Stress has been eased for Ukrainians living in Canada, that their safe haven is extended as Russia's illegal invasion continues.
Work permits that were set to expire March 31, 2025 have been extended, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced Feb. 27.
Ukrainians and their family members who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program on or before March 31, 2024, will now have until March 31, 2026, to apply for a new open work permit valid for up to three years, renew an existing work permit, or apply for a new study permit, 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.
These temporary measures will allow Ukrainians and their family members to continue to work and study in Canada during this difficult time, and eventually return home when it is safe to do so.
Andrea Malysh, Ukrainian Canadian Congress Thompson Okanagan president, applauds the extension but admits it's temporary relief as many Ukrainians living in Canada have no home to return to, nor a desire to go back to their war-torn country.
"Gives them all another year and relieves some stress...for the time being," Malysh said.
