Canada extends support for Ukrainian, Sudanese, and Iranian arrivals with enhanced benefits and commitment
1. CUAET benefits for Ukrainian arrivals extended
Canada has decided to extend benefits for Ukrainian arrivals, providing further assistance to those who arrived here under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program.
Under the new measures, Ukrainians and their family members who arrived in Canada under CUAET on or before March 31, 2024, will now have until March 31, 2026, to apply for new open work permits (valid for up to three years), renew existing work permits, or apply for new study permits subject to standard fees.
Those who wish to renew their status as a visitor or student can continue to apply to renew as they have.
CUAET benefits for Ukrainian arrivals who came on/before March 31, 2024
If you arrived on or before March 31, 2024, under CUAET measures you can benefit from the following:
Standard application fees apply for all of the above procedures. Those who wish to benefit from the above must apply on or before March 31, 2026. You can also apply for the following through the regular application process.
Once again, standard application fees apply. The above extensions must be filed at least 30 days before your current status expires.
Also read: Canada’s Express Entry in 2025 to prioritize in-country workers to meet labour market needs
CUAET benefits for Ukrainian arrivals who came after March 31, 2024
Ukrainian nationals who came to Canada after the above data can stay in the country until the expiry of their temporary residence permits. If you wish to extend your stay, work permit, or study permit, you will need to apply through the regular processes and pay processing fees.
“Canada remains committed to supporting the people of Ukraine and their families as the war continues by providing safety,” said Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “That is why, through this extension, our aim is to offer protection while recognizing the long-term goal for many to return home when it is safe and there is a proper peace. We continue to stand with Ukraine and its people.”
2. Canada strengthens commitment to welcome arrivals from Sudan
Canada will resettle more refugees affected by the conflict in Sudan over the next two years and increase the spaces available under the family-based permanent residence pathway. These measures will be delivered as part of the existing Immigration Levels Plan and could help more than 7,000 additional people impacted by the conflict in Sudan.
Canada’s commitment to help resettle Sudanese arrivals seeking safety from the conflict back home includes the following:
- Resettling up to 4,000 Sudanese government-assisted refugees by the end of 2026
- Support an additional 700 Sudanese refugees through private sponsorship
- Increase the number of applications from 3,250 to 5,000 for Sudanese nationals applying through the family-based permanent residence pathway
- Reserved space for 500 applications from applications with anchors in Quebec (until April 17, 2025)
3. Canada also continues to assist Iranian nationals who are temporarily in the country
If you are an Iranian national who came to Canada before February 28, 2025, you can apply for an extension to your study permit or extend your stay as a visitor through the regular channels. Fee exemptions apply for those who arrived in the country before this date.
If you have arrived after this date, you must pay the regular registration fee. Furthermore, all Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Iran who are seeking to replace travel documents and citizenship certificates are no longer entitled to a fee exemption.
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