On 17 March 2022, the Canadian Parliament decided to introduce a simplified regime for obtaining temporary CUAET visas. In May 2022, the first Ukrainians with CUAET visas had arrived in Canada and received work and study permits. Work and study permits are issued under this visa for 3 years. November 2023 is the midpoint of the legal stay in Canada for CUAET holders who arrived in Canada in May 2022. Applications for this program will not be accepted from 15 July 2023. If you do not extend your legal status after 3 years in Canada, you may get into trouble with the Immigration Service (even a ban on entering Canada in the future). Here are 4 options for Ukrainians to extend their legal status in Canada in 2024:
Immigration to Canada for Ukrainians in 2024
Canada was ranked second in the National Brands ranking of attractiveness for immigration and investment in 2021 according to a study made by Anholt-Ipsos. US News & World Report conducts annual surveys of the Best Countries Ranking, where Canada was ranked No. 1 in 2021 and in 2023 it was ranked second after Switzerland. Ukrainian holders of CUAET visas have obtained the easiest opportunity to move to Canada in recent decades. Immigration to Canada provides an opportunity for permanent residence and work in this country. PR status is almost equal in rights to citizenship in Canada, except the ability to vote and be elected, as well as serve on Canadian government positions. More than 60 immigration programs are offered by the Canadian government to obtain PR. Additionally, on 23 October 2023, a special temporary immigration program was launched for Ukrainians who have close relatives in Canada. Obtaining a PR status is the easiest way to resolve the issue of further official stay in Canada after the expiry of the CUAET visa. The first step is to get advice from a licensed immigration consultant of MV Group company.
Work permit (LMIA) for Ukrainians in Canada in 2024
LMIA or Labour Market Impact Assessment (this is an employer’s permission to hire a foreigner) allows to extend a legal stay in Canada for another period from 1 to 3 years. This option is suitable for Ukrainians who have not yet decided to get permanent residence in Canada under one of the immigration programs or for those who are going to return to Europe or Ukraine after additional work period in Canada after the expiry of the CUAET visa. The employer’s application for this document may be approved or denied, depending on the labour market condition and social situation in Canada at the time point of consideration. Employers go through a complicated process of LMIA approval, which takes 6 months or more. The process of obtaining this document requires time, preparation of documents, as well as payment of 1000 CAD per application, which is non-refundable even in case of a negative conclusion. Employers are willing to follow this path with employees who have the required work experience and good English, which are needed by the employer, as well as proved team players with high work efficiency.
Education for Ukrainians in Canada in 2024
Entering colleges and universities in Canada is also a basis for extending the legal stay for Ukrainians in Canada after the expiry of the CUAET visa. Higher education is fee-based in Canada for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students. According to Statistics Canada for 2023, the average tuition fee for undergraduate programs for international students is 34,628 CAD, and master’s programs costs 20,061 CAD. It should be borne in mind that the spheres of study and the location of institutions will dramatically affect the cost: the most expensive education is in Ontario, the cheapest is in Manitoba and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The cost of living should be added to the tuition fee, which can rise from 10,000 CAD annually (dormitory accommodation, insurance, food, etc.). Scholarship programs from Canadian universities, the government, and charitable foundations can cover all educational fee or part of the costs. Also, you can work 20 to 40 hours per week during your studies to earn some money.
Work permits extension for Ukrainians in Canada in 2024
Post-CUAET measures are in force until 31 March 2024. Until this date, CUAET visa holders will need to enter Canada to obtain work or study permits. This date has also been set for the extension of work and study permits in Canada for Ukrainians who have received this document for a shorter period due to various reasons. Work permits issued to Ukrainians who arrived first in Canada in May 2022 will be valid until May 2025. During this time, there is a requirement to extend legal status for staying in Canada by obtaining a PR, a work permit from a specific employer (LMIA) either enrolling in a study program. If the war continues beyond May 2025, it seems likely that the Canadian government’s measures will allow Ukrainians with CUAET visas to continue a stay in Canada legally.
MV Group exclusively deals with employment and immigration to Canada. The company’s specialists have 20 years of experience in effectively resolving complex issues related to obtaining PR, getting permits for employment (LMIA), family sponsorship cases, and restoration of status in Canada. The company’s specialists will implement any of your decisions regarding the extension of your residence status in Canada in the shortest possible time.
