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OTTAWA — Canada is extending temporary work permit measures for Ukrainians who fled Russia’s invasion, giving eligible applicants more time to remain in the workforce while living in the country.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the change Tuesday, allowing Ukrainians who arrived under the Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program and related measures an additional year to apply for work permit extensions.
To qualify, Ukrainians and their family members must have arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024. The extension also applies to those who were approved under the program but arrived later in 2024, by Dec. 31, after delays in processing decisions.
Eligible individuals now have until March 31, 2027, to apply to extend their work permits for up to three years, allowing them to continue working and contributing to the Canadian economy.
The federal government says the measures are temporary and reflect the ongoing impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine, which began with a full-scale invasion in 2022. Officials say the extension is intended to provide stability for Ukrainians already in Canada while recognizing many may eventually return home as conditions improve and reconstruction efforts advance.
The Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program was introduced in March 2022 to provide rapid entry for Ukrainians and their family members fleeing the conflict, along with access to work permits, study opportunities and other supports. Since then, Ottawa has introduced additional immigration pathways, including a family reunification stream for those with relatives in Canada.
Ukrainians seeking to extend visitor status or study permits must continue to apply through standard immigration processes, and regular application fees will apply.
The government says the extension is part of its broader commitment to support displaced Ukrainians while maintaining flexibility as the conflict continues.
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