires applicants to pay standard application fees, even under these temporary measures, which is an added challenge for many Ukrainians. For people who fled with limited resources and are still trying to rebuild financially, this is not a small concern.

The Challenges for Those Arriving Later

For Ukrainians who entered Canada after March 31, 2024, the rules become trickier. While they can remain in the country until their temporary resident documents expire, they no longer have access to the special measures that earlier arrivals enjoy. This means any application for extensions, work permits, or study permits must go through the regular channels, often requiring longer processing times and stricter eligibility criteria.

The larger program that allowed Ukrainians to take advantage of these temporary measures closed on December 31, 2024. This date was the final deadline for Ukrainians to arrive and qualify for certain benefits, adding urgency for applicants who planned to come but hadn’t yet finished their travel paperwork or made arrangements.

Additionally, for people whose CUAET applications were approved after February 4, 2024, the temporary measures available earlier are no longer in effect. Although they can still travel to Canada until their temporary visas expire, support programs connected to the CUAET have ended for this group.

Moreover, for applicants who submitted paperwork by July 15, 2023, but have not yet received a decision, the situation remains tough. While the Canadian authorities continue to process these pending cases, the temporary measures’ expiration date of December 31, 2024, has passed. This leaves many applicants in limbo, unsure of what comes next.

Key Dates to Keep in Mind

For Ukrainians affected by the CUAET program, knowing the timelines is crucial:

March 31, 2024: This is the last date candidates could enter Canada under temporary benefits if their application was already approved.
March 31, 2025: This is the deadline for those eligible to apply for status extensions, open work permits, or study permits.
December 31, 2024: The final deadline for Ukrainians to arrive in Canada under the temporary measures, provided their applications were approved beforehand.

Recognizing and acting on these dates can determine whether someone is able to maintain their legal status or may inadvertently fall out of compliance with immigration laws.

The Human Impact on Ukrainians and Canada

The end of the CUAET program raises concerns not only for the individuals and families involved but also for Canadian employers, schools, and communities. For example, many Ukrainians found work soon after arriving. If their permits expire and they don’t apply for new ones, companies may suddenly face gaps in their workforce. Similarly, numerous Ukrainian students joined Canadian schools and universities. Visa complications could disrupt their education, leaving institutions short on students while individuals face interrupted studies.

It’s worth noting that Canada’s initial response to the Ukraine crisis was widely viewed as compassionate. The CUAET program was a critical lifeline for people fleeing war. However, as the program nears its expiration, many are voicing calls for a new road map. Advocacy groups like the Ukrainian Canadian Congress are pressing the government to consider extending the program or offering permanent residency options. They emphasize that the situation in Ukraine remains deeply unstable, making it unsafe for many Ukrainians to even think about returning home right now.

What Comes Next?

For those already in Canada, staying informed on possible updates to immigration policies is of utmost importance. Regularly checking the Canadian government’s immigration website is the best way to access trustworthy information. There are steps Ukrainians can take depending on their situation, from applying for extensions to exploring different pathways to permanent residency.

Though the CUAET program offered immense relief during a period of uncertainty, the challenge now lies in creating long-term solutions. Unfortunately, one major avenue, the pathway to permanent residency for Ukrainian nationals with family in Canada, is no longer available—it ended on October 22, 2024, leaving fewer routes for many seeking stability in Canada.

Many Ukrainians will need to evaluate their options carefully. Some might decide to return to their home country if circumstances allow, while others may look to extend their time in Canada or apply for permanent residency through other routes.

Balancing Compassion and Practicality

The CUAET program highlights the difficulty of managing emergency immigration initiatives. While such programs can be lifesaving during a crisis, transitioning individuals from temporary to long-term status is much more complicated. The need for flexibility and clear policies has never been clearer, especially as the number of displaced populations around the world continues to grow.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, programs like the CUAET illustrate the importance of timely government responses to crises but also underline the necessity of long-term planning to avoid prolonged uncertainty. This balancing act will require collaboration between the government, advocacy groups, and impacted communities.

