Canada Expands Temporary Status Options for Ukrainians Waiting on Family Reunification
Canada has quietly made an important adjustment to how Ukrainian nationals and their families can remain in the country while permanent residence applications are being processed.
For Ukrainians who applied under the family reunification pathway, this change provides much-needed certainty: you may now be able to extend or restore your legal status in Canada—even if your permanent residence file is still pending.
A Practical Shift, Not a New Program
Rather than creating a new immigration stream, the federal government has expanded access to temporary residence for Ukrainians who already applied for permanent residence through family reunification.
In simple terms, this means eligible applicants do not have to sit in limbo or risk falling out of status while waiting for a final decision.
The policy recognizes a reality many families are facing: processing delays should not force people to stop working, withdraw from school, or leave Canada unexpectedly.
What Options Are Now Available?
If you are in Canada and have applied under the Ukrainian family reunification pathway, you may now be able to apply for:
An open work permit, allowing you to work for almost any employer
A work permit extension, if your current permit is expiring
A study permit, or an extension of one already issued
Restoration or extension of temporary resident status, if your status has expired or is about to
These applications can generally be submitted from inside Canada, and you do not need confirmation that your permanent residence application has been formally opened before applying.
How Long Does This Window Stay Open?
These temporary status options are available until March 31, 2027.
That date matters. Missing it could mean losing access to simplified in-Canada applications and facing stricter rules later on.
Why This Matters for Families in Canada
For Ukrainian families, this update provides more than administrative flexibility—it provides stability. It allows individuals to:
Keep their jobs and income
Continue their education without disruption
Maintain lawful status while caring for family members
Avoid unnecessary removals or last-minute applications
For many, this is the difference between building a future in Canada and living under constant uncertainty.
Common Mistakes We’re Seeing
Even with expanded access, temporary residence applications can still go wrong. We are seeing applicants struggle with:
Applying under the wrong permit category
Missing restoration deadlines
Assuming status is “automatic” while waiting for PR
Submitting incomplete or inconsistent applications
Each of these errors can negatively affect future immigration applications—including permanent residence.
How Ayodele Law Can Support You
At Ayodele Law, we help Ukrainian nationals and their families across Toronto and Canada protect their status while long-term immigration applications are in progress.
Our work includes:
Reviewing eligibility for in-Canada work and study permits
Preparing extensions and restorations of status
Coordinating temporary applications with permanent residence files
Reducing risk while navigating prolonged processing times
If you are unsure whether you should apply now—or what type of application is safest for your situation—getting legal advice early can make a meaningful difference.
If you are a Ukrainian national in Canada awaiting a family reunification decision and need help maintaining your legal status, contact Ayodele Law to discuss your options.