Ukraine: Program delivery instructions
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Note: The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) special measures ended on March 31, 2024. The instructions will remain available to provide officers with the information they need to finalize any applications received during the validity of the applicable public policies.
Please refer to the new special measures for Ukrainians: Measures to support Ukrainians and their family members – post CUAET
The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) was launched in March 2022 as a temporary emergency measure to provide immediate assistance to Ukrainians fleeing the war in Ukraine. It offered Ukrainians and their family members free, extended temporary status and allowed them to work, study and stay in Canada until it is safe for them to return home.
Originally intended to last one year, the overseas application intake deadline was extended until July 15, 2023, due to Russia's ongoing aggression. This meant that
- Ukrainians and their family members had until July 15, 2023, to apply overseas for a CUAET visa free of charge
- anyone holding a CUAET visa had until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada under the special measures
- CUAET holders who are already here in Canada had until March 31, 2024, to extend or adjust their temporary status through these measures, free of charge
- CUAET holders were eligible to continue accessing in-Canada settlement supports until March 31, 2025, to give those who arrived by March 31, 2024, an entire year to benefit from the services
- CUAET holders who arrived by March 31, 2024, had until June 30, 2024, to apply for transitional financial assistance
- CUAET holders who arrived by March 31, 2024, were eligible to stay in temporary accommodations for up to 14 nights, until April 14, 2024
As of July 16, 2023, IRCC is no longer accepting new temporary resident visa (TRV) applications under the CUAET measures. July 15, 2023 was the last day to apply for a TRV under the CUAET measures. Although new application intake closed on July 15th, the entire CUAET inventory will be processed to completion.
After July 15, 2023, Ukrainians wishing to come to Canada from abroad can still apply for a visa or a work or study permit through our existing temporary resident programs, but they will be subject to fees and standard requirements.