Ukrainian Newcomers in Canada Face Hurdles with Passports, Visa Deadlines

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Key Takeaways

• CUAET visa holders must apply to renew work or study permits by March 31, 2025, to maintain legal status.
• Ukraine suspended passport renewals for men aged 18-60 abroad; delays create issues for extending immigration documents in Canada.
• Expiring statuses impact 106,000 Ukrainians in 2025; failure to renew allows a 90-day grace period for temporary resident restoration.

Ukrainian newcomers in Canada face pressing challenges as their temporary visas edge closer to expiration, and passport renewal has become a key concern for many. The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, introduced in March 2022 in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, granted Ukrainian nationals and their families the opportunity to live in Canada temporarily for up to three years. This program has provided critical sanctuary, but now, as February 18, 2025, approaches, many CUAET visa holders are left grappling with logistical hurdles and uncertainties.

The Canadian government has extended some immigration measures for Ukrainians. For example, CUAET holders who arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024, have until March 31, 2025, to apply for or extend open work permits or to apply for new study permits. This extension, announced on August 23, 2024, gives them some breathing room, but it also underscores the urgency to take swift action to maintain legal status.

Ukrainian Newcomers in Canada Face Hurdles with Passports, Visa Deadlines

At the heart of these challenges lies the difficulty of renewing Ukrainian passports. Without a valid passport, it becomes almost impossible for Ukrainian newcomers to extend their stay, work permits, or study permits in Canada. According to Orysia Boychuk, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council, many individuals have reached out to their office, expressing fear and frustration over the inability to obtain the documents they desperately need.

The passport renewal process is laden with obstacles. In April 2024, Ukraine suspended consular services for passport renewals for male citizens aged 18 to 60 living abroad. This measure has prevented many Ukrainian men in Canada from extending their passports, leaving them in a tough position. Even those who qualify to renew their documents face significant barriers, including backlogs, limited consular availability, and lengthy wait times. For instance, Nataliia Bodnarchuck, a mother of four in Edmonton, struggles to renew her daughter’s passport, which is required both for legal status and to access daycare and schooling. Like many others, she faces tight deadlines and the challenge of securing an appointment at overburdened consulates.

Recognizing these hurdles, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been offering some flexibility. IRCC advises Ukrainian newcomers to include a detailed explanation of the steps they are taking to renew their passports when applying for work or study permit extensions. But for those unable to renew their passports promptly, other options are available. Immigration experts suggest two key paths:

Open Work Permit Application Before March 31, 2025: By applying online before this deadline, individuals can benefit from “maintained status.” This means that while their application is under review, applicants can continue working in Canada legally.
Temporary Resident Permit and Work Permit Application: Although this process may take more time, it provides another avenue for those whose passport renewal is delayed.

It’s also crucial to remember that every family member’s immigration status must be extended individually. For example, children must apply to renew study permits or visitor records as needed.

On a brighter note, the Canadian government has extended free settlement services for Ukrainian temporary residents and their families until March 31, 2025. These services offer valuable support to Ukrainians as they navigate the intricate immigration processes. However, the path forward remains complex. Temporary measures under the CUAET program ended on December 31, 2024. After that date, Ukrainians have to go through the standard immigration process, meeting all existing requirements and paying applicable fees, to prolong their stay or secure new work or study permits.

As of the start of 2025, around 106,000 temporary resident documents tied to Ukrainian nationals are set to expire within the year, according to data from the Immigration Minister’s department. Of the approximately 300,000 Ukrainians who came to Canada under the CUAET program, a large proportion now face the task of extending their visas, work permits, or study permits to avoid losing their legal status in Canada. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has proposed an automatic renewal of these visas for three more years, arguing that it would alleviate stress and help newcomers navigate the application process. However, the Immigration Minister has not endorsed this suggestion, instead focusing on the need for individuals to apply for extensions within the given deadlines.

For those who miss the chance to apply on time, Canadian immigration law provides a 90-day grace period following the expiry of their status. This allows them to apply for restoration of temporary resident status. Additionally, some individuals might qualify for a temporary “non-status working permit” under current policies, which protect Ukrainians from deportation due to the conflict in Ukraine. Notably, while Canada is not deporting Ukrainians because of the ongoing war, this policy could change if the situation in Ukraine stabilizes. However, this exemption does not apply to individuals who pose security risks or have violated international laws.

For those looking toward a more permanent solution, pathways to permanent residency remain limited. A family reunification program opened between October 2023 and October 2024, allowing extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to apply. By the end of December 2024, roughly 23,000 applications had been filed under the program, but the processing rate remains slow, with only 367 applications completed and just over 340 approved.

Meanwhile, other immigration streams have attracted many Ukrainian CUAET visa holders who wish to remain in Canada long-term. By the close of 2024, 21,000 Ukrainians had applied through various other routes to achieve permanent resident status. However, with challenges like passport renewal and immigration deadlines, the journey to permanency remains difficult for many.

The current situation demands careful planning and awareness among Ukrainian newcomers. Timely action is critical, whether renewing passports, applying for work or study permits, or seeking settlement assistance. The Canadian government continues to provide regular updates and resources through official channels to help individuals navigate these processes.

As highlighted in an investigation by VisaVerge.com, the plight of Ukrainian newcomers points to the crucial need for a more streamlined approach to support displaced communities. Balancing urgent humanitarian needs with immigration requirements is not easy, but ensuring smoother processes can help thousands avoid unnecessary hardships.

For official guidance and resources, Ukrainian newcomers are encouraged to visit the Government of Canada’s immigration website. There, individuals can find details about work permits, passport documentation, and other critical services.

In conclusion, as the CUAET program’s deadlines draw closer, Ukrainian newcomers must prioritize addressing their immigration needs. Passport renewal, one of the most pressing issues, continues to create significant uncertainty. While Canada has taken steps to be flexible, much still hinges on individuals’ ability to meet deadlines and fulfill requirements. By staying informed, utilizing available resources, and acting promptly, Ukrainians in Canada can better navigate this challenging transitional period.

Learn Today

CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) → Special program allowing Ukrainians to live in Canada temporarily for up to three years.
Maintained Status → Legal status allowing individuals to stay and work in Canada while their renewal application is under review.
Temporary Resident Permit → Document permitting individuals to stay in Canada temporarily when they don’t meet regular immigration requirements.
Consular Services → Services provided by a country’s consulate to assist its citizens abroad, including passport renewals and legal support.
Permanent Residency → Immigration status allowing individuals to live and work in Canada indefinitely, without being considered full citizens.

This Article in a Nutshell

As Ukrainian newcomers in Canada face expiring CUAET visas, passport renewals pose major challenges, particularly for men affected by Ukraine’s consular restrictions. Timely action is critical—work or study permit extensions hinge on valid passports. Canada offers some flexibility and settlement support, but navigating immigration demands careful planning to secure legal status and stability.
— By VisaVerge.com