Canada extends work permit measures for Ukrainians in Canada: whatchanged on March 31, 2026

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced on March 31, 2026 that certain work permit

measures for Ukrainians in Canada have been extended. This update matters if you are a Ukrainian

temporary resident in Canada and want a work permit extension. The change gives more time to apply and

can support up to three additional years of work authorization, if you qualify.

You can read the official announcement from the Government of Canada in the IRCC news release:

Canada extends certain work permit measures for Ukrainians.

The headline: more time to apply for eligible Ukrainians work permit

If you are eligible under this measure, you can apply until March 31, 2027 to extend your work permit for up

to three years. Standard IRCC fees apply. This is not a blanket extension for every status type, and it does

not change the regular processes for visitor or Study Permit extensions.

IRCC confirms that a family reunification pathway to permanent residence launched in 2023 for certain

Ukrainian nationals. Some applicants may be able to remain in Canada while their permanent residence

application is in process. See the IRCC program page for details: Immigration measures and support for

Ukrainians and their families.

Who is eligible under the March 31, 2026 update

This extension targets Ukrainians who are already in Canada and who came under the Canada Ukraine

Authorization for Emergency Travel or closely related measures. Eligibility is tied to when you arrived.

• You must have arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024, or

• You are a CUAET holder who did not receive a decision in time to arrive by March 31, 2024, but you

  were allowed to arrive by December 31, 2024.

If you meet one of these arrival conditions, you may apply until March 31, 2027 for a work permit extension

for up to three years. IRCC will apply standard processing and standard fees.

What this extension does not cover

This is important: the announcement does not change how you extend other types of status.

• Study permits: If you are studying in Canada, you must use the regular IRCC process to extend your

  study permit.

• Visitor status: If you are in Canada as a visitor, you must use the normal process to extend your stay as

  a visitor.

If your situation includes work, study, and family planning together, you may need a strategy that covers

each status type and your longer term options.

Practical examples to help you decide

• I arrived in Vancouver as a CUAET holder on February 20, 2024 and my work permit expires soon. You

  appear to be within the arrival window. You may apply for a work permit extension up to three years, any

  time until March 31, 2027, with standard fees.

• I received my CUAET approval late and entered Canada in November 2024. You may still be eligible if

  your delayed arrival was allowed under CUAET by December 31, 2024.

• I am in Burnaby on a visitor record and want to start studying in Coquitlam. This update does not change

  study rules. You still need to follow the regular study permit process and timelines.

• My spouse in Surrey is applying through the family reunification pathway started in 2023. This news

  does not grant permanent residence, but some applicants can extend their stay while a permanent

  residence application is in process. Check the official program page and plan your status carefully.

If you need a clear plan for mixed status or family files in Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, or

anywhere in Canada, we can help you map the best path.

Mid article support: Our boutique team at Ansari Immigration gives practical, fast help with work permit

extensions, study permit extensions, and long term planning. We work with education partners, including

FIC and UICC, and we use secure, technology friendly processes so you can upload and review documents

from home. If you want experienced eyes on your eligibility, timing, and documents before you file, please

book a paid consultation.

Timing, documents, and strategy

Even with the new deadline, timing matters. Extensions can take time to prepare, and processing times can

vary. Apply early, keep copies of your entry records and permits, and make sure your forms and letters are

consistent.

• Start preparing several months before your current document expires.

• Keep clear proof of when you entered Canada and which program you used.

• Confirm whether your situation includes work, study, or visitor status, and plan each