Temporary-residence access extended for Ukrainian family pathway applicants

What changed

The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) closed to new applications in July 2023, and a separate permanent residence pathway for Ukrainian nationals and family members, open from October 2023 to October 2024, is also closed to new applicants. On January 16, 2026, IRCC introduced a temporary public policy, running until March 31, 2027, that lets people who already applied under that family reunification pathway regularize or extend their temporary status and obtain work or study permits while their permanent residence application is processed. Ukrainian nationals still holding CUAET status have separately had extension measures allowing renewal of work permits or new study permits, with a current application deadline of March 31, 2026.

Why it matters

Many original three-year CUAET permits are now expiring, and without a bridging measure, holders risk falling out of valid status. These are temporary, time-limited public policies, not new permanent immigration streams — the January 2026 policy only assists people who already applied under the pathway that closed in October 2024; it does not reopen that pathway to new applicants.

What this means for you

If you already applied under the family reunification pathway and your status has lapsed or is at risk, review which scenario under the January 2026 policy applies to you. If you hold a CUAET-derived permit nearing expiry, apply for an extension before it lapses. If you have no pending application and no valid CUAET status, this pathway is closed, and general permanent residence options — such as the Canadian Experience Class or provincial nominee programs — are the route to consider instead.