Canada Extends Temporary Status Until March 31, 2027 for Ukrainian Family Reunification Applicants

Canada has announced new measures to support Ukrainian nationals who applied for permanent residence through the family reunification pathway. Effective immediately, eligible applicants and their family members may extend their stay in Canada until March 31, 2027, while awaiting decisions on their permanent residence applications.

The announcement reinforces Canada’s continued humanitarian response following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provides stability for families rebuilding their lives in Canada.

What The Extension Allows

Under the new measures, eligible Ukrainians can apply from within Canada for:

• A new open work permit
• An extension of an existing work permit
• A new study permit
• An extension or restoration of temporary resident status

Crucially, these applications can be submitted even if applicants have not yet received an acknowledgement of receipt for their permanent residence application.

Why This Measure Matters

Many Ukrainian applicants face expiring status while waiting for permanent residence decisions. Without temporary status extensions, families risk losing work authorization, access to education, or lawful stay.

By allowing extensions until March 31, 2027, Canada is providing continuity and reducing uncertainty for families navigating long processing timelines.

The measures apply to Ukrainian nationals and their family members who applied under the family reunification pathway launched in October 2023. Standard processing fees apply, but applicants are not required to leave Canada to maintain status.

This flexibility reflects the extraordinary circumstances faced by displaced Ukrainians and Canada’s ongoing commitment to family unity.

Part of Canada’s Broader Ukraine Response

The policy builds on previous initiatives that provided emergency visas, work authorization, and settlement support to Ukrainians. While temporary, the new extension bridges the gap between temporary protection and permanent residence.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the goal is to ensure families can remain together while decisions are finalized.

What Applicants Should Do Next

Applicants should:

• Monitor the expiry date of their current status
• Apply early for extensions or new permits
• Ensure applications are complete to avoid delays

As processing continues, maintaining valid temporary status remains essential.

How the Extension Affects Work, Study, and Settlement Planning

The extension of temporary residence access until March 31, 2027 provides critical stability for Ukrainian applicants who are already contributing to Canadian society. Many individuals affected by the policy are currently employed in essential sectors such as healthcare, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing. Continued access to open work permits allows them to remain in the labour force without interruption, benefiting both workers and employers facing persistent shortages.

For families with children or young adults, the ability to apply for new or extended study permits ensures continuity in education and reduces disruption during an already difficult period. Importantly, allowing applications without an acknowledgement of receipt removes a major administrative barrier that previously left many applicants in legal uncertainty.

From a settlement perspective, the measure gives families time to establish stronger community ties while awaiting permanent residence decisions. Access to lawful status, employment, and education significantly improves integration outcomes and reduces reliance on emergency supports.

As processing timelines remain unpredictable, this extension signals a pragmatic approach that prioritizes family unity and stability. While the pathway remains temporary, the policy reflects Canada’s continued willingness to adapt immigration tools to humanitarian realities while maintaining structured decision-making for permanent residence.

Waiting for a Decision Under the Ukrainian Family Reunification Pathway?

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