We talk in detail about the simplified entry program for citizens of Ukraine and their close relatives to Canada.
What is Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel
Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) is a simplified program for citizens of Ukraine and their close relatives to obtain permission to enter Canada.
If you are already in Canada, you can extend your statuses under this permit.
This is not a refugee program or a Permanent Residence program. This is a temporary visa to Canada , which is easier to obtain and allows you to stay in Canada for longer than usual.
July 15, 2023
The program is closed and no extension of the application deadline has been announced.
March 22, 2023
The CUAET program has been extended:
- You can apply for a visa under CUAET until July 15, 2023;
- You must enter Canada with a CUAET visa before March 31, 2024;
- those already in Canada can renew or change their status free of charge until March 31, 2024.
Quick Facts
- You can apply for a CUAET visa online from any country;
- It is necessary to take biometrics, undergo a medical examination and obtain a certificate from the police – no;
- application review period – from 2 weeks to 10 months (longest experience);
- Previously, the permit was valid for 10 years, or until your passport expires. Now they issue for 3 years;
- You can stay in Canada with a permit for up to 3 years;
- you can leave the country and enter back;
- You can get an open work permit or a study permit;
- no fees required;
- minimum package of documents.
What status will you receive?
There are 3 options.
Visitor
Under this status, you will be able to live in Canada, but will not be able to work or study. At the same time, having entered Canada with such a visa, you will be able to apply for an Open Work Permit or Study Permit .
Worker
This is given if you have submitted an application for a work permit along with your visitor visa application.
It is recommended to apply for both permits at once. This does not require additional documents: job offer , LMIA , etc.
A job offer without an LMIA, which is most often obtained through CUAET, does not provide additional points in Express Entry.
If you are planning to work, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with our ranking of in-demand professions in Canada in 2023 .
Student
It all depends on the age and status of the parents.
Your parents have employee status
If you are under 18 years old and planning to attend primary or secondary school, you do not need a student visa. You will automatically be eligible for training.
If you are 18 or older, or you plan to study at a higher education institution, then after entering Canada on a simplified guest visa for Ukrainians and family members, you must issue a Study Permit.
Your parents have visitor status
Regardless of your age, you will need to obtain a Study Permit to study in Canada. This will need to be done at the point of entry into the country.
Study Permit is given for the entire duration of study.
If you are in Canada and have a study permit that is about to expire, you can apply to renew it.
How long is the permit valid?
The CUAET is valid for 10 years or until the passport expires.
In 2023, such a visa will often be issued for 3 years.
You can stay in Canada for 3 years with this permit. If the validity period is coming to an end, then you need to prepare for departure, submit an application to extend your status, or to obtain permanent resident status ( immigrate to Canada ).
With this permit you can enter and leave the country.
Need help applying for a visa?
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Submit your application
How long does it take to process an application?
As the Canadian government promises, visa applications for Ukrainians and members of their family will be processed within 14 days of receipt. This is relevant for standard situations when there are no suspicious aspects in the application that need to be further checked.
In fact, applications are extremely rarely considered within 2 weeks. Typically it takes 2-10 months.
Who can apply
Citizens of Ukraine and their immediate relatives of any nationality. These relatives include:
- spouse/partner;
- dependent child (up to 22 years old);
- child of a dependent child.
Application fees
There is none of them. As part of Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel, you will not need to pay for:
- guest visa and its extension;
- open work permit and its extension;
- study permit and its extension;
- biometrics
What you will have to pay for:
- translation of documents;
- transport and tickets;
- services for filling out application forms if you are not ready to submit an application yourself, but want to contact an agency.
What documents are needed
To obtain a visa to Canada for a Ukrainian or a member of his family, a number of documents will be required. They must be taken with you into Canada to be provided to the border officer if necessary.
For a citizen of Ukraine
You will need one from the list:
- valid Ukrainian passport;
- another national identity document.
If you do not have any of these documents, you can still apply, but the immigration officer will check more carefully whether you meet the requirements for a residence permit.
For family members
You will need a valid passport, as well as documentary proof that you are a family member of a Ukrainian citizen. To do this you will need one of the following documents:
- Marriage certificate;
- confirmation of civil relations (documents proving cohabitation);
- birth certificate (for children);
- other documents that show family connections.
Additional documents
They are not mandatory, but since the corresponding fields are there, then if possible, it is better to load:
- confirmation of availability of money for accommodation (bank statement for the last 4 months, sponsorship documents);
- a letter from a Canadian employer indicating that the company plans to hire you;
- additional documents and explanations that you think may help in processing the application.
Vaccination, quarantine, tests
The information below is no longer relevant, coronavirus restrictions have been lifted.
Now there are simplified requirements for citizens of Ukraine and close relatives.
Vaccination
Not required. If you do not have a suitable vaccination, your visa will also be issued with a letter confirming that you are not exempt from travel restrictions.
If you already have a visa, but do not have such permission, then you need to contact the nearest Canada visa center to obtain it.
You should take this letter with you when you travel to Canada.
Quarantine
Required.
Tests and ArriveCAN
Required.
Biometrics
If you have not previously provided photos and prints when applying for a visa to Canada, you will need to provide them. After submitting an application for Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel, you will receive a letter with instructions: where to apply and what to take with you. You must take it with you.
Who may not need to take biometrics
For those who, on the day of applying for a CUAET visa, fit one of the following groups:
- 17 years and younger;
- 61 years and older;
- have previously been approved for a Visitor visa to Canada within the last 10 years.
You can get acquainted with the points where you can submit biometric data by following this link . From the nearest countries: Moldova, Romania, Austria and Poland.
Medical examination
Not required before traveling to Canada.
There, depending on the answers to the questions on the questionnaire and your situation, you may need to have a chest x-ray and blood tests done within 90 days of arrival. Upon arrival, you will receive the necessary instructions.