Canada Expands Temporary Residence Options for Ukrainian Family Reunification Applicants

Key Point 

• Canada extended temporary residence options for Ukrainian nationals and eligible family members with pending permanent residence applications under the Ukrainian family reunification pathway. 

Ukrainians in Canada  

On January 16, 2026, Canada introduced updated measures for Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members who applied for permanent residence under the Ukrainian family reunification pathway. These measures are intended to prevent gaps in legal status and support continued residence, work and study in Canada while permanent residence applications remain under review. 

Under the update, eligible individuals already in Canada may apply for or extend temporary resident status, including open work permits, study permits and visitor status, until March 31, 2027. 

Eligibility for Ukrainians in Canada  

The extension applies to: 

• Ukrainian nationals who submitted permanent residence applications under the family reunification pathway 
• Their spouses and dependent family members are currently in Canada 

Temporary Residence Options 

Eligible individuals may apply for: 

• Open work permits (new applications or extensions) 
• Study permits 
• Visitor status extensions or restorations 

These options are available within Canada through March 31, 2027. 

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