CUAET & Work Permit Updates for 2026 — What Ukrainians in Canada Must Know

Quick summary

Several temporary measures affecting Ukrainians who arrived under CUAET have been extended or clarified for 2026. If you arrived in Canada under CUAET by March 31, 2024, you may still be eligible to apply for a new open work permit, extend an existing open work permit, or apply for a study permit from inside Canada — but most measures are now subject to standard application fees and specific deadlines. Start renewal or new applications early (60–90 days before expiry) and gather full supporting evidence of employment and status. See official IRCC pages for exact eligibility and procedures.

CUAET & Work Permit Updates, Canada

What changed (CUAET & Work Permit Updates official highlights)

1. Extensions for people who arrived by March 31, 2024 — IRCC confirmed temporary measures allowing CUAET arrivals (on or before March 31, 2024) to apply from inside Canada for a new open work permit valid up to three years, to extend an existing open work permit, or to apply for a study permit. These specific in-Canada options are extended into 2026 under transitional policies.

2. New temporary public-policy on family-reunification applicants CUAET & Work Permit Updates (Jan 16, 2026) — The federal government introduced/extended a temporary public policy (announced January 16, 2026) to provide continued access to temporary residence for those who applied under the Ukrainian family reunification pathway; this measure impacts who can apply for temporary status and some work/study rights. Always check the IRCC notice for the dates and how it applies to your file.

3. Fee landscape changed — earlier fee-exempt windows have mostly closed. Many CUAET-linked work/study permit applications after December 31, 2024 are subject to standard processing fees, though some limited fee exemptions (e.g., certain open work permit holder fee exemptions) still exist for specific public policies. Check the fee guidance on IRCC’s site for the exact fee amounts and exemptions that may apply to your pathway.

4. Other IRCC avenues remain open — IRCC also continues to provide other paths (e.g., TR→PR pathways and open work permits tied to pending PR processes) — note the TR→PR open work permit extension announcements (deadlines differ per program). If you have a pending PR application, check whether you can apply for an open work permit under that pathway.

Who should pay attention right now

• CUAET holders (and family members) currently in Canada whose permits or visitor records will expire soon.

• People who arrived under CUAET on or before March 31, 2024 (special transitional rules may apply).

• People who applied for family-reunification PR pathways — check the Jan 16, 2026 public-policy details.

• Employers of temporary Ukrainian workers — to ensure job letters and contract details meet IRCC expectations.

Practical, step-by-step guidance: how to apply or renew a CUAET-related work permit in 2026

Start early — 60–90 days before your current permit or visitor record expires.

1. Check your eligibility on IRCC

   • Confirm whether you arrived by March 31, 2024 and whether the transitional rules apply to you. Use the IRCC Ukraine measures pages and the specific public-policy notice.

2. Decide which application you need

   • New open work permit (if eligible under transitional measures)

   • An extension of an existing open work permit

   • A study permit (if you plan to study)

   • Restoration of status (if your status has already expired — act fast)

3. Gather required documents (common checklist)

   • Passport / travel documents (valid)

   • Proof of current CUAET/temporary resident status (visitor record, previous work permit)

   • Employer letter(s) or contract(s) showing job title, duties, hours, start date, wage

   • Recent payslips (pay stubs) and T4s if available

   • Proof of residence in Canada (leases, bills)

   • Police certificates or medical exams only if IRCC asks (start early if requested)

4. Prepare translations & notarizations

   • Any document not in English or French must be translated by a certified translator. Avoid unverified machine translations.

5. Apply online through IRCC

   • Use your IRCC secure account to submit forms, upload documents and pay fees (if required). For certain public-policy applications there may be specific upload instructions (e.g., state you are exempt from a fee under the Ukraine measures if the policy applies).

6. Biometrics, medical exam & police checks

   • If IRCC requests biometrics or a medical exam, arrange appointments promptly. These steps can add weeks to processing.

7. Keep records & follow up

   • Save application receipts, IRCC correspondence, and track your IRCC account messages regularly. If you applied before expiry and have maintained status, you may be able to continue working while IRCC decides.

Common pitfalls & how to avoid them

• Waiting too late to apply. Start 60–90 days early. Processing and biometrics can cause delays.

• Incomplete employment evidence. Paystubs and employer letters must match the job duties and hours claimed.

• Relying on machine translations. Use certified translators for any official document.

• Missing updates. IRCC public policies and deadlines change — always verify the date on the official Canada.ca page.

How CBR Services can help

• Eligibility assessment & strategy (we check your timeline and best pathway).

• Document checklist and employer letter templates.

• Preparing and submitting online applications, including translations and notarization coordination.

• Full support if IRCC requests further evidence or in case of a refusal (review and options).Book an assessment → /book or email cbrservices.tp@gmail.com.

FAQ

Q: I arrived under CUAET after March 31, 2024 — can I still apply from inside Canada?A: Transitional measures primarily apply to those who arrived on or before March 31, 2024. If you arrived later, you will generally apply under regular processes unless IRCC announces other measures. Always check the IRCC guidance for your specific case.

Q: Are CUAET-related work permits fee-exempt in 2026?A: Most earlier fee exemptions ended at the end of 2024. Some targeted exemptions may still apply under specific public policies, but in many cases standard fees now apply. Check the IRCC fee guidance that applies to your pathway before submitting.

Q: What if my status already expired?A: You may be able to restore your status, but this is time-sensitive and requires immediate action. Contact a licensed paralegal or immigration specialist for assistance on restoration and possible late applications.

Useful official links (bookmark these)

• IRCC — Ukraine immigration measures (overview).

• IRCC — Open work permits for Ukraine CUAET arrivals (specific page).

• IRCC — Temporary public policy notices (Jan 16, 2026 family-reunification measure).

• IRCC — Open work permits for TR→PR pathway (if applicable).

Final note — why act now

The policy environment for CUAET and related work/study permits has been dynamic since 2022. Key concessions and fee waivers have been phased out, and IRCC uses temporary public policies with specific dates. To protect your right to work or study in Canada, start your application early, gather complete documentation, and check IRCC’s official pages before applying. If this feels complex, we can help you prepare a clean, submission-ready package.