A lot of Ukrainians in Canada have been stuck in a difficult spot: temporary permits running out while permanent residence applications sit in processing queues. If that sounds familiar, there is a concrete update you should know about.
In 2026, the Canadian government extended its temporary immigration measures for Ukrainian nationals. The deadline is now March 31, 2027. That gives you more time to stay, work, study, and sort out your next steps without having to leave the country.
What the extension covers
Under the updated policy, eligible Ukrainians in Canada can apply for:
- Open work permits (new or extended)
- Study permits
- Work permit extensions
- Restoration of status (even if your status has already expired)
That last point matters. If your permit expired and you have been out of status, you can still apply to restore it under these measures. You do not need to leave Canada first.
Who qualifies
This extension applies to Ukrainian nationals who:
- Came to Canada under CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) or other special measures
- Are currently living in Canada with temporary status
- Have applied for permanent residence and are waiting for a decision
- Have not yet received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for their PR application
If you are not sure whether you qualify, the key question is whether you are a Ukrainian national currently in Canada. The eligibility criteria are broad.
Why this matters in practice
Before this extension, many Ukrainians were facing a real problem: their temporary permits were about to expire, but their PR applications were nowhere near a decision. That meant potentially losing the right to work, study, or even stay in Canada legally.
The extension solves that. You can keep working, keep studying, and stay in the country while IRCC processes your permanent residence application. No gap in status, no emergency departure.
Book a consultation with our licensed RCIC consultant. We can review your current status and help you figure out the right next step.
Book a Consultation →What you should do now
The extension is good news, but it is not automatic. You still need to apply. Here is what we recommend:
1. Check your current permit expiry date
Look at your work permit or study permit. When does it expire? If it is coming up in the next few months, start your extension application now. Do not wait until the last week.
2. Apply before your status expires
If you submit your application while your current permit is still valid, you get what is called "maintained status." That means you can legally stay and work in Canada while your new application is being processed. If you wait until after expiry, the process is harder and your options are more limited.
3. Think about your long-term plan
Temporary status, even extended to 2027, is still temporary. If you have been in Canada for a while, this is a good time to look at permanent residence pathways:
- Express Entry (if you have skilled work experience)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (especially if you have Canadian work experience in a specific province)
- Family sponsorship (if you have a spouse or common-law partner who is a PR or citizen)
Canadian work experience, which you are building right now, counts for a lot in these programs.
4. Get the paperwork right
Small mistakes on applications can cause delays or refusals. Double-check your forms, make sure your documents are current, and pay attention to the details. If you are not confident doing this on your own, that is exactly what an immigration consultant is for.
Common questions
Can I stay in Canada if my permit has already expired?
You can apply for restoration of status under these measures. However, acting quickly improves your chances. The longer you wait after expiry, the more complicated it gets.
Can I get a new open work permit?
Yes. Eligible Ukrainians can apply for new open work permits or extend existing ones under the updated measures.
Do I need permanent residence to stay until 2027?
No. The temporary measures allow you to stay on a work or study permit regardless of where your PR application stands.
This article is for general information purposes. It does not constitute legal or immigration advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed immigration consultant.