For tens of thousands of Ukrainians who moved to Edmonton under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program after the start of full-scale war in February 2022, the question of whether it is possible to work legally in Canada is not just theoretical, but absolutely critical for survival, adaptation, and building a new life in a foreign country. The CUAET program has provided Ukrainians with an unprecedented opportunity — not only temporary refuge from the war, but also full rights to work in Canada without the need to obtain an employer-specific work permit or go through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This means that Ukrainians with CUAET can work for any employer, in any industry, in any region of Canada, including Edmonton, without restrictions and without the need for a pre-arranged job offer before entering the country.
However, as with any immigration program, there are important details, deadlines, procedures, and rights that Ukrainians need to understand in order to make the most of these opportunities and avoid legal complications. What rights does the CUAET grant in the context of employment? Are there any restrictions on the types of jobs or employers? What happens when your CUAET status is about to expire? Can you change jobs as freely as Canadian citizens? What protections do Ukrainian workers have under Canadian employment law? And most importantly, is there a pathway from temporary protection to permanent residency through employment? This article is your comprehensive guide to understanding all aspects of employment under the CUAET program in Edmonton and across Canada.
What is CUAET and what rights does it grant for employment
Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) was launched by the Canadian federal government on March 17, 2022, as an emergency response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The program was designed as a temporary humanitarian measure that allows Ukrainian citizens and their family members (of any nationality) to obtain temporary resident status in Canada for up to three years. It is critical to understand that CUAET is not a refugee program — those who arrive under CUAET receive temporary resident status, not refugee status. This means that they do not receive automatic permanent residency or all the benefits provided to refugees, but instead receive greater flexibility and faster processing.
Open work permit — the key to employment
The most important feature of CUAET for those looking for work is the ability to obtain an open work permit. An open work permit differs fundamentally from an employer-specific work permit in that it allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions, discussed below) without having to obtain a separate permit for each job change.
Advantages of an open work permit under CUAET:
- No job offer required — you can arrive in Canada and look for work after arrival
- Change employers freely — if you don't like your current job or you find a better opportunity, you can change employers without immigration paperwork
- Multiple jobs — you can work for multiple employers at the same time (for example, part-time positions at different companies)
- Self-employment — you can work as an independent contractor or start your own business (although there are some restrictions, which are described below)
- Any location — you are not tied to a specific province or city; you can work in Edmonton today and move to Toronto tomorrow if you find a better job
- Any occupation — you can work in any industry — from warehousing to IT to hospitality to healthcare (if you have the necessary licenses for regulated professions)
Open work permit restrictions
Although the open work permit under CUAET is extremely flexible, there are several types of jobs that are explicitly prohibited:
- Jobs related to child care, primary or secondary education — if you cannot provide a police clearance certificate
- Jobs in the healthcare sector — if you cannot provide a medical exam showing that you do not have communicable diseases
- Jobs in businesses providing erotic services (massage parlors, escort services, etc.)
- Jobs in businesses that regularly offer striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages
With the exception of these specific categories, you can work in any legal occupation. However, keep in mind that for regulated professions (nurses, doctors, engineers, teachers, accountants, etc.), you still need appropriate professional licensing from provincial regulatory bodies, even if your work permit allows you to work.
Timeline and deadlines: critically important information
Understanding the CUAET program timeline is absolutely essential, as missed deadlines can result in loss of legal status in Canada.
Original CUAET timeline
When CUAET was launched in March 2022, the initial parameters were:
- Applications were accepted until July 15, 2023
- Approved applicants could travel to Canada until March 31, 2024
- Those who arrived in Canada under CUAET could apply for extensions or changes of status until March 31, 2024 free of charge
Extended timeline — CUAET 2.0
Given that the war continues and many Ukrainians cannot safely return home, the Canadian government has extended the CUAET measures several times. As of November 2025, the current status is:
For those who arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024:
- You can apply for a new open work permit (valid for up to 3 years)
- You can apply for an extension of your existing work permit
- You can apply for a study permit or visitor status extension
- Deadline for applications: March 31, 2026 (extended from the previous deadline of March 31, 2025)
- These applications are processed free of charge under CUAET temporary measures
- You will have access to free settlement services until March 31, 2025
For those who arrived after March 31, 2024:
- You are no longer eligible for fee-exempt extensions under CUAET
- You must apply through regular immigration processes and pay standard fees
- This includes standard work permit fees (approximately $155 CAD) and processing through regular channels
Important: The extension until March 31, 2026 is a discretionary policy and may be revoked by the government at any time. It is strongly recommended that you apply for an extension as early as possible rather than waiting until the deadline.
What if your passport expires?
One of the biggest challenges for Ukrainian CUAET holders is passport expiration. Your work permit cannot be issued with a validity date beyond your passport expiry date. This has created a serious problem for many Ukrainians whose passports were expiring, as obtaining new Ukrainian passports abroad is difficult and time-consuming.
The extension to March 2026 partially addresses this issue by giving more time to those waiting for passport renewal. However, you must have a valid passport at the time of applying for the extension. If your passport has expired, you must first renew it through Ukrainian consular services before applying.
Your rights as an employee in Alberta under the CUAET
Ukrainians working in Edmonton and throughout Alberta under a CUAET open work permit have the same rights and protections under employment law as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The Alberta Employment Standards Code, Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Alberta Human Rights Act apply equally to all workers, regardless of immigration status.
