Canada extends work permit deadline for Ukrainians under emergency program

OTTAWA — Ukrainians who came to Canada under an emergency travel program will have an extra year to apply to extend their work permits, the federal government announced March 31.

Lena Metlege Diab, minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said those who arrived under the Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program will now have until March 31, 2027, to apply for an extension of up to three years.

The measure applies to Ukrainians and their family members who arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024. It also includes those who were approved before that deadline but arrived later, by Dec. 31, 2024.

The extension allows participants to continue working in Canada while the war in Ukraine continues, with the expectation many will eventually return home.

“As Russia’s war against Ukraine persists, Canada continues to support displaced Ukrainians,” Diab said in a statement, noting the program enables participants to contribute to the Canadian economy during their stay.

The emergency travel program, launched in March 2022, was designed to provide temporary refuge and access to work and study for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.

Officials said the measures remain temporary. Those seeking to extend visitor status or study permits must apply through standard Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada processes, with regular fees applying.

Canada has also introduced additional pathways, including a family reunification program that allows some Ukrainians with relatives in Canada to apply for permanent residence.