Immigrate to Canada from Ukraine — CUAET + PR Pathways (2026)
Canada's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine created one of the largest emergency immigration programs in Canadian history — CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel). Over 250,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada under CUAET. Many are now exploring PR pathways. This page covers CUAET + PR options.
CUAET status
Launched March 2022. Provided Ukrainian nationals (+ immediate family) with:
- 3-year multiple-entry visa
- Open work permit eligibility
- Study permit eligibility (including for K-12)
- Settlement supports (some provinces)
CUAET application window closed July 2023. Extensions + renewals continue for existing CUAET holders through 2026. Status is TEMPORARY — designed as safe haven, not PR pathway.
PR pathways for Ukrainians
Express Entry FSW
For Ukrainians outside Canada (or in Canada with strong skilled profile):
- CLB 7+ in English or French (Ukrainians often need IELTS prep)
- ECA for Ukrainian degrees (WES, ICAS, IQAS, ICES)
- 1+ year skilled work experience
- 67/100 selection-factor
- Proof of funds
Express Entry CEC
For Ukrainians in Canada on CUAET who've worked 12+ months in TEER 0/1/2/3 skilled jobs. CEC is often the most accessible pathway for CUAET holders since their Canadian work experience already counts.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Many provinces have welcomed Ukrainian CUAET holders into PNP streams:
- Ontario OINP
- BC PNP
- Alberta AAIP
- SINP Saskatchewan
- MPNP Manitoba
- NSNP, NB PNP, PEI PNP — Atlantic provinces have actively recruited Ukrainians
Family Reunification Pathway for Ukrainians
Special PR pathway for Ukrainians with qualifying Canadian family. Simplified process; faster than standard sponsorship. Eligibility + status periodically updated by IRCC.
Spousal sponsorship
Ukrainians married to Canadian citizens/PRs can pursue standard inland or outland spousal sponsorship — common pathway.
Refugee protection
While CUAET was the main response, Ukrainian refugee claims under IRPA s.96/s.97 are also possible — particularly for Ukrainians facing risks beyond general war conditions. Most Ukrainians use CUAET + PR pathways rather than refugee claims.
Visa office: Warsaw
Ukrainian applications process through the Warsaw visa office. Many Ukrainian applicants are physically in Poland, Romania, Germany, or other European countries during processing.
Ukrainian-Canadian community
Ukrainian-Canadians are one of Canada's largest historic ethnic communities (~1.36 million pre-CUAET; post-CUAET ~1.5+ million). Established communities:
- Prairies (Winnipeg, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina) — historical Ukrainian-Canadian heartland
- GTA (Toronto, Mississauga) — large modern Ukrainian community
- Calgary, Vancouver — growing communities
- Montreal — established + growing
Ukraine-specific documents
- Ukrainian PCC (Довідка про несудимість) — Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVS); can be obtained via Ukrainian consulates abroad
- Apostilled documents — Ukrainian apostille (Hague Convention)
- ECA — WES, ICAS, IQAS, ICES (Ukrainian universities are well-evaluated)
- Ukrainian → English certified translations
- IELTS, CELPIP, TEF
FAQ
What's CUAET status?
Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel — launched March 2022 in response to Russia's invasion. Provides Ukrainian nationals (+ immediate family) with 3-year multiple-entry visa + open work permit + study permit eligibility. Designed as temporary safe haven, not refugee status. Application window closed July 2023; renewals + extensions continuing through 2026.
Can CUAET holders apply for PR?
Yes — through standard PR pathways. CUAET is temporary status, not a PR pathway itself. CUAET holders can: (1) Apply Express Entry FSW/CEC; (2) Apply for PNP nomination; (3) Apply for spousal/family sponsorship if Canadian family connection; (4) Special Family Reunification Pathway for Ukrainians (extended in 2024).
What's the Family Reunification Pathway for Ukrainians?
A special PR pathway for Ukrainian temporary residents who have qualifying Canadian family members (citizen or PR). Different from standard family sponsorship — simpler + faster for CUAET-holding Ukrainians. Halani tracks current status; check IRCC for latest.
Where do Ukrainian applications process?
Ukrainian applications process through the Warsaw visa office (Polish operations). Ukraine in-country offices closed due to war. Many Ukrainians physically located in Poland, Romania, Germany, other European countries during processing.
Are Ukrainians on the eTA list?
Yes — Ukrainian nationals are eTA-eligible (CAD $7, valid 5 years). However, CUAET status provides much broader rights than eTA, including work + study authorization.
Ukraine → PR — CUAET to PR transition
Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) handles CUAET-to-PR pathways, Express Entry, family sponsorship, and PNP for Ukrainians. Free 15-min review.
Free Ukraine → Canada Review →Related: Express Entry · From Russia · From Poland