A Brief Guide for Applicants (Osuji & Smith Immigration Division)
Canada continues to support Ukrainians affected by the war through special immigration measures. One key measure introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the Temporary public policy to facilitate access to temporary residence for certain Ukrainians and their family members who have applied under the family-based permanent residence pathway.
This policy helps eligible applicants maintain or restore temporary resident status while their permanent residence (PR) application is being processed.
Why This Policy Was Introduced
In October 2023, IRCC created a special PR pathway for certain Ukrainian nationals with family in Canada. Thousands applied. However, many applicants faced expiring work, study, or visitor status while waiting for PR decisions.
This new public policy ensures eligible individuals can:
- Remain legally in Canada
- Apply for or renew work permits
- Apply for or renew study permits
- Restore lost status in certain cases
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify if:
You Applied for PR Under the Ukrainian Family Pathway
You must:
- Be a Ukrainian national (or spouse/common-law partner),
- Have a PR application accepted into processing (not withdrawn or refused), and
- Be physically in Canada.
You Have Valid Status — or Recently Lost It
You qualify if you:
- Have valid temporary resident status; OR
- Applied to restore status within 90 days of losing it.
You Lost Status After Applying for PR (Key Relief Provision)
You may still qualify if:
- You had valid status when you submitted your PR application,
- You later lost status (or lost it within 90 days before filing PR), and
- You apply in Canada on or before March 31, 2026, for restoration and/or a work or study permit.
Under this category, IRCC may exempt you from:
- The 90-day restoration deadline
- Inadmissibility for overstaying
- Inadmissibility for unauthorized work or study
This is significant relief for applicants who are currently out of status.
What This Policy Does Not Do
Applicants must still meet all other admissibility requirements, including:
- Criminality
- Security
- Medical requirements
- Misrepresentation rules
This is not automatic approval — it is discretionary.
Important Dates
- March 31, 2026 – Deadline to apply for restoration/work or study permits under this policy
- March 31, 2027 – Policy expires
How Osuji & Smith Can Assist
If you have:
- Lost your temporary status,
- Worked without authorization while waiting for PR, or
- Are unsure whether you qualify under this public policy,
Legal guidance is strongly recommended. Restoration beyond 90 days requires careful strategy and proper submissions.
At Osuji & Smith Immigration Division, we help Ukrainian applicants preserve their legal status and protect their pathway to permanent residence.
Osuji & Smith Immigration Division
Guiding Families. Securing Status. Protecting Futures.