Basic employment rights in Alberta
Minimum wage: As of November 2025, Alberta's general minimum wage is $15.00 per hour. Your employer cannot pay you less than this amount, regardless of your immigration status or type of work.
Overtime pay: If you work more than 8 hours a day or 44 hours a week (in most occupations), you are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times your regular rate.
Hours of work: You cannot be forced to work more than 12 hours a day or 60 hours a week without your consent.
Rest periods: You are entitled to at least a 30-minute break after every 5 consecutive hours of work. You are also entitled to at least one day off per week.
Vacation pay: After completing one year of employment, you are entitled to a minimum of 2 weeks of paid vacation (4% of your gross earnings). After 5 years — 3 weeks (6%).
Public holidays: You are entitled to paid days off for Alberta's statutory holidays (New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day).
Termination notice: If your employer terminates you, they must provide advance notice or pay in lieu of notice depending on how long you have worked (1 week after 90 days, 2 weeks after 2 years, etc.).
What your employer CANNOT do
Alberta employment law clearly prohibits certain actions by employers against all employees, including Ukrainian CUAET holders:
Your employer CANNOT:
- Take your passport or work permit — this is illegal and a form of trafficking
- Force you to perform work that is not authorized in your employment agreement
- Force you to work if you are sick or injured
- Force you to work overtime that is not included in your agreement
- Punish you for reporting mistreatment, unsafe work, or cooperating with government inspections
- Deport you from Canada or change your immigration status (only immigration authorities can do this)
- Force you to reimburse recruitment fees that they paid to hire you
- Discriminate against you based on race, nationality, religion, or any other protected grounds under the Alberta Human Rights Act
Right to refuse unsafe work
One of the most important rights for Ukrainians, especially those who work in physically demanding or potentially hazardous industries (construction, manufacturing, agriculture), is the right to refuse dangerous work.
According to the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, you have the right to refuse to perform work that you reasonably believe is unsafe for your health or safety, without fear of punishment. If you refuse work for safety reasons:
- Notify your supervisor immediately about the safety concern
- Your employer must investigate the danger and take corrective action
- You cannot be fired or penalized for exercising your right to refuse
- Your employer cannot force you to return to work until the danger has been addressed
- If the dispute is not resolved, you can contact Alberta OHS for an inspection
This right is especially important because some employers may try to exploit vulnerable workers, including newcomers with limited English or limited knowledge of Canadian rights.
Health insurance and medical care
Before you receive provincial health insurance: If you work in a low-wage position or through the Agricultural Stream, your employer must provide and pay for private health insurance that covers emergency medical care before you become eligible for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan: Ukrainians with CUAET open work permits are eligible for AHCIP after completing a 3-month waiting period. This gives you access to free medical services, hospital care, and many other healthcare services. Apply for AHCIP as soon as possible after arrival.
If you lose your job or experience abuse
Changing employers
One of the biggest advantages of an open work permit is that if your current job is not working out (low pay, poor conditions, abusive employer, etc.), you can change employers without any immigration consequences. Simply quit your current job and start looking for a new one. You do not need to inform immigration authorities about the change of employer.
Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
If you lose your job through no fault of your own (layoff, company closure, etc.) or if you leave your job because you are being abused, you may qualify for Employment Insurance regular benefits, which provide temporary financial support while you look for a new job.
To qualify for EI, you must:
- Have worked a sufficient number of insurable hours (varies by region, usually 420-700 hours)
- Have lost your job through no fault of your own
- Be able and willing to work
- Be actively looking for work
EI benefits typically pay 55% of your average insurable earnings up to a maximum amount, for up to 14-45 weeks depending on the unemployment rate in your region.
Open work permit for vulnerable workers
If you experience abuse or risk abuse from your employer, you may be eligible for an Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers, even if you already have an open work permit under CUAET. This can be useful if your CUAET permit is nearing expiration but you need additional protection.
Pathway to permanent residency through employment
Although the CUAET itself does not provide an automatic pathway to permanent residency, working in Canada under a CUAET open work permit can significantly help you qualify for various permanent residency programs.
Canadian Experience Class (through Express Entry)
If you have worked in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in Canada for at least one year (1,560 hours), you may qualify for the Canadian Experience Class under the Express Entry system. This is one of the fastest ways to obtain PR for those already working in Canada.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Alberta has a provincial nominee program with several streams:
- Alberta Opportunity Stream — for those who have worked in Alberta in an eligible occupation for at least 12-18 months
- Accelerated Tech Pathway — for tech workers in designated occupations
- Rural Renewal Stream — for those who work and live in designated rural communities
Working in Edmonton under CUAET can help you build the necessary Canadian work experience to qualify through these streams.
Conclusion: full rights, but with responsibilities
Yes, you can absolutely work under temporary protection (CUAET) in Edmonton and across Canada. What's more, you have an open work permit, which gives you a level of flexibility and freedom that many other temporary foreign workers don't have. You can work for any employer, change jobs freely, work in any industry (with minimal exceptions), and have all the same employment rights and protections as Canadian citizens.
However, with these rights come responsibilities: understanding deadlines for extensions (March 31, 2026 for those who arrived before March 31, 2024), maintaining valid status, and knowing your rights as an employee in order to protect yourself from exploitation. For Ukrainians in Edmonton, the CUAET program has provided an unprecedented opportunity not only to find temporary refuge, but also to build meaningful careers, gain valuable Canadian work experience, and potentially transition to permanent residency and long-term settlement in Canada.