The CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) program was created as a temporary emergency measure, not as a permanent immigration pathway. From the outset, the Canadian government has been clear that this is a special authorization designed to provide immediate protection to Ukrainians during the war, but does not guarantee an automatic right to permanent residence. However, the reality of the situation has shown that many Ukrainians who arrived in Canada under this program cannot safely return to Ukraine and have also managed to integrate into Canadian society, find work, and build a new life. That is why the issue of extending the CUAET after its expiration has become one of the most pressing for tens of thousands of Ukrainians across Canada, especially in cities with large Ukrainian communities such as Edmonton, Toronto, and Calgary.
Current status of the program: what is happening now
The CUAET program stopped accepting new applications on July 15, 2023. This means that those who did not apply before this date can no longer take advantage of this special route to enter Canada. However, for those who have already been approved and have physically arrived in Canada, the program continues to operate in extension and support mode, with very important restrictions and deadlines that have been constantly changing over the past few years.
The Canadian government has repeatedly revised the deadlines for submitting extension applications in response to the real needs of Ukrainians and delays in renewing passports due to the complex political situation in Ukraine. The key date is March 31, 2024 — until that date, Ukrainians who arrived under the CUAET were entitled to a full range of benefits, including free accommodation, financial assistance, and a simplified status extension procedure. After this date, the situation became more complicated, but not hopeless, as the special CUAET measures were extended until March 31, 2026.
Key deadline: March 31, 2026, and what it means
The most important date for all Ukrainians in Canada under the CUAET is March 31, 2026. It is until this date that the Canadian government has extended the ability to apply for temporary status, work permits, and study permits under the CUAET special measures. This extension was announced by the government in 2025 in response to the realities faced by Ukrainians: long delays in passport renewals at Ukrainian embassies around the world, uncertainty about security in Ukraine, and the need for more time to successfully integrate or obtain permanent status.
It is important to understand that this date is the deadline for submitting applications under the special CUAET program without paying the standard fees and without having to meet the full range of regular immigration requirements. After March 31, 2026, all Ukrainians who are still in Canada under the CUAET will have to apply for an extension through the regular Canadian immigration process, paying the standard fees (which can range from $100 to $300 depending on the type of permit) and meeting the usual requirements, including proving that you meet the criteria for a specific immigration category or other requirements. This means that the time to act under the simplified procedure is limited, and postponing your application until the last minute is an extremely risky strategy.
What exactly can be extended: types of permits and statuses
The CUAET program allows you to extend not only the visa itself, but also all related permits and statuses. This includes an open work permit, which entitles you to work for any employer in Canada without being tied to a specific job and without the need to obtain approval from your employer or the authorities. This permit can be extended for up to three years, although the actual duration depends on the validity of your passport — you cannot obtain a permit that expires later than your passport. If your passport is only valid for one year, the permit will also be issued for one year, even if it is technically possible to issue it for three years.
In addition to a work permit, you can extend your study permit, which allows you to study at Canadian colleges and universities. For children under 12, this means the right to continue free education in public schools, which is guaranteed to all children, including those who arrived under the CUAET before March 31, 2024. For adults, a study permit allows you to study at colleges, universities, and other accredited institutions, with the possibility of working on your studies in accordance with special rules that change depending on changes in immigration policy.
You can also extend your visitor status if you do not plan to work or study but want to stay in Canada for other reasons, such as supporting family members or waiting for a decision on permanent residence. Visitor status is easier to document but does not allow you to officially work or study.
It is important to understand that each type of permit has its own specific requirements and procedures. For example, to extend a study permit, you need to show that you are continuing your active studies at an accredited institution and have proof of acceptance or registration in a program. For a work permit, you do not need to have a specific job offer, as the permit is open-ended, but you do need to confirm that you continue to meet the general requirements of the CUAET program, including that you are a Ukrainian citizen or a dependent family member of a Ukrainian citizen who has arrived in Canada.
How to apply for an extension: a step-by-step process
The CUAET renewal application process is much simpler than standard immigration procedures, but it still requires attention to detail and accurate completion of documents. Applications are submitted exclusively online through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal at www.canada.ca. You will need to create an account on the IRCC portal if you do not already have one and complete the appropriate form to extend your temporary status or work permit.
