This post focuses on reviewing the process of how Ukrainian nationals in Canada on CUAET visa can apply to renew their work permits before the March 31st, 2024 deadline.
Specifically, we will analyze an informative video shared publicly by Dmytro Malyk, who is an active member of the Ukrainian-Canadian community volunteering his expertise to help newcomers navigate Canada’s immigration system.
In addition to summarizing the step-by-step work permit renewal procedure covered in Dmytro’s helpful video tutorial, we also compile answers to some of the most frequently asked questions around applying as an Ukrainian national on CUAET status based on additional insights from the Ukrainian-Canadian community members.
Please note, this post is intended for educational purposes only to spread awareness around the temporary public policy. For authoritative information or individual immigration guidance, please consult the Government of Canada’s official website with details regarding the Ukraine measures and immigration programs: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures/key-figures.html
Additionally, while we aimed to provide helpful general information in this post, please reach out and connect with an immigration lawyer if seeking legal advice for your unique situation and eligibility.
Introduction
- There is a special measure open until March 31, 2024 allowing Ukrainians in Canada to apply for a new 3-year open work permit free of charge. This would extend their stay in Canada.
- To apply, Ukrainians need to have an IRCC account and submit the application online. The application form is IMM 5710.
- Key documents needed are passport copy, proof of fee exemption https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures/fee-waivers.html , and a digital photo. Biometrics should be reused from last time if submitted in the past 10 years.
- In the IMM 5710 form, indicate applying for an open work permit under the “Ukraine 2022” special measures. Provide basic personal details, current work permit details, intended new 3-year validity period. Please note that whether you will receive a new work permit will be at a discretion of Canadian authority, but if you do not apply before March 31st you will not be able to apply in the future under CUAET measures and will be required to use general process to renew work permit in Canada.
- For employer details, can just write your city and province For job, write “Brief description of duties 2022: I am applying for open work permit under current public policy to extend my stay in Canada”.
- Answer all questions accurately. Validate the form before submitting it.
- Upload all required documents and submit the application online. Track the status later in IRCC account.
- This video is based on the videomaker’s (Dmytro Malyk) experience helping many Ukrainians apply. It has worked for people with permits expiring in 2024-2025. However, no guarantee of approval. Still worth applying before March 31, 2024 deadline.
Here is an expanded summary with more detailed instructions on how Ukrainians can apply for a new work permit in Canada:
How to Apply for New 3-year Open Work Permit for Ukrainians:
- Create an IRCC account online if you don’t have one already.
- Login and click “Apply to come to Canada” button then “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” to start application.
- Answer questions and select you are applying for a work permit for over 6-month stay. Choose your nationality and Canada as country of residence.
- Indicate current immigration status is “worker” and you want to apply for “open work permit”. Complete remaining questions.
- Download IMM 5710 form and fill it out carefully:
- Indicate applying for open work permit
- Provide personal details, passport, contact info
- List current work permit details
- Leave Section 9 blank for countries lived in unless applicable
- Indicate job and intended permit validity period under Ukraine 2022 special measures
- Answer questions accurately
- Validate IMM 5710 form before uploading it. Fix any errors.
- Prepare remaining documents:
- Passport copy
- Digital photo
- Screenshot of IRCC website for fee exemption (link above)
- Upload digital photo and passport copy as required documents.
- Upload screenshot or photo exempt letter as Proof of Fee Exemption document.
- Review whole application carefully then submit it online.
- Application will appear in your IRCC account under “submitted applications”.
- Wait for it to be processed. Could take several months so be patient.
Q: If my passport expires in September 2025 and my current work permit expires in September 2025, can I still apply now for the 3 year extension?
A: You will need to renew your passport first as work permit can only be extended up to three years or before the validity of your passport, whichever comes first.
Q: I already applied for a provincial nominee program but have not received a response yet. Can I still apply for the work permit extension?
A: Yes, you can and should still apply for the 3 year open work permit extension regardless of whether you have applied for a provincial nominee program. The work permit application is separate and applying will give you continued legal status in Canada while you await the nomination results.
Q: If my work permit was already issued for 3 years initially, can I still extend it by another 3 years under this policy?
A: Yes, even if you already received a 3 year work permit before, you are still eligible to apply for another extension of up to 3 more years based on this special public policy for Ukrainians in Canada. It is particularly important if your work permit expire soon.
Q: If my work permit restrictions say I can only work for 1 employer in 1 location, do I need to first apply to remove the restrictions before extending the work permit?
A: No, you do not need to apply for the restriction removal first in a separate application. You can request the additional 3 years without restrictions directly in the IMM 5710 form when applying for the work permit extension if you have CUEAT visa.
Q: Can those whose first work permit was also issued for 3 years extend for another 3 years? Or only those with less than 3 years originally?
A: Anyone who currently holds a valid temporary work permit can apply for an extension – whether your original work permit was for 1 year, 3 years, or any other validity period.
Q: Do I need to have an employer to apply for the extension or can anyone working in Canada apply? Is there a skills requirement?
A: You do not need a job offer to apply. The extension is open permit so anyone currently working in Canada on a temporary permit can apply, regardless of skill level or with or without an employer.
Q: If my work permit expires in 2025, do I still need to apply now for the 3 year extension or can I wait since it’s not expiring immediately?
A: Applying now is optional – you can wait until closer to your 2025 expiration date if you prefer. This policy allows the option to apply early but does not require applying right away. After March 31, 2024 CUAET program will be modified and you will be able to apply for any further extension using general criteria.
Q: Will provincial nominee programs still be open for Ukrainians after March 31st?
A: Yes, the deadline is only for applying for the open work permit extension. Provincial programs for Ukrainian nominees and settlement assistance under CUAET will remain open after March 31st.
Q: If my passport expires in September 2025 and work permit in September 2024, should I wait until 3 months before expiration to apply or can I apply now?
A: You can apply now, even though both passport and work permit expire later. Applying early is allowed. The new permit would be issued up to your passport expiration date.
Q: My work permit was issued under post-CUAET measures after mid July 2024. Am I still eligible?
A: Yes, the extension policy covers anyone in Canada under either initial CUAET permits or later post-CUAET permits – as long as you have a valid temporary work permit.
Q: If my current employer isn’t interested in extending my employment long-term, will I have problems getting the open work permit?
A: No, as it is an open permit not linked to any specific employer, lack of long-term job offer for your current employer will not negatively impact the application.
Q: Is there an option to extend my work permit for longer than 3 years through this policy if my passport remains valid longer?
A: No, unfortunately the maximum extension allowed under this special public policy is 3 additional years. Longer extensions are not available.
Q: My work permit was initially issued for 6 months. If I get the 3 year extension, will I need to reapply earlier than 3 years?
A: No, even if your original permit duration was less than 3 years, your extension will still be issued for the full 3 years allowed under the policy.
Q: Where I can watch Dmytro Malyk’s video?
A: Here is the link: Як отримати дозвіл на роботу в Канаді ще на три роки (тільки до 31 березня 2024) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNIjfELamL0
Q: My question was not answered here, what should I do?
A: Please review UCC FAQ: https://www.ucc.ca/frequently-asked-questions/ or contact your local settlement service worker for support
UPDATE: I recently came across another publication that provides a view of the situation from immigration consultants https://rcic-ua.ca/work-permit-extension-cuaet/ Since Dmitry Malyk informs people for free and has many positive reviews, everyone has the right to evaluate different views and make a decision. I have prepared an article to remind people about the deadline and to check if they need to extend their status. let me know if anyone has received an extension for more than three years, but be sure to apply if your permit is less than 3 years until March 31, 2024