967,000 approved visas and over 304,000 Ukrainians who actually arrived in Canada through CUAET since March 2022. That’s more than the population of cities like Chernivtsi or Rivne - an entire Ukrainian city scattered from Toronto to Vancouver. And now tens of thousands of them face a single question: how do you stay in Canada when your temporary status runs out?
Work permits, study permits, the transition to permanent residence - each of these steps requires translated documents that IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) will accept without pushback. And here’s where it gets tricky: wrong translator - rejection, wrong format - rejection, translated by a relative - also rejection.
Let’s break down what CUAET is, what documents you need at each stage, who’s allowed to translate them, and how much it costs.
What is CUAET and where does it stand now¶
CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) is a special program launched by the Canadian government in March 2022 in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The idea was simple: give Ukrainians the ability to come, work, and study without the usual visa red tape.
As IRCC states:
Canada has introduced special immigration measures to help Ukrainians and their family members come to Canada as quickly as possible and to help those who are already here extend their stay.
New CUAET applications closed on July 15, 2023. But for those already in Canada, extended measures are still in place. Here’s what’s current:
| What you can do | Deadline | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for a new open work permit (up to 3 years) | March 31, 2026 | Arrived before March 31, 2024 |
| Renew an existing work permit | March 31, 2026 | Hold valid temporary status |
| Apply for a study permit | March 31, 2026 | Arrived before March 31, 2024 |
| Apply for PR through Family Reunification | Closed | Intake closed October 22, 2024 |
Fee exemptions for work and study permits ended on December 31, 2024 - standard fees now apply.
According to CIC News:
Ukrainians who arrived in Canada through the CUAET program before March 31, 2024, now have until March 31, 2026, to apply for a new open work permit valid for up to three years.
If you arrived after March 31, 2024, you unfortunately don’t qualify for these extended measures and need to go through standard immigration programs.
Which documents need to be translated for CUAET¶
IRCC’s core rule is rock-solid: all documents must be in English or French. Everything else needs a translation. Here’s what Ukrainians typically need to translate for different applications:
For an Open Work Permit¶
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (biographical page) | Yes | Valid passport |
| Previous CUAET authorization | Yes | Proof of status |
| Birth certificate | As needed | If name changed or for identity verification |
| Marriage/divorce certificate | As needed | To confirm marital status |
| IMM 5707 (Family Information) | Yes | Filled in English, but attachments need translation |
| Medical documents | As needed | If IRCC requests a medical exam |
For a Study Permit¶
On top of the above, add:
- Letter of acceptance from a Canadian educational institution - usually already in English
- Translation of your Ukrainian diploma or school certificate - if applying based on Ukrainian education
- Academic transcript from your Ukrainian university
For PR transition (Express Entry / PNP)¶
This is where the package gets serious. You’ll need to translate:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Identity verification |
| Marriage/divorce certificate | Marital status |
| Police certificate from Ukraine | Criminal record check |
| Diploma + diploma supplement | For Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) |
| Employment records or work references | Proof of work experience |
| Reference letters from employers | For Express Entry |
| Children’s birth certificates | If applying with family |
The full document checklist for your specific application is generated through the IRCC portal - you answer questions and get a personalized list.
Pro tip: when filling out the Open Work Permit form, enter “UKRAINE 2022” as the Job title and “Ukraine 2022 public policy - open work permit” in the Brief description of duties field. This isn’t a joke - it’s what IRCC requires.
IRCC translation requirements: who can translate your documents¶
Canada has some of the strictest document translation requirements among English-speaking countries. Compare this with USCIS requirements in the US, where practically anyone “competent” can translate - Canada is far more demanding.
As IRCC states:
If documents are not in English or French, you must send a certified translation with the documents. A certified translator who is a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada.
Option 1: Certified translator (most reliable)¶
This is a translator who’s a member of a provincial or territorial translators’ association in Canada. The main ones:
| Association | Province | Website |
|---|---|---|
| ATIO | Ontario | atio.on.ca |
| OTTIAQ | Quebec | ottiaq.org |
| STIBC | British Columbia | stibc.org |
| ATIA | Alberta | atia.ab.ca |
| CTTIC | National council | cttic.org |
A translation from a certified translator already comes with a stamp and registration number. No additional certification needed. You order, you receive, you submit.
Option 2: Regular translator + affidavit¶
If there’s no certified translator with Ukrainian in your city (and in small Canadian towns, that’s a real possibility) - you can use any competent translator. But then you need an affidavit.
An affidavit is a sworn document where the translator confirms under oath that the translation is accurate and complete. Requirements:
- The translator signs a statement that the translation is a “true and complete reflection of the original document”
- The signature is witnessed by a notary public or commissioner of oaths
- The affidavit includes: translator’s full name, languages, date, and contact information
As IRCC explains:
An affidavit for a translation is a document that says the translation is a true and accurate version of the original text. The translator swears that their translation is a true and accurate representation of the contents of the original document.
