03/21/2022
Canada Immigration Announces the unprecedented Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel Program (CUAET).
CUAET program is a special, accelerated pathway for Ukrainians seeking safe haven in Canada while the war in their home country continues. There is no limit on the number of visas to be issued. Processing time is 2 weeks.
With the CUAET, Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality may stay in Canada up to 3 years and obtain work permits and study permits.
Under this special program, many of the regular requirements associated with a normal visitor visa or work permit have been waived including processing fees.
About the CUAET
The CUAET gives you a visitor visa to come to Canada temporarily, until it is safe to return to Ukraine. The visitor visa
• is fee-exempt
• is valid for 10 years or until your passport expires
• allows you to travel in and out of Canada, as long as your visa is valid
• will be processed on a priority basis
• gives you the option to apply for a fee-exempt work permit at the same time
When you arrive at the border in Canada, you’ll be given status as either a
• visitor
• worker, if you applied for the open work permit
• student, if you’re under 18 and want to study in Canada
You can stay in Canada for up to 3 years at a time or until your passport expires. When your status in Canada is about to expire, you need to apply to extend your stay.
Who can apply
You can apply if you have
• a valid Ukrainian passport or
• another national identity document
If you don’t have a valid passport or another identity document, you can still apply. An officer will need to determine if you meet the requirements of a temporary resident permit.
If you’re unvaccinated or partially vaccinated
You can enter Canada if you’re not fully vaccinated. This also applies if the vaccine you got is approved by the World Health Organization, but isn’t currently recognized by Canada. When you arrive in Canada, you need to show that you’re a Ukrainian national or a family member of a Ukrainian national to benefit from this exemption.
You must meet all other public health requirements, such as quarantine and testing. With limited exceptions, all travellers to Canada, including anyone arriving under the CUAET, must also use ArriveCAN.
Find out more about exemptions to the vaccination requirement.
Biometrics
If you’re biometrics-required, you’ll need to give your biometrics if you haven’t given them in the past. You don’t have to pay the biometrics fee. After you submit your application, you will get a biometrics instruction letter. You need to bring this letter with you when you give your biometrics.
Find out where to go to give biometrics
If you gave your biometrics in the past, they may still be valid.
Check if your biometrics are still valid
Medical exam
You don’t need to get an immigration medical exam before coming to Canada. However, if you normally need a medical exam to come to Canada, you may need to get a chest x-ray and a blood test within 90 days of arriving. You’ll get instructions on how to complete this when you arrive.
Find out about medical exams for visitors, students and workers
Fees
You don’t have to pay fees for any of the below:
• temporary resident visa
• open work permit
• study permit
• biometrics
• temporary resident permit
You’ll need to pay fees for your chest x-ray and blood test if you’re told to get one.
Find out more about fees that are being waived
Working and studying in Canada
Working in Canada
The CUAET gives you the option to apply for a visitor visa and an open work permit at the same time. This work permit is fee-exempt and will let you work for most employers in Canada.
Find out how to apply for the open work permit
Studying in Canada
The CUAET gives you the option to study while in Canada.
Find out how to study in Canada
Henry Moyal, Barrister & Solicitor/Attorney
Law offices of Henry Moyal, B.A., LL.B, Juris Doctor
Henry Moyal Professional Corporation, Canadian Immigration Lawyer
8 Finch Ave. West,
Toronto, Ontario
M2N 6L1 Canada
Tel: 416 733 3193
Fax: 416 733 3742
[email protected]
www.moyal.com
Law Offices of Moyal & Moyal is one of the most popular & successful immigration law firms in Canada & abroad which offers overseas Canadian immigration services.
