Canada extends work permit application deadline for CUAET holders from Ukraine

Current rules

Ukrainians and their family members who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) or related measures have until 31 March 2027, to apply to extend their work permit for up to three additional years. Eligibility requires arrival in Canada on or before 31 March 2024, or, if a CUAET holder, permission to arrive by 31 December 2024, if a decision was not received in time for the 31 March 2024 deadline.

Overview

On 13 March 2026, the Government of Canada announced a temporary measure to allow eligible skilled workers in Quebec to extend their employer-specific work permits for up to 12 months. This extension provides Quebec with time to assess permanent residency eligibility for these workers, aligning with Quebec's new policy. This initiative supports the retention of skilled workers and targets those invited by Quebec to submit a Demande de Sélection Permanente.

What changed in the latest version

This policy change is important. It provides ongoing stability and work permission for a specific group of Ukrainian citizens and their families in Canada. The application deadline is extended to 31 March 2027. The chance for a three-year extension gives these people more time to plan. This helps them keep working in Canada. The change for Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) holders with delayed decisions fixes an administrative problem. It makes sure that people affected by slow processing times are not punished unfairly. This rule lets them keep working while they are in Canada. It recognises that their stay is temporary.

Explained simply

Canada is giving Ukrainians who came here because of the war extra time to keep working. If you arrived by 31 March 2024 (or later if you were approved for CUAET to come by Dec 31, 2024), you now have until 31 March 2027, to ask for up to three more years on your work permit. This helps them stay employed while they are in Canada.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v1Effective 31 Mar 2026AnnouncementHigh impact
   Canada extends work permit application deadline for CUAET holders from Ukraine

   Canada has extended certain work permit rules for Ukrainian people and their family members. These people arrived under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) or other related rules. Eligible people now have until 31 March 2027, to apply. This application is to extend their work permits for up to three more years. To qualify, applicants must have arrived in Canada on or before 31 March 2024. CUAET holders who had delayed decisions may still qualify if they were allowed to arrive by 31 December 2024. These rules took effect on 31 March 2026. They apply to people who hold CUAET work permits.

2. v2Effective 13 Mar 2026AnnouncementHigh impact
   New immigration measure to support Quebec workers and employers

   Canada started a new temporary immigration rule. It helps workers and employers in Quebec. This rule begins 13 March 2026. It allows eligible skilled workers in Quebec to get a new work permit. This permit is for a specific employer. It can last for up to 12 more months. These workers must have received an invitation from Quebec to apply for a permanent selection (called a Demande de Selection Permanente or DSP). Their current work permits must be for a specific employer. These permits must expire between 13 March 2026, and 31 December 2026. The goal is to give the Government of Quebec time. They need time to check if workers can get a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). This is needed before workers apply for permanent residence. Workers can apply on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)'s website. They must apply by 31 December 2026. Applications will be processed quickly.

Timeline

1. Action deadline

   31 Mar 2027

   Eligible Ukrainians and their family members should prepare to apply for a work permit extension before 31 March 2027.

2. Action deadline

   31 Dec 2026

   Workers who have received an invitation from Quebec to submit a Demande de Sélection Permanente (DSP) should apply on IRCC’s website.

3. Announced

   31 Mar 2026

   Canada announced an extension for eligible Ukrainians and their family members to apply for work permit extensions. Those who arrived under CUAET or related measures on or before 31 March 2024, or CUAET holders allowed to arrive by 31 December 2024, can now apply until 31 March 2027, for an extension of up to three years. This measure supports Ukrainians contributing to the Canadian labour mark

4. Takes effect

   31 Mar 2026

   Ukrainians and their family members who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) or related measures have until 31 March 2027, to apply to extend their work permit for up to three additional years. Eligibility requires arrival in Canada on or before 31 March 2024, or, if a CUAET holder, permission to arrive by 31 December 2024, if a decision was not

5. Takes effect

   13 Mar 2026

   Eligible workers can obtain an employer-specific work permit under the International Mobility Program to continue working for their current employer for up to 12 more months. This allows time for Quebec to review their eligibility for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec) before they apply for permanent residence.

6. Announced

   13 Mar 2026

   On 13 March 2026, the Government of Canada announced a temporary measure to allow eligible skilled workers in Quebec to extend their employer-specific work permits for up to 12 months. This extension provides Quebec with time to assess permanent residency eligibility for these workers, aligning with Quebec's new policy. This initiative supports the retention of skilled workers and targets those i