The key documents you will need to prepare are your current passport, even if it is about to expire or has already expired. IRCC understands that many Ukrainians are experiencing delays in renewing their passports due to the heavy workload at embassies and consulates, so they are allowing applications to be submitted with an expiring or expired passport. This is very important for Ukrainians, many of whom wait months or even years to renew their passports. In addition to your passport, you will need a copy of your current work, study, or visitor permit, documents confirming your CUAET status (this can be the letter of approval you received upon arrival or a copy of your current permit), and documents confirming your place of residence in Canada. Proof of residence can include a utility bill, lease agreement, letter from your employer confirming your address, or even a letter from a family member with whom you are living.
You will also need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and passport photo) if they are not already on file with IRCC. Generally, if you have previously submitted biometric data for a Canadian visa or for the CUAET program, you do not need to submit it again if it was submitted within the last few years. However, IRCC may ask you to undergo biometrics again if they deem it necessary.
It is important to select the correct type of application on the IRCC portal. If you are applying for a work permit extension, select the option “Extend my open work permit” or “Apply for an open work permit.” If you are applying for a visitor status extension, select “Extend my visitor status” or “Extend my stay as a visitor.” If your study permit is expiring, select “Extend my study permit.” Selecting the wrong type of application can lead to delays or rejection, so it is recommended that you read all the options carefully before submitting.
The importance of timely submission: why you can't wait until the last day
One of the most critical aspects of CUAET renewal is the need to apply before your current permit expires. If you apply before the expiry date, you will receive what is known as “maintained status,” which allows you to continue working or studying under the same conditions while IRCC reviews your application. This means that even if your current permit expires tomorrow and you apply today, you are legally allowed to remain in Canada and continue working without any problems. You can work for months or even years while waiting for IRCC's decision, as long as you meet the conditions of your application.
However, if you miss this critical moment and apply after your permit expires, the situation becomes much more complicated and potentially disastrous for your future in Canada. You will lose your legal status in Canada, which means you become a so-called “unlawful resident.” This can lead to having to leave the country, problems with employment, as employers may check your status, and complications with renewing your health insurance. In some provinces, unlawful residents are not eligible for social services, medical care (except in emergencies), and other benefits.
If you missed the deadline and lost your status, you will need to apply for what is known as “restoration of status.” This procedure is much more complicated, requires higher fees (usually $200-400 plus a biometrics fee), requires proof that you lost your status through no fault of your own, and is not always successful. In addition, the processing time for restoration of status can be long — from several months to a year or more. Therefore, experts strongly recommend that you apply for an extension at least 30-45 days before your current permit expires to allow sufficient time for processing and to avoid problems.
Passport issues: what to do if your passport is about to expire or has expired
One of the biggest problems for Ukrainians waiting for a CUAET extension is the expiration of their Ukrainian passports. Many Ukrainians who have arrived in Canada have expiring passports, and passport renewal through Ukrainian embassies and consulates is extremely delayed. In some countries, the wait for a passport renewal can be as long as years, and Ukrainian residents may wait years for the opportunity to obtain a new passport. That is why the Canadian government has extended the deadline for submitting CUAET renewal applications several times, recognizing this problem.
The good news is that IRCC officially allows applications for renewal even with an expired or expiring passport. This was one of the key changes that made the program more practical for Ukrainians. If your passport has expired, you can still apply by attaching a copy of your expired passport and update the information later when you receive your new passport.
If you have already received a new passport with a new number, you need to notify IRCC of this change. This can be done through the IRCC portal if your application is still being processed, or through a special form for reporting changes to personal information if your application has already been approved.
It is important to understand that a new passport does not automatically cancel your old permit — you will still need a new permit with a new date in your passport when you return to Canada or when you need to show your permit. However, if you are already in Canada, your current permit remains valid even if the passport in which it is recorded is no longer valid. Canadian lawmakers have recognized that requiring all Ukrainians to obtain a new permit in their passport would be impractical and unfair, so the text of the permit remains valid as long as you are in Canada.
What to do after the March 31, 2026 deadline: regular immigration procedures
If you do not apply for an extension by March 31, 2026, or if your application is not approved by that date, you will need to apply through regular Canadian immigration procedures. This means that you will no longer have the special CUAET measures, but you will still have several options to extend your stay in Canada, depending on your situation.
