Canada extends work permit measures for Ukrainians amid ongoing war

Canada has announced an extension of certain work permit measures for Ukrainians, allowing them and their family members additional time to contribute to Canadian communities and the labour market while displaced by Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, confirmed that Ukrainians who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) and related measures will now have an extra year to apply to extend their work permits.

To qualify, Ukrainians and their families must have arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024. CUAET holders who were allowed to arrive by December 31, 2024, due to delays in application decisions, are also eligible. Those issued work permits under CUAET and related programs now have until March 31, 2027, to apply to extend their work permits for up to three years.

“These measures, like the CUAET, are temporary. They will allow Ukrainians and their family members to continue to work, while recognizing that many will eventually return home to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction,” the minister said.

“As Russia’s war against Ukraine persists, Canada continues to support displaced Ukrainians through CUAET, through this extension. The program allows this cohort to work and contribute to the Canadian economy while they are here,” Metlege Diab added.

By Vafa Guliyeva