Canada extends work, study and temporary-residence application access for Ukrainians in family-reunification pathway to March 31, 2027

Canada extends work, study and temporary-residence application access for Ukrainians in family-reunification pathway to March 31, 2027

Summary: Canada has extended in-Canada application access for Ukrainians who applied under the family reunification pathway, allowing them and their family members to seek open work permits, study permits, and temporary resident status extensions or restorations until March 31, 2027 while they await permanent residence decisions. January 16, 2026 — Ottawa — Canada has expanded interim measures to support Ukrainians with family ties in Canada who have applied under the family reunification pathway to permanent residence (launched in October 2023). Effective immediately, eligible applicants and their family members in Canada may apply to extend their stay and maintain legal status while their permanent residence applications are processed. Key measures:
- In-Canada applications permitted until March 31, 2027 for:
- New open work permits
- Extensions of existing work permits
- New study permits
- Extensions or restorations of temporary resident status
- May apply even without an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) for the permanent residence application.
- Standard fees apply. Program context and implications:
- The update targets Ukrainians who have already applied under the family reunification pathway and their accompanying family members. It does not expand eligibility to new permanent residence applicants outside that pathway.
- By preserving work and study authorization and avoiding lapses of status, the measure is likely to reduce disruption for families, help employers retain workers, and support educational continuity.
- Potential constraints include ongoing processing timelines and the continued cost burden (standard fees). Individuals outside the pathway remain ineligible for these specific in-Canada extensions under this measure.

Date of update: 2026-01-19 Source: News Article

Programs affected: Work Permit; Study Permit; Temporary Resident Status (TRV); Family Reunification/Sponsorship pathway

Tags: Canada immigration, Ukrainian family reunification, open work permit, study permit, temporary resident status, status restoration, permanent residence, policy update, IRCC, 2027 deadline This extension strengthens interim protections for Ukrainian families in Canada, offering a clearer bridge to permanency while applications are finalized.