One option is the Express Entry program, if you meet the criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class. The Canadian Experience Class is particularly attractive to Ukrainians who have gained Canadian work experience while in the country on a CUAET, as this experience significantly increases your chances of being accepted.
Another option is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces to nominate candidates for permanent residence based on their labor market needs. Most provinces, including Alberta, have special streams for skilled workers and tradespeople who are needed by the provinces.
You can also apply for an extension as a regular visitor if you do not meet the criteria for a work permit, but you will have to pay the standard fees (about $100 to extend your visitor status) and demonstrate that you have the means to support yourself in Canada.
For those whose situation does not fit into the standard programs, there is also the option of applying on humanitarian and compassionate grounds (H&C Grounds). For Ukrainians, this option considers factors such as prolonged psychological trauma from the war, inability to return to Ukraine due to safety concerns, established ties in Canadian society, children attending Canadian schools, and other factors that indicate serious difficulties in the event of deportation.
Prospects for transitioning to permanent residence: real opportunities
For many Ukrainians, the CUAET extension is only an intermediate step on the path to permanent residence in Canada. It is important to understand that the CUAET does not automatically lead to permanent residence, and you will need a separate application and a separate process to transition to permanent status. However, the CUAET program has provided Ukrainians with a valuable opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, learn English, establish connections in Canadian society, and prepare themselves for more complex immigration processes.
The Canadian Experience Class is one of the most attractive options for Ukrainians who have accumulated one or more years of Canadian work experience in a skilled job. One year of work in such a position can earn 35 to 45 additional points in the Express Entry system, which significantly increases the chances of acceptance. In addition, knowledge of English, which can be improved through free ESL courses, provides additional points.
Provincial nomination programs are also often more welcoming to Ukrainians, as many provinces, especially in Western Canada, view them as an important resource for filling labor gaps in construction, healthcare, and other critical sectors.
It is important to start preparing for a potential permanent residence application now, without waiting until the CUAET expires. This means gaining Canadian work experience, improving your English language skills, obtaining Canadian certifications or qualifications in your field, if necessary, and establishing strong ties in Canadian society. All of these steps will greatly increase your chances of success when applying for permanent residence.
Practical recommendations and tips for a successful renewal
For the safest and most successful CUAET renewal process, experts recommend several specific steps. First, start preparing your documents at least two to three months before your current permit expires. This gives you enough time to gather all the necessary documents, correct any errors, and check everything before submitting. Second, make sure you have the correct address for receiving your decision letter. IRCC usually sends decision letters by mail to the address you provided in your application. If you have changed your address, you need to notify IRCC as soon as possible. Some Ukrainians have lost their permits because they did not receive their approval letters due to providing an outdated address.Third, keep a copy of your application and proof of submission. The IRCC portal provides you with a unique case number where you can track the status of your application. Check the status regularly on the portal and be prepared to provide additional documents if IRCC requests them.Fourth, consider hiring an immigration lawyer if you have questions or if your situation is complex. Some lawyers offer free or low-cost consultations for Ukrainians. In addition, some immigration consultants at community organizations such as UCSS Edmonton or the Center for Newcomers can provide free assistance.Fifth, don't wait for the new permit to start preparing for the next step in immigration. If you want to apply for permanent residence, start learning the language, collecting documents about your work experience, and planning your path now.## Conclusion: the inevitability of applying and the importance of timingIn short, yes, you can extend your CUAET after it expires, but there is a clear procedure and an absolute deadline that should not be missed. Until March 31, 2026, you can apply for an extension under the special CUAET program without paying fees and without having to meet all the criteria of regular immigration programs. After that date, the situation changes, and you will need to apply for regular immigration procedures, which are more complex, more expensive, and less predictable.
The most important thing is to apply for an extension before your current permit expires in order to maintain your status and continue working or studying while IRCC reviews your application. Don't miss this opportunity, as losing your status can have serious consequences for your future in Canada.
If you have questions about your specific situation, contact settlement services in your province, such as Ukrainian Canadian Social Services in Edmonton or other organizations, or consult with an immigration lawyer. Investing time and effort in the correct application process today can save you from serious problems tomorrow.