Canada eases status rules for Ukrainians awaiting residency

The federal government has introduced a temporary step to help Ukrainians and their families stay legally in Canada while they wait for permanent residence decisions. The move aims to prevent people from losing their right to work or study during long processing times.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced the measure to support Ukrainian nationals and their spouses or dependent family members. The change allows eligible applicants to extend their temporary status and apply for work or study permits that they normally could not access from inside Canada.

Who the measure covers

The new rules apply only to Ukrainians and family members who already applied for permanent residence under a special program for those with family ties in Canada. That program opened to help people affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

To qualify under the new measure, applicants must fit into one of two situations.

In the first situation, the person still holds valid temporary status in Canada, such as a visitor, worker, or student. The rule also includes those who applied to restore their status within 90 days of losing it.

In the second situation, the person had valid temporary status when they submitted their permanent residence application but later lost that status. The rule also covers those who held valid status in the 90 days before they applied for permanent residence.

In both cases, applicants must submit their request from within Canada no later than March 31, 2026.

Fewer penalties, easier access

The government has removed several barriers under this measure. People who fall under the second situation will not face penalties for overstaying, working without permission, or studying without approval. Officials will also waive the usual 90-day deadline for restoring status.

Under both situations, applicants can request work permits or study permits from inside Canada without meeting the usual conditions. They can also apply even if they have not yet received an official notice confirming that the department received their permanent residence application.

Those who apply without valid status must still submit a request to restore their status at the same time.

Timeline and limits

The government put the policy in place on January 16, 2026. It will remain available until March 31, 2027. Like other temporary rules, the government can cancel it at any time.

Officials say the measure responds to ongoing delays and aims to reduce stress for families who already live in Canada and build their lives here.

Background on the special pathway

The permanent residence pathway for Ukrainians with family in Canada opened in October 2023 and closed one year later. It required applicants to apply from within Canada and show close family ties, such as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident relative, or a spouse or partner.

That program received more than 13,000 applications, covering nearly 24,000 people seeking permanent status.

It followed the earlier launch of the Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel in March 2022, which first allowed Ukrainians to come to Canada quickly during the early days of the war.