Canada Extends Temporary Status for Ukrainians Awaiting PR

Published by: Can X Global Solutions Inc.

If you applied under Canada’s Ukrainian family reunification permanent residence pathway, this update is meant to give you relief, stability, and time.

In January 2026, the Government of Canada announced new temporary residence measures allowing eligible Ukrainian nationals — and their family members — to remain in Canada legally while waiting for a decision on their PR application. These changes recognize the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the reality that many families are still rebuilding their lives.

This is not a new PR program. It is a status-protection measure designed to ensure you can continue working, studying, or staying in Canada without disruption.

Why This Matters

Many Ukrainian applicants have been living in Canada on temporary status while their permanent residence applications are still being processed. Until now, uncertainty around status expiry created stress and risk.

These new measures ensure you are not forced out of status simply because your PR file is still in progress. Canada is clearly signalling that family unity and continuity matter, especially in humanitarian situations.

Who Is Covered

You may benefit from these measures if:

You applied for or were included in the Ukrainian family reunification PR pathway
You are currently in Canada
Your PR application is still under processing

Importantly, you do not need to wait for an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) on your PR application to use these temporary options.

What You Can Apply For

If you are eligible, you have until March 31, 2027 to apply from inside Canada for one of the following:

A new open work permit
An extension of an existing work permit
A new study permit
An extension of your temporary resident status
Restoration of status, if your status has already expired

These applications allow you to work, study, or stay in Canada legally while your permanent residence application continues to be processed.

Standard government fees apply.

Open Work Permit Option

The open work permit option is especially important.

You may apply:

For a new open work permit
To extend your current open work permit
To restore your status and apply for an open work permit at the same time

An open work permit is not employer-specific, which gives you flexibility to support yourself and your family while remaining compliant with immigration rules.

Study and Visitor Status Options

If you or your family members plan to study, you may apply for a new study permit or an extension.

If you are not working or studying, you can still apply to extend your stay as a visitor, ensuring you remain legally in Canada while waiting for PR.

All of these options are made available under a special public policy announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

What This Policy Does (and Does Not) Do

This policy:

Lets you stay in Canada legally
Allows you to work or study
Prevents gaps in status while PR is processing

This policy does not:

Grant permanent residence automatically
Speed up PR processing timelines
Replace the need to maintain valid status

It is a bridge, not the final outcome.

Key Takeaway

Canada is reaffirming its commitment to Ukrainians with family ties in Canada by ensuring no one is left without status while waiting for permanent residence.

If you applied under the Ukrainian family reunification pathway, you now have a clear and lawful way to remain in Canada, continue working or studying, and keep your family together until a final PR decision is made.

How Can X Global Helps

Humanitarian and special public policy applications often look simple — but small mistakes can still lead to refusals or loss of status.

Can X Global has been helping people succeed in Canada for more than a decade, including families navigating complex temporary and permanent residence pathways during uncertain times.

We help you: