What is the CUAET program?
CUAET, or the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, was instituted to grant Ukrainian nationals and their relatives temporary status in Canada until it’s deemed safe for them to return home. Under this initiative, Ukrainian nationals and their family members, regardless of nationality, were offered a specific route to secure temporary resident status in Canada for a maximum duration of three years.
Foreign nationals eligible for temporary residence through CUAET were exempted from paying application fees associated with visitor visas and could concurrently apply for an open work permit, free of charge.
March 31st marked the final day for eligible visa holders to enter Canada under the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)‘s CUAET special measures. Visa holders under CUAET had until this date to avail themselves of the various supports provided through the program.
For those arriving after March 31, 2024 (from April 1, 2024, onwards), entry into Canada will be subject to the country’s general entry requirements. Moreover, they will not qualify for CUAET-related assistance from IRCC.
For individuals already in Canada under CUAET, March 31, 2024, serves as the deadline for visa holders and their families to apply for an open work permit, a study permit, or to extend their stay for up to three years under IRCC’s post-CUAET measures.