Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET)
In response to Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Canadian government has created a special, accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians seeking safe haven in Canada while the war in their home country continues. As of May 5, 2022, more than 71,000 applications have been approved.
With the CUAET:
- Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality may stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to 3 years;
- Applicants who are overseas need to apply online for a Canadian visitor visa and provide their biometrics (fingerprints and a photo);
- Applicants are encouraged to apply for a 3-year open work permit at the same time as their visa application, which will allow them to work in Canada;
- Many of the regular requirements associated with a normal visitor visa or work permit have been waived;
- Elementary and high school students can register for and start attending school as soon as they arrive in Canada, and anyone looking to study at the post-secondary level can apply for a study permit once on Canadian soil;
- Applicants who do not have a valid passport may still apply, and IRCC will issue a single journey travel document on a case-by-case basis, where appropriate.
Although significantly different from the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program that we work with, the