Canada Introduces Temporary Relief Measure to Help Ukrainians Maintain Legal Status
The federal government has announced a new temporary immigration measure aimed at helping Ukrainian nationals and their family members remain legally in Canada while their permanent residence applications are being processed.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that this policy simplifies access to work permits and study permits for eligible Ukrainians who would normally not qualify to apply from inside Canada or who may have lost their temporary status.
Who Is Covered Under the New Measure?
The temporary policy applies to Ukrainian nationals and their spouses or dependent family members who have applied for permanent residence through the special public policy designed for Ukrainians with family ties in Canada.
This pathway was created to support families impacted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and allows eligible applicants to regularize their status while awaiting permanent residence decisions.
Two Eligibility Scenarios Explained
To benefit from the temporary measure, applicants must fall under one of the following scenarios:
Scenario One: Valid or Recently Restored Status
Applicants qualify if they:
- Are currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status, or
- Have applied to restore their status within the standard 90-day restoration period
Scenario Two: Status Lost After PR Application
Applicants may also qualify if they:
- Had valid temporary resident status when submitting their permanent residence application, and later lost that status, or
- Held valid temporary resident status within the 90 days prior to submitting their PR application
Applicants under this scenario must submit their application from within Canada on or before March 31, 2026.
Key Exemptions Under the Policy
One of the most significant aspects of this measure is the broad set of exemptions granted to eligible applicants.
Under this policy:
- Applicants are exempt from inadmissibility related to overstaying, unauthorized work, or unauthorized study
- Restoration of status requirements, including the 90-day limit, are waived for those in scenario two
- Applicants may apply for work permits or study permits from within Canada, even if they would normally be required to apply from outside the country
These exemptions apply to individuals under both eligibility scenarios.
Flexibility While PR Applications Are Pending
Eligible Ukrainian nationals may apply for a work permit or study permit even if they have not yet received an acknowledgement of receipt for their permanent residence application.
Applicants who no longer hold valid temporary status must submit a restoration request together with their work or study permit application.
This flexibility ensures that families can continue working, studying, and supporting themselves while awaiting immigration decisions.
Timeline and Validity of the Measure
The temporary public policy came into effect on January 16, 2026, and is scheduled to remain in place until March 31, 2027.
As with all temporary public policies, the government retains the authority to amend or revoke the measure at any time.
Background: Ukrainian PR Pathway in Canada
The permanent residence pathway for Ukrainians with family in Canada was first introduced in October 2023 and remained open until October 2024.
To qualify, applicants were required to:
- Apply from within Canada
- Have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member in Canada, or
- Be the spouse, common-law partner, or widow of an eligible Ukrainian national
More than 13,000 applications were submitted under this policy, representing nearly 24,000 individuals seeking permanent residence or permanent resident visas.
This initiative followed earlier humanitarian measures such as the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, launched in March 2022.
What This Means for Ukrainian Families in Canada
The new temporary measure provides much-needed stability for Ukrainian nationals and their families, allowing them to legally remain, work, and study in Canada while their permanent residence applications are under review.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure their documentation is complete and submitted within the specified timelines to benefit from the policy.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
