Ukrainians Are No Longer Permitted Entry to Canada due to CUAET Special Measures

Three important deadlines for the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program approached on March 31, 2024. The program itself has two deadlines, and “post-CUAET measures” are the subject of the third deadline, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Under the IRCC’s CUAET special measures, March 31st is the last day that holders of qualifying visas can enter Canada. Foreign nationals holding a visitor visa under CUAET are still permitted to enter Canada and are qualified for the range of services provided by this program, according to the IRCC.

In order to enter Canada after today, or on April 1, 2024, and beyond, individuals who received a visa through CUAET will need to fulfill the country’s standard admission standards. Additionally, they will not be qualified to receive any IRCC help relating to CUAET.

Furthermore, individuals in Canada covered by CUAET have until March 31 to submit an application for an extension or to modify their status as temporary residents under this program.

What is CUAET?

On March 17, 2022, Canada unveiled a new pathway to Canadian permanent residence, extending a warm welcome to those affected by the Russian invasion and war. This new pathway, Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). was a testament to the enduring bond between the two nations and a recognition of the need to provide a secure haven in troubled times. Canada responded to the invasion of Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s soldiers in February of last year by welcoming Ukrainians and establishing the Canada-Ukraine Authorizations for Emergency Travel (CUAET) channel within a few weeks. The newly introduced pathway to Canadian permanent residence, which started on October 23, 2023, and was open for one year, offered eligible Ukrainians a streamlined process to call Canada their new home.

“Ukrainians and their family members have free, extended temporary status in Canada until it is safe for them to return home,” is was the stated goal of the CUAET program.

Ukrainian nationals and their family members (regardless of nationality) were granted a specific route to gaining temporary resident status in Canada for a maximum of three years under this special immigration provision.

There were two policies in play:

1. Temporary Public Policy to Exempt Ukrainian Nationals from Various Immigration Requirements in Support of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for emergency travel that expired on March 31, 2023, and
2. Temporary Public Policy to Renew the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel from April 1, 2023, that expires on July 15, 2023.

In continuation of Canada’s support and commitment to Ukrainian nationals, this public policy has now been extended to make sure the thousands of Ukrainian nationals who have not yet travelled to Canada still have that chance to gain entry. This extension has been granted until March 31, 2024, ensuring families that are already in Canada with their family members also have access to Canadian open work permits and Canadian study permits. This gave them the freedom to remain for an extended period.

Ukrainian nationals who have yet to obtain important documentation like passports and travel documents, even though they may have already been approved for Canadian permanent residency, were allowed to travel to Canada with the issuance of the permanent resident visa counterfoil on a Single Journey Travel Document.

How does the new PR pathway for Ukrainians work?

A new temporary public policy will make it easier for some Ukrainian nationals who are currently in Canada to apply for Canadian permanent residency if they have family members who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Additionally, it will make it easier for their qualified family members who live outside of Canada to obtain permanent resident visas.

The deadline for eligible individuals to submit their application for a permanent resident visa is October 22, 2024.

Under the new method, Ukrainian foreign nationals in Canada and their families are eligible to apply for permanent residence, even if their relatives reside outside of Canada. Once their eligibility is verified, IRCC will require them and their families to undergo any necessary medical examinations, conduct criminal and security checks, collect biometric data if necessary, and notify them if their application has been processed.

Relatives of Ukrainians living in Canada who meet the requirements include:

1. spouses and common-law partners;
2. children (regardless of age);
3. grandchildren;
4. parents;
5. grandparents, and;
6. sibling (or half-sibling).

Access to high-quality healthcare, education, and a safe and peaceful environment for raising families are just a few of the benefits. Ukrainians now have the opportunity to build their lives in a nation known for its multicultural and welcoming ethos. Canada is supporting Ukrainians with financial support of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child for their basic needs while travelling and searching for a new job. Beside these benefits, there are many more, such as a dedicated service channel, urgent processing of travel documents, permission to extend their stay in Canada, and the issuance of open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers, and students for staying longer.

The new pathway to permanent residence for Ukrainians in Canada marks the beginning of an inspiring journey. It’s a testament to the enduring ties between the two nations and a beacon of hope for those seeking a fresh start. As Ukrainians step onto Canadian soil, they bring with them dreams, ambitions, and the potential for a brighter future for both themselves and their new home. This underscores Canada’s enduring commitment to standing with those in need.