IRCC extended the CUAET public policy so Ukrainians and their family members who arrived by March 31, 2024 may apply for open work permits, study permits and TRVs until March 31, 2026. Applications are subject to regular fees, and the Feb. 4, 2024 “pending CUAET” policy expired Dec. 31, 2024.
Soheil Hosseini
July 15, 2025
Jurisdiction
Federal
Week
Week 29
Impact
Moderate
Programs Affected
Canada Extends Support Measures for Ukrainians Under CUAET Program
Summary: IRCC has extended its public policy allowing eligible Ukrainians and their family members to continue applying for CUAET-related open work and study permits until March 31, 2026, with regular fees. A prior “pending CUAET” policy ended on December 31, 2024.
Date of update: 2025-07-15
Source: IRCC
Programs affected: Work Permit, Study Permit, TRV
Policy Update
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the public policy for CUAET-related open work and study permits. Under this measure:
Eligibility: Ukrainians and their family members who arrived on or before March 31, 2024 remain eligible.
Deadline: Applications can be submitted until March 31, 2026.
Fees: Applications are now subject to regular processing fees.
Expired policy: The “pending CUAET” policy of February 4, 2024 officially expired on December 31, 2024, and is not included in this extension.
Analysis
Positive impacts:
The two-year extension provides a longer runway for Ukrainians to stabilize in Canada.
It facilitates labour market participation and access to education, supporting both employers and institutions.
Continuity reduces uncertainty for applicants planning their next steps.
Limitations and risks:
Only those who arrived by March 31, 2024 qualify—later arrivals are excluded.
Standard application fees may deter lower-income applicants.
The expiry of the “pending CUAET” measure may leave some individuals without transitional options.
Processing volumes may spike closer to the 2026 deadline, creating bottlenecks.
Closing
Eligible Ukrainians and their family members should apply well before March 31, 2026 to secure timely processing and avoid last-minute system pressures. Employers and institutions may also wish to plan ahead for continued integration of CUAET participants.
Tags: Canada immigration, IRCC, CUAET, Ukraine, work permit, study permit, TRV, public policy, humanitarian immigration, Canada news
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