Immigrate to Canada from Ukraine

Ukraine is one of the few countries with a dedicated emergency pathway to Canada. The Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, known as CUAET, was introduced in response to the war and gives Ukrainian citizens and their family members fee exempt temporary residence, an Open Work Permit, and a realistic route to permanent residence. More than 200,000 people have arrived under CUAET, and a growing share are transitioning toward permanent status. This guide explains how CUAET works, how it connects to Express Entry and standard immigration streams, and what to do if you want to immigrate to Canada permanently rather than stay on temporary status.

What Exactly is CUAET, and Who Qualifies?

CUAET was launched in March 2022 and has since been extended. It grants three years of visitor status along with a three year open work permit, both completely fee exempt. Minor children can apply for a fee exempt study permit, and adults may also apply to study. Medical exams and biometrics under the program are free as well.

How Does CUAET Lead to Permanent Residence?

CUAET itself is temporary, so anyone who wants to immigrate to Canada permanently needs a follow up plan. The most common route is to use the open work permit to build Canadian work experience, then move into the Canadian Experience Class through Express Entry.

CUAET holders have access to the same permanent residence pathways as any other temporary resident in Canada, so the open work permit period is really a runway to build the experience and credentials needed for a stronger Express Entry profile.

What If You Are Not on CUAET? What are the Standard Pathways?

Ukrainians applying from outside the CUAET program, including those already settled elsewhere or applying directly, can still immigrate to Canada through the same core programs available to most applicants worldwide.

Healthcare Workers

Tech Workers

Both the Healthcare and STEM categories run at a noticeably lower CRS threshold than general draws, which makes them worth pursuing whether you are on CUAET or applying through a standard pathway to immigrate to Canada.

What Documents Do Ukrainian Applicants Need?

Document logistics for Ukraine come with practical complications, so it helps to know where alternatives exist, particularly for police certificates and language testing.

Language testing is one area where Ukraine based applicants often need a backup plan. IELTS availability inside Ukraine can be disrupted, so many applicants travel to a neighbouring EU country such as Poland or Romania to test. PTE Core is a solid alternative and is widely available across the EU, while TEF or TCF remain the standard for French language points.

What Extra Benefits Come With CUAET Status?

What About Family Reunification for Ukrainian Applicants?

CUAET covers spouses, common law partners, and dependent children, but it does not extend to parents or grandparents, who need to go through standard sponsorship instead.

How Long Does the Process Take and What Does It Cost?

What should Ukrainian Applicants Do, and What Should They Avoid?

Do

• Apply for CUAET first if you are eligible. It is free, fast, and includes three year status plus an open work permit.
• Use the CUAET open work permit to build the Canadian experience needed for CEC eligibility.
• Take advantage of free settlement services for language training, employment help, and housing.
• Apply for coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program as soon as you arrive.
• Target the Healthcare or STEM Express Entry categories, since CUAET work experience can strengthen these profiles.

Avoid

• Paying any fee for a CUAET application. The program is completely free.
• Working with unregistered or ghost consultants. Always verify at cicc.ca.
• Letting your CUAET status lapse. Apply for an extension or permanent residence before the three year mark.
• Treating CUAET as a permanent solution. It is temporary status, and a PR pathway should be part of your plan from the start.

What Does a Step By Step Action Plan Look Like?

If You Are on CUAET (the recommended path)

• Apply for CUAET. It takes 2 to 4 weeks and is free.
• Arrive in Canada and secure your open work permit, medical exam, and IFHP coverage.
• Work at least one year in a NOC TEER 0 to 3 occupation while using settlement services.
• Apply through Express Entry under CEC once you reach one year of experience.
• Expect permanent residence roughly 12 months after arrival.

If You Are Not on CUAET (the standard path)

• Sit IELTS aiming for an 8-7-7-7 score, equivalent to CLB 9.
• Get a WES educational credential assessment, including your Apostille.
• Submit an Express Entry profile under STEM, Healthcare, or French language criteria.
• Pursue a Tech or Healthcare PNP nomination where possible.
• Expect permanent residence in roughly 6 to 12 months.

Spouse of a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

• Gather your marriage certificate with Apostille, photos, and proof of joint assets.
• If you are already in Canada, apply inland for an open work permit alongside your PR application.
• If you are abroad, apply outland through the Warsaw visa office.
• Expect a total timeline of 8 to 18 months.

Ready to Plan Your Path From CUAET to Permanent Residence?

CUAET gives you time in Canada, but it does not give you permanent status on its own, and the transition window can move faster than expected once you start working. Eivy Joy Quito, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), helps Ukrainian clients turn CUAET status into a solid Express Entry or PNP application well before their three years run out. Book a consultation today to build a clear, step by step plan to immigrate to Canada permanently, with guidance on timing, documents, and the fastest route available to your profession.