Proposal to the Government of Canada to Establish a Special Program Granting Permanent Resident Status to Ukrainians Who Arrived under the CUAET Program

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes in search of safety from armed aggression. Canada was among the first countries to open its doors and launch a special humanitarian initiative — the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) — allowing Ukrainians to find protection, support, and temporary refuge.

More than three years have passed since then. The war continues, and for most Ukrainians, returning home remains impossible.

During this time, Ukrainians have not only found protection in Canada — they have become an integral part of Canadian society. They work, pay taxes, rent and purchase homes, their children attend Canadian schools, and thousands volunteer and contribute to the growth of local communities. Ukraine remains in their hearts, but Canada has become their home.

Canada’s current immigration system was designed for people who spend years preparing to immigrate, meeting numerous requirements related to age, profession, education, and language proficiency. Ukrainians, however, did not choose this path — they fled war to save their lives and the lives of their families. Many simply cannot meet the complex immigration criteria because they never planned to become immigrants.

Despite these challenges, Ukrainians have already made a significant contribution to Canada’s development. They work in healthcare, construction, technology, transportation, education, and the service sector, strengthening the Canadian economy and society.

However, without permanent residency, thousands of Ukrainian families live in uncertainty — unsure whether they will be able to stay, where their children will study, or what their future holds.

At the same time, Canadian society has shown strong support for Ukrainians.
According to a national survey conducted by Abacus Data, 81% of Canadians believe Ukrainians should be allowed to stay in Canada long-term, and 80% agree that deeper integration benefits both newcomers and local communities.

These results show that public opinion in Canada overwhelmingly supports the creation of a special pathway to permanent residency for Ukrainians who arrived under the CUAET program.

What We Propose

In light of the above, we respectfully urge the Government of Canada to consider establishing a special long-term program that would allow Ukrainians who arrived under the CUAET program — along with their family members — to obtain permanent resident (PR) status.

Suggested selection criteria

1. Date of entry:
   For example applicants who arrived in Canada before October 1, 2025 .
2. Length of Residence:
   Have resided in Canada for at least two of the last four years at the time of application.
3. Status in Canada:
   Possess a valid work or study permit issued under the CUAET program , which provides temporary resident status.
4. Actual Presence:
   Physically present in Canada at the time of application and upon obtaining permanent resident status.
5. Intent to Reside in Canada:
   Confirms intention to make Canada their permanent home.
6. Economic independence:
   Employed, self-employed, or able to demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their families.
7. Community Integration:
   Provide five letters of support from Canadian citizens (employers, neighbours, volunteers or community members) attesting to their integrity, community involvement and contribution to Canadian society.
8. Work Permit Extension:
   Extend open work permits for another three years for Ukrainians in Canada under the CUAET program who have not yet met the residency requirement (two years out of four).
   This will allow them to continue working, contributing to the economy, and integrating into society while completing the required residency period.
9. Introducing a Bridge Visa:
   Introduce a Bridge Visa mechanism for applicants applying for permanent residence under the new program.
   This visa will provide legal residency and work in Canada while their application is being processed, preventing unnecessary interruptions in employment and ensuring family stability.

Why is this important?

The creation of such a long-term program would not only provide stability and certainty for tens of thousands of Ukrainian families — allowing them to live peacefully and plan for their future — but would also reduce the administrative burden on IRCC.

A clear and transparent pathway to permanent residency would decrease the number of visa extensions, shorten processing queues, and allow for more efficient use of government resources, while at the same time giving Ukrainian families confidence and a fair opportunity to obtain status based on their contribution and integration into Canadian life.

This initiative represents a logical continuation of Canada’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian values, solidarity, and global leadership.

Not only would it help Ukrainians achieve stability, but it would also strengthen Canada by retaining hardworking, grateful, and socially engaged people who have already made this country their home.

📘 This initiative has been organized and developed by the United Ukrainians of Canada Foundation.