New Federal Move Secures Ukrainians Legal Status in Canada

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-WEB:8ee2a34e-dbb6-4a79-a895-fdd81a8b5dc3-4" data-testid="conversation-turn-8" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Canada has implemented a new temporary policy aimed at simplifying access to legal status for Ukrainian nationals and their families residing in the country. Announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on January 16, 2026, this initiative allows eligible Ukrainians to extend their temporary resident status and apply for work or study permits they might not otherwise qualify for. The measure is part of Canada’s ongoing response to the humanitarian impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, following programs such as the Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) and prior temporary public policies.

Eligibility Criteria for Work and Study Permits This temporary public policy is designed for Ukrainian nationals, their spouses, and dependent family members who have applied for permanent residence through the Temporary public policy for Ukrainians with relatives in Canada. Applicants can qualify under two main scenarios:

Scenario One: Individuals currently holding valid temporary resident status in Canada, or those who have applied for restoration of status within the last 90 days.

Scenario Two: Individuals who had valid temporary resident status at the time of submitting their permanent residency application but subsequently lost it, or who held valid status within the 90 days prior to applying for permanent residence. Applications under this scenario must be submitted from within Canada by March 31, 2026.

Applicants in Scenario Two benefit from significant exemptions, including relief from inadmissibility due to unauthorized work or study, as well as exemptions from standard requirements for status restoration, such as the 90-day rule. Both scenarios allow applicants to apply for work or study permits from within Canada—a departure from the typical requirement to apply from abroad.

Policy Duration and Scope The policy, which came into effect on January 16, 2026, will remain active until March 31, 2027, though it may be rescinded earlier if circumstances change. Ukrainian nationals may apply even if they have not yet received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for their permanent residency application. Those without valid temporary resident status are required to apply for restoration concurrently with their work or study permit application.

Historically, Canada introduced a similar pathway in October 2023 to support Ukrainian families affected by conflict. Eligibility required at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member, or being the spouse, common-law partner, or widow of a qualifying Ukrainian national. During that period, over 13,000 applications were submitted, encompassing nearly 24,000 individuals seeking permanent residence or visas. This latest measure continues that commitment to humanitarian support while streamlining legal pathways for Ukrainians already in Canada.

Implications for Applicants For Ukrainian nationals and their families, these temporary measures provide critical flexibility and security. The ability to apply for work or study permits from within Canada ensures that applicants can maintain legal status without leaving the country, minimizing disruption to employment, education, and family life. Legal representatives and immigration consultants should be prepared to assist applicants in navigating restoration applications concurrently with work or study permit requests. Additionally, applicants should ensure timely submission of applications by March 31, 2026, to avoid lapses in status.

This policy also underscores Canada’s broader commitment to balancing humanitarian obligations with practical immigration management. Applicants can expect continued monitoring of timelines, application procedures, and eligibility requirements as IRCC implements this temporary framework.