The government of Canada has announced the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program to support individuals affected by the conflict in Ukraine.1
Under this program Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality, may stay in Canada for up to three years as temporary residents. Since January 1, 2022, over 6,100 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada.2 This number is expected to increase significantly in the upcoming months.
According to what has been reported, Canada is home to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent – the world’s second largest Ukrainian diaspora.3 The latest measures are part of Canada’s effort to help Ukrainians and their family members come to Canada as quickly as possible and to provide them with the ability to work and study while in Canada. The CUAET also gives Ukrainians already in Canada the option to extend their visitor status, work permit, or study permit so they can remain in Canada temporarily.
The CUAET will provide Ukrainian nationals currently outside of Canada a visitor visa to come to Canada temporarily, until it is safe to return to Ukraine. This streamlined visitor visa process will be:
· Fee-exempt;
· Valid for 10 years or until passport expiry; and
· Will allow individuals to travel in and out of Canada so long as their visa is valid.
The visitor visa will be processed on a priority basis (target processing times of 14 days for standard cases) and provide an option to apply for a fee-exempt open work permit at the same time.4 An open work permit would allow the individual to work for any employer and in any location in Canada.
Upon arrival in Canada, Ukrainian nationals will receive status as either a visitor, worker (if they applied for an open work permit), or student if the applicant is under 18 and wishes to study in Canada. Status will be granted for up to three years. Individuals looking to study at the post-secondary level can apply for a study permit once they arrive in Canada.
The CUAET is available for individuals who either hold a valid Ukrainian passport or another national identity document. Applicants who do not have a valid passport may still apply. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue a single journey travel document on a case-by-case basis, where appropriate (further information can be provided upon request).
Ukrainian nationals will continue to be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). Biometrics can be completed at any Visa Application Center (VAC). VACs are open in Moldova, Romania, Austria and Poland, and there is an extensive VAC network across Europe. While a medical exam will not be required before entry to Canada, certain medical tests may be required after arrival. Fees for a temporary resident visa, open work permit, study permit, biometrics, temporary resident permit will not apply.
Immediate family members of Ukrainian nationals who are outside of Canada can also apply under the CUAET. Family members include spouse or common-law partner, dependent child or dependent child of a dependent child.
Ukrainian nationals who are currently in Canada can extend their stay in Canada for up to three more years or until their passport expires. Students can extend their stay for the duration of their studies.
IRCC is taking additional steps to support Ukrainian nationals seeking to come to Canada.5
Key Considerations for Employers and Ukrainian Nationals
For further information on options for affected staff we encourage you to contact qualified immigration counsel, employment counsel or KPMG Law LLP for further guidance.
1 See IRCC (updated March 17), “Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel.”
Also, see "Immigration measures for people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine."
2 See IRCC News Release (updated March 14), "Canada to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine."
3 See L. Cecco, "In Canada, world’s second largest Ukrainian diaspora grieves invasion," in The Guardian (March 3, 2022) at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/03/canada-ukraine-diaspora-relief-efforts-russia-attack?msclkid=bf53d869a94a11eca1de87f5fd397100 . Please note that by clicking on this link, you are leaving the KPMG website for an external site, that KPMG is not affiliated with nor does KPMG endorse its content. The use of the external site and its content may be subject to the terms of use and/or privacy policies of its owner or operator.
4 See IRCC (updated March 17), “Ukraine immigration measures: open work permits for Ukrainians.”
5 See IRCC (March 2) “Additional immigration support for those affected by the situation in Ukraine” - Canada.ca.
6 See IRCC (March 3), “Canada to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine.”
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Canada.
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