Moving Forward

The expiration of three-year emergency visas leaves Ukrainians in Canada facing an uncertain future. For 300,000 people, these are more than just bureaucratic dates—they reflect critical decisions affecting family stability, careers, and personal safety. With March 31, 2025, marked as the next major deadline for most applications, time is of the essence.

Whether through extending their temporary stays, applying for work or study permits, or transitioning to other immigration statuses, Ukrainians must explore every avenue. At the same time, the Canadian government faces pressure to explore more inclusive policies for those who have already made Canada their home. By working together, a path forward can emerge—one that provides fairness for Ukrainians and builds on the promise of Canada’s initial humanitarian response.

For more information on deadlines and application guidelines, visit Canada’s official immigration website here: Canada Immigration and Citizenship.

Ukrainians in Canada face uncertainty as emergency visas near expiration
About 300,000 Ukrainians who fled to Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program are approaching the end of their three-year visas, sparking widespread concern over their future in the country.

Why it matters:
The CUAET program offered a lifeline to displaced Ukrainians after Russia’s 2022 invasion, providing refuge and the ability to work or study in Canada. With the program winding down, families and communities are confronting potential disruptions to their lives and livelihoods.

The big picture:
– Ukrainians who entered Canada under CUAET before March 31, 2024, can apply to extend their temporary status, work permits, or study permits—but they must act by March 31, 2025.
– Those who arrived after March 31, 2024, must follow standard immigration processes without access to temporary measures, adding complexity.
– The government set December 31, 2024, as the final deadline for eligible Ukrainians to benefit from CUAET privileges.

By the numbers:
– 300,000: Ukrainians who entered Canada under CUAET since 2022.
– March 31, 2025: Deadline for applications to extend temporary status for eligible individuals.
– October 22, 2024: Closure of a pathway to permanent residency for Ukrainian nationals with family in Canada.

What they’re saying:
“The Canadian government needs to provide clear guidance and support for Ukrainians whose visas are expiring,” the Ukrainian Canadian Congress said, stressing the ongoing instability in Ukraine and the inability of many to return safely.

Between the lines:
The looming expirations impact not just individuals but the wider Canadian community:
– Employers who hired Ukrainians under CUAET may face workforce shortages if these workers can’t extend their stays.
– Schools could see disruption if Ukrainian students lose eligibility to remain in Canada.

Yes, but:
Canada has demonstrated flexibility before. Advocates argue similar compassion is needed now, including potential extensions or alternate pathways for Ukrainians to secure long-term status.

State of play:
Affected Ukrainians are weighing their options, from applying for permanent residency to exploring new temporary visas. However, the closure of key pathways and strict deadlines present significant hurdles.

The bottom line:
As CUAET visas reach their expiration, thousands of Ukrainians are navigating complex decisions with potentially life-changing consequences. Advocacy groups are calling on the Canadian government to take immediate action to ease the transition, while impacted individuals must stay informed and act promptly to secure their futures in Canada.

Learn Today

CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel): A special immigration program allowing Ukrainians affected by war to quickly secure temporary visa status in Canada.
Open Work Permit: A permit allowing non-citizens to work legally in Canada without being tied to a specific employer.
Study Permit: An official document permitting international students to study in Canada while maintaining legal immigration status.
Temporary Status Extension: A process enabling visa holders to prolong their legal stay in Canada beyond the initial expiration date.
Advocacy Groups: Organizations actively lobbying governments or institutions on behalf of specific communities or causes, typically aiming to influence policy and support affected groups.

This Article in a Nutshell

Ukrainians in Canada face uncertainty as three-year emergency visas from the CUAET program near expiration. Over 300,000 individuals, who fled war to rebuild lives, now confront tough decisions. With deadlines looming, options include extending status or applying for work/study permits. Advocacy groups urge policy clarity, highlighting Canada’s role in supporting displaced communities.
— By VisaVerge.com