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
Categories
Share This Post
Stay Updated with Immigration News
Get the latest updates on Express Entry draws, OINP invitations, policy changes, and more delivered to your inbox.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Related Articles
IRCC Study Permit Guidance
IRCC updated guidance (2026-06-18) clarifying how officers assess study permit conditions: DLI enrollment, program changes, academic progress, leaves and working during leave. Students, institutions and employers should review the instructions to align records and activities, as stricter interpretations of “active pursuit” and work-during-leave rules may affect study and work permissions.
IRCC Pauses Sponsor Intake
IRCC has temporarily paused intake of refugee sponsorship applications from Groups of Five and Community Sponsors under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program (program delivery update posted 2026-06-16). The PDI gives internal processing guidance but no timeline or exemptions; stakeholders should monitor IRCC for reopening details.
AIP guidance update
IRCC revised AIP “Other situations” guidance: post‑submission job or employer changes require updated provincial endorsements and IMM 0157 submitted via the IRCC Web form, with officers recording changes in GCMS and issuing a 90‑day PFL/hold if documents are missing. Provinces will reassess employer designation after ownership changes and applicants must maintain valid work authorization to avoid refusal.
Unaccompanied Minors Exemption
IRCC’s Temporary Public Policy (signed 2026-05-19) allows delegated officers to exempt unaccompanied minors from two timing-based refugee claim ineligibility rules (IRPA A101(1)(b.1) and A101(1)(b.2)), improving access to the Refugee Protection Division for children without a parent or legal guardian in Canada. The TPP—guidance updated 2026-06-05—does not change other ineligibility grounds (e.g., STCA, security, serious criminality) and requires formal proof of guardianship.