IRCC has released detailed guidance on a temporary public policy that allows certain Ukrainians holding open work permits to apply for a single three-year extension between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027. Eligibility is limited to individuals who received a work permit under prior Canada–Ukraine emergency measures and who arrived in Canada no later than 31 December 2024 (or 31 March 2024, depending on the original policy stream).
![IRCC Clarifies One-Time Work-Permit Renewal Path for Ukrainians in Canada]()
For Ukrainians and their employers navigating these evolving requirements, VisaHQ can streamline the process by providing step-by-step online application support, personalized document checklists, and real-time status tracking; more information is available at https://www.visahq.com/canada/
Applicants must be physically present in Canada both when they file and when a decision is made. Unlike earlier CUAET measures, the new policy is not an "automatic extension" and does not apply to visitor records or study permits. Standard processing fees will be charged, and renewals cannot exceed the validity of passports or biometrics. For employers, the clarification removes uncertainty about staff whose permits were due to expire this year, enabling better workforce-planning in sectors—such as agriculture and manufacturing—that hired large numbers of Ukrainian workers in 2024. Mobility teams should confirm employees have not previously used the one-time extension, as repeat applications will be refused. Advocacy groups have urged IRCC to broaden the policy to include family members on visitor status, but officials say additional measures are still under review.
For Ukrainians and their employers navigating these evolving requirements, VisaHQ can streamline the process by providing step-by-step online application support, personalized document checklists, and real-time status tracking; more information is available at https://www.visahq.com/canada/
Applicants must be physically present in Canada both when they file and when a decision is made. Unlike earlier CUAET measures, the new policy is not an "automatic extension" and does not apply to visitor records or study permits. Standard processing fees will be charged, and renewals cannot exceed the validity of passports or biometrics. For employers, the clarification removes uncertainty about staff whose permits were due to expire this year, enabling better workforce-planning in sectors—such as agriculture and manufacturing—that hired large numbers of Ukrainian workers in 2024. Mobility teams should confirm employees have not previously used the one-time extension, as repeat applications will be refused. Advocacy groups have urged IRCC to broaden the policy to include family members on visitor status, but officials say additional measures are still under review.
