On March 31, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced a further extension of its temporary immigration measures for Ukrainians. The update offers short-term stability to those already in Canada, but recent comments from the Minister of Immigration Lena Metlege Diab make clear that the government continues to view these measures as temporary rather than a pathway to permanent settlement.
Under the revised policy, Ukrainians and their family members who arrived through the Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel before December 31, 2024, and who currently hold valid temporary resident status, now have until March 31, 2027 to apply for an extension of their open work permits. Those who qualify may get a new work permit valid for up to three years from the date of issuance.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Canada has welcomed close to 300,000 Ukrainians under emergency programs designed to provide immediate safety and access to employment. From the beginning, these measures were framed as temporary, reflecting an expectation that individuals would return to Ukraine once conditions allow. That framing has not changed.
Government policy continues to emphasize that Ukrainians are permitted to live and work in Canada “while they remain in Canada”, language that signals no formal shift toward permanent resettlement. In a recent interview, Minister Diab acknowledged that many Ukrainians are likely to remain in Canada long term, but she stopped short of committing to a dedicated permanent residence program.
Instead, the federal government maintains that those wishing to stay permanently must rely on existing immigration pathways, including Express Entry, provincial nominee programs, and family sponsorship. A statement from the minister’s office reiterated that individuals who arrived under the emergency authorization already have access to these programs and that thousands have applied through them.
In practice, however, many face significant barriers. Canada’s economic immigration system is highly competitive, and eligibility often depends on factors such as age, language proficiency, and skilled work experience. As a result, a substantial portion of those who arrived under the emergency measures do not meet the thresholds required to qualify.
Advocacy groups have called on the government to introduce a tailored pathway similar to those previously created for other humanitarian groups. So far, no such program has been announced.
For Ukrainians currently in Canada, the extension to 2027 provides important but limited certainty. It allows families to continue working, supporting themselves, and integrating into Canadian society. At the same time, it reinforces the need for careful, forward-looking immigration planning.
Maintaining valid status remains essential. Individuals must ensure that their work permits, visitor records, or study permits are up to date, and that the same is true for all family members. This is particularly important for children, who must hold appropriate status to remain in Canada. Once a child turns 18, a study permit is required to continue attending school, even at the secondary level.
Eligibility for the new work permit extension is restricted. Applicants must have entered Canada under the emergency measures before the end of 2024, must hold valid temporary status, and must already have a valid open work permit issued under the relevant public policy at the time of application. They must also be physically present in Canada both when they apply and when a decision is made. The new policy allows for only one extension under these measures, although individuals who applied before March 31, 2026 under earlier rules may still apply once more under the updated framework before the 2027 deadline.
Work permits issued under the program cannot extend beyond the validity of an applicant’s passport or biometrics, making it important for individuals to renew these documents in advance where necessary. Applications must be submitted online, and standard government fees apply.
For those who encounter difficulties in extending their work permits, obtaining timely legal advice is critical. In certain cases, negative decisions may be successfully challenged through judicial review at the Federal Court. However, strict deadlines apply. A notice of application must generally be filed within 15 days of receiving a refusal, and missing this window can significantly limit available legal options.
Since 2022 Canada has placed Ukraine on its administrative deferral of removals list, meaning that, in general, individuals are not being deported to Ukraine at this time. However, this protection is not absolute and does not apply in cases involving certain inadmissibility issues or serious non-compliance with immigration requirements.
While the extension does not resolve the uncertainty surrounding long-term status, it does provide additional time. For many, that time will be used to gain Canadian work experience, improve language skills, and explore immigration options that may eventually lead to permanent residence.
Olha Senyshyn
Lawyer and notary public at CGS Law in Toronto, specializing in immigration and refugee law
