Temporary protection for Ukrainians in Edmonton is primarily provided through the federal CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) program. This is not refugee status in the traditional sense, but rather a special temporary authorization that grants the right to legally reside, work, study, and access social services. Edmonton is the second-largest destination city for Ukrainians in Canada after Toronto, so local services are tailored to the needs of the large Ukrainian community.
New applications under the CUAET program officially closed on July 15, 2023; however, anyone who has already arrived in Canada by March 31, 2024, is eligible to extend their status until March 31, 2026. The Canadian government confirmed this decision on February 27, 2025.
Who is eligible for status extension?
To qualify for an extension under the CUAET, you must meet four conditions:
- Be a citizen of Ukraine or a family member of a Ukrainian citizen who holds temporary resident status under the CUAET.
- Hold entry documents to Canada issued specifically under the CUAET program (temporary resident visa or permit).
- Have arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024.
- Hold valid temporary resident status in Canada at the time of application.
Those who arrive after March 31, 2024, must apply under standard permit categories and are not eligible for the simplified CUAET procedure.
What documents are required to apply for an extension of status / work permit?
Main list of documents
1. Valid passport
The passport must be valid. Ideally, it should be valid for at least 3 years—this will allow you to obtain the maximum three-year work permit. If you are still waiting for your passport to be renewed, you can apply now and update your passport information later—IRCC allows this.
2. Documents confirming your current status in Canada
This can be one of the following documents issued by IRCC:
- a valid work permit;
- a valid study permit;
- a temporary resident permit;
- Visitor Record;
- proof of permanent residence or Permanent Resident Card.
3. Completed IMM 5710 form
This is the official IRCC form — “Application to Change Conditions, Extend Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker.” It serves as the basis for the application to extend a work permit. You must download, save, and open the form in Adobe.
4. Digital photo
The photo must meet IRCC’s technical requirements.
5. Proof of payment of the application fee
As of January 1, 2025, the fee waiver is no longer in effect. The cost depends on the type of permit:
- Open Work Permit: 155 CAD (processing fee) + 100 CAD (Work Permit Holder Fee) = 255 CAD.
- Study Permit: 150 CAD.
- Visitor Record: 100 CAD.
6. Proof of Residence in Edmonton / Alberta
When applying for related documents (medical card, Alberta ID, driver’s license, etc.), you will also need documents confirming your address in Alberta:
- utility bills (gas, electricity, phone, cable TV);
- lease agreement;
- bank statement;
- letter from an employer or educational institution.
What additional documents may be required depending on the situation?
Depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances, IRCC may request:
- Proof of employment or enrollment — if you are officially employed or enrolled in school at the time of application.
- Documents proving family ties — for family members applying together (marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates).
- Signed statutory declaration (IMM 0191) — if the applicant is a family member of a Ukrainian citizen who holds CUAET status.
- Explanatory letter — if your passport has expired or is being renewed, an officer may request a copy of your old passport and a letter explaining the situation.
- Biometric data — if not submitted within the last 10 years, it will need to be updated.
What documents are required to obtain Alberta Health Care Insurance (AHCIP)?
To apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), you must gather three categories of documents:
- Photo ID: a foreign passport or driver’s license.
- An IRCC document confirming legal entry into Canada: a work permit, study permit, or permanent resident card.
- A document confirming residence in Alberta: an Alberta driver’s license, Alberta ID card, current utility bill, or lease agreement.
You can apply online or in person at an Alberta registration office. Processing time is 2 to 4 weeks.
What documents are required to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
A SIN is a mandatory 9-digit number required for official employment and access to government programs. To obtain one through Service Canada, you must provide:
- A foreign passport.
- A document confirming temporary resident status (work, study, or visitor permit).
- Document confirming your address in Edmonton (utility bill, lease agreement, or letter from your employer).
You can apply online via the eSIN portal at sin-nas.canada.ca or in person at the Service Canada office in Edmonton. Processing time: 20 days by mail or on the day of application in person.
How and where to apply for status renewal?
Applications are submitted exclusively online through the official IRCC portal at canada.ca. Paper applications are generally not accepted unless there is a confirmed need for accessibility. Here’s what to do:
- Register or log in to your account on the IRCC portal (ircc.canada.ca).
- Answer the system’s questions—it will automatically generate a personalized list of required documents.
- Complete Form IMM 5710.
- Upload all required documents and photos.
- Pay the fee (CAD 255 for a work permit) and upload proof of payment.
- Review the application and submit it.
The current processing time for work permit renewal applications is approximately 182 days (as of July 2025). Therefore, it is extremely important to submit your application in advance—at least 4–6 months before your current permit expires.
What is “maintained status” and how does it protect you while you wait?
If you have applied for a renewal before the expiration of your current permit, you automatically acquire “maintained status” (or implied status). This means you can continue to work legally under the same conditions until IRCC makes a decision on your application—even if your previous permit has already expired.
Important note: if you applied for a study permit or tourist status (rather than a work permit), you are required to stop working as of the expiration date of your current work permit—until you receive a new one.
Where can you get help with paperwork in Edmonton?
If you need help filling out forms or understanding the requirements, there are organizations in Edmonton that offer free consultation services:
- Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (UCSS) Edmonton — comprehensive support from arrival to integration: documents, SIN, health insurance, schools for children, communication with the consulate.
- Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) — free consultations, language courses, help with resumes and job searches. Phone: 780-474-8445.
- Catholic Social Services — resettlement and integration services. 10104 103 Ave NW, Edmonton.
Phone: 780-432-1137.
- Alberta Supports Contact Centre — advice on financial assistance and health benefits. Services are available in Ukrainian and over 100 other languages. Phone: 1-877-644-9992 (Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.).
- Consulate of Ukraine in Edmonton — 9707 110 St NW — will assist with passports and other consular documents.