Summary
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a crucial new temporary measure designed to support Ukrainian nationals and their families currently in Canada. This policy allows those who have applied for permanent residence (PR) through a specific public policy to extend their temporary resident status, ensuring they can legally remain, work, or study in Canada while awaiting a decision on their PR application.
What Does This Update Mean?
This is a significant and welcome development that provides a critical safety net for Ukrainians who have chosen to make Canada their home. Previously, individuals whose temporary work or study permits were nearing expiry faced uncertainty. They risked falling out of legal status if their PR application was not processed in time, potentially forcing them to stop working and lose their income.
This new measure effectively creates a “bridging” mechanism. It acknowledges the processing times for permanent residency and ensures that applicants are not penalized by them. It provides stability, security, and peace of mind, allowing Ukrainians to continue contributing to their communities and the Canadian economy without interruption.
Who Is Affected?
This new policy directly impacts the following groups:
- Ukrainian Nationals in Canada: Specifically, those who are present in Canada under a temporary resident visa, such as those issued under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET).
- Permanent Residence Applicants: The measure is for those who have already submitted an application for permanent residence under the related temporary public policy for Ukrainians.
- Family Members: The policy also extends to the spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children of the principal Ukrainian applicant.
- Canadian Employers: Employers of Ukrainian nationals benefit from this change as it ensures their employees can maintain their legal work status, preventing disruptions in their workforce.
What Can You Do About It?
If this new measure applies to you, here are the recommended next steps:
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Ensure that you have an active application for permanent residence under the specified public policy for Ukrainians.
- Check Your Status Expiry Date: Be aware of when your current work permit, study permit, or visitor status is set to expire. It is crucial to act before this date.
- Prepare to Apply for an Extension: Gather your documents and prepare to apply for an extension of your temporary status. You should apply before your current status expires to benefit from “maintained status,” which allows you to continue working or studying under the same conditions while your extension is being processed.
- Monitor the IRCC Website: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including specific application forms and detailed instructions, always refer to the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Important Dates & Deadlines
This temporary measure is now in effect as of its announcement. While no firm end date for the policy has been released, the most critical deadline for individuals is the expiry date of their current temporary status. It is essential to apply for an extension before your current permit or visa expires to maintain your legal status in Canada.