x
Contact us

Contact Information

1 (403) 452-9515

1 (800) 932-1190

Learn how we can help you

More Options...

Canada's New Temporary Residence Pathway for Ukrainians: CUAET

Blog posted on by Evelyn Ackah in Business Travel to Canada and Temporary Resident Visas

Canada's New Temporary Residence Pathway for Ukrainians: CUAET

Canada has launched a fast-track visa processing pathway for Ukrainians fleeing the war in Ukraine. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on March 17 announced the launch of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET).

The CUAET Visitor Visa:

  • is fee-exempt
  • is valid for 10 years or until the applicant’s passport expires
  • allows for travel in and out of Canada, as long as the applicant’s visa is valid
  • is processed on a priority basis
  • allows applicants to apply for a fee-exempt work permit at the same time

To ease the burden on applicants, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is waiving all application fees for these programs and many of the normal requirements for visa processing. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Ukrainian nationals (or those with vaccinations not recognized by Canada) may be exempt from current entry requirements and can still enter Canada but will need to follow all other public health requirements including quarantine and testing.

Who Qualifies for CUAET: Canadian-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel?

Ukrainians Outside of Canada

Under CUAET, Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality can stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to 3 years:

  • Overseas applicants can apply online for a Canadian visitor visa and provide their biometrics (fingerprints and a photo).
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply for a 3-year open work permit at the same time as their visa application.
    • This permit will allow them to work in Canada.
    • Under this special program, many of the regular requirements associated with a normal visitor visa or work permit have been waived.
  • Elementary and high school students can register for and start attending school as soon as they arrive in Canada, and anyone looking to study at the post-secondary level can apply for a study permit once on Canadian soil.
  • Applicants who do not have a valid passport may still apply, and IRCC will issue a single journey travel document on a case-by-case basis.

Ukrainians In Canada

Ukrainian workers, students and visitors and their family members who are already in Canada also benefit from these measures. They may either apply to extend their visitor status or work permit for 3 years, apply for a new work or study permit, or extend their existing permit. IRCC will waive all extension and work or study permit application fees.

Canadian Employers

Canadian employers who wish to support Ukrainians with offers of employment to register these offers on Job Bank’s Jobs for Ukraine webpage. Job Bank will then work with local organizations and employers to help connect them with Ukrainians seeking work in their communities.

Canada is also expected to announce the details of a special family reunification sponsorship pathway that will allow Ukrainian nationals to reunite with their immediate and extended family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and settle in Canada permanently.

Learn More:

Do You Need Immigration Help Due to the Crisis in Ukraine?

Ackah Business Immigration Law offers full immigration and refugee services and has offices in Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto to assist individuals with all their immigration needs. With 50+ years of combined immigration experience, our immigration legal team can identify and resolve potential problems BEFORE they happen.

An experienced immigration lawyer can save you time and stress - and prevent costly mistakes and missed deadlines. Contact Ackah Law today to discuss your immigration situation at 403-452‑9515.


Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

Founder/Managing Lawyer

Ms. Ackah is passionate about immigration law because it focuses on people and relationships, which are at the core of her personal values. Starting her legal career as a corporate/commercial ...

More About Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

How to Enter Canada or the United States With a Criminal Record: 
A Guide from Ackah Law

Navigating cross-border travel can be challenging, but even more so if you have a criminal record. Whether for business, family or personal reasons, entering Canada or the United ...

Read More

Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs) Now Available To 13 New Countries

The Canadian government has announced that electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) are now available to citizens of 13 countries. An eTA is a digital travel document that allows ...

Read More

How Can An American With a DUI Travel to Canada on Business?

Canada and the United States are close neighbours, and many people who live near the border forget the fact that they are entering a foreign country and cross the border regularly for ...

Read More

5 Commonly Asked Questions About Business Travel to Canada

Many international people need to enter Canada temporarily for business travel such as meetings, training or providing a service to their customers but do not become part of Canada's ...

Read More

Foreign Film and TV Workers Get 14-Day Priority Work Permit Processing

On September 28, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new measure to give foreign nationals working in the film and television industry workers priority ...

Read More

UPDATE: Temporary Policy Allowing Visitors to Apply For a Work Permit Without Leaving Canada

Canada's government has released an update to the temporary policy allowing visitors to Canada who have a valid job offer to apply for a work permit without the normal requirement ...

Read More

Evelyn Ackah and firm have been one of the most caring and considerate and most knowledgeable and responsive firms that we have had the pleasure of dealing with.

What stands out the most about Evelyn and her team is the level of care and personal attention that is generally lacking in other firms. In several situations and in times of crisis Evelyn's response and speed of achieving results has been most astonishing.

We are so greatly impressed and most satisfied. As for value of what we receive there are none that compare to Evelyn Ackah's firm.

– Alex Rivera, Cleaver Holding Ltd.

View All Testimonials