Who CANNOT translate - this is critical¶
IRCC explicitly prohibits translations from:
- You yourself - even if you’re a certified translator
- Family members - spouse, parents, children, any relative
- Your immigration consultant or lawyer
Here’s a scenario that plays out all the time: wife is a professional translator with an ATIO certification. She translates her husband’s documents. IRCC sends the application back - conflict of interest. Qualification level doesn’t matter - if you’re a relative of the applicant, you can’t translate their documents.
Machine translation¶
Google Translate, DeepL, ChatGPT or Claude - IRCC doesn’t accept any machine translation. Even if a human reviewed and edited it afterwards - it doesn’t count as “human” translation. Only hand-translated from start to finish.
How much does document translation for CUAET cost¶
Prices depend on the province, language pair, document complexity, and urgency. Here’s an approximate price guide for 2027:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Translation by certified translator (ATIO/OTTIAQ) | $30-60 CAD per page |
| Translation by regular translator | $20-40 CAD per page |
| Affidavit (notarization) | $10-25 CAD per document |
| Online translation services | from $10-25 CAD per page |
| Rush translation (24-48 hours) | +50-100% on top of regular price |
A typical package for a single Open Work Permit applicant (passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate) runs 3-5 pages. That’s roughly $90-250 CAD in translations.
For PR transition, the package is bigger (add diploma, diploma supplement, employment records, police certificate) - that’s 8-15 pages and $250-600 CAD.
Total cost breakdown (Open Work Permit)¶
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Open Work Permit fee | $255 CAD |
| Biometrics (if not done before) | $85 CAD |
| Document translation (3-5 pages) | $90-250 CAD |
| Affidavit (if needed) | $10-25 CAD |
| Total | $440-615 CAD |
Until December 31, 2024, permit fees were $0 for CUAET holders. Now you pay standard rates.
For comparison with other countries: - Translation for USCIS (USA) - $25-39 USD per page, simpler requirements - Translation for Germany - €30-60 per page, sworn translator only - Translation for Australia - $30-50 AUD, NAATI certification required
The path from CUAET to permanent residence: what you need to know¶
Here’s the big question on every Ukrainian’s mind in Canada: CUAET is a temporary status. There’s no dedicated PR (Permanent Residence) pathway specifically for CUAET holders. You need to apply through standard channels.
Express Entry¶
The most popular route. The system evaluates candidates through CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) - factoring in age, education, work experience, language, and Canadian experience. Your CUAET open work permit lets you build Canadian work experience - and that’s a serious CRS boost.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)¶
Each province runs its own programs. For example, Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) or Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). A PNP nomination adds 600 points to your CRS - that’s practically a guaranteed invitation.
PR documents - a separate package¶
If you’re already working in Canada and preparing for PR, you’ll need an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) to evaluate your Ukrainian diploma. Your diploma and supplement get translated and sent to WES (World Education Services) or another recognized organization. More on this process in the article about Express Entry for Ukrainians.
As CBC News reports:
Ukrainian emergency visa holders need better pathway to permanent residency. The federal government says it expects those visa holders to return to their home country when the war ends.
The reality: Canada’s government officially expects CUAET holders to return home when the war ends. But at the same time, it keeps extending support measures and isn’t deporting Ukrainians. It’s a diplomatic balancing act, and you have time to build experience and prepare your PR documents.
Step-by-step: how to apply for an Open Work Permit under CUAET¶
Step 1: Check your eligibility¶
You’re eligible if: - You arrived in Canada through CUAET before March 31, 2024 - You’re currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status - You have a valid passport
Step 2: Gather your original documents¶
Make sure you have originals or certified true copies of all documents. If something’s still in Ukraine, you can get it through the consulate or DP “Document”. For documents from Diia - check whether IRCC accepts digital copies (the practice is still inconsistent).
Step 3: Order your translation¶
Two paths:
In Canada - through association directories: - ATIO Directory for Ontario - OTTIAQ for Quebec - CTTIC for nationwide search
Look for a translator with the Ukrainian-English language pair. In major cities (Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Edmonton), you’ll find one. In smaller towns - it’s tougher.
Online - order a remote translation. On ChatsControl, upload your document, get a translation with AI quality review, then arrange an affidavit with any local notary. This works well if there’s no Ukrainian translator in your area.
Step 4: Get the affidavit (if your translator isn’t certified)¶
Go to a notary public or commissioner of oaths. The translator signs a sworn statement, the notary witnesses the signature. Cost: $10-25 CAD. Heads up: some notaries don’t know what a translation affidavit is - show them the IRCC requirements.
Step 5: Submit your application online¶
- Log into your IRCC Secure Account
- Answer the questions - you’ll get a personalized checklist
- Fill out form IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay as a Worker)
- Enter “UKRAINE 2022” in the Job title field
- Upload all documents with translations
- Pay the $255 CAD fee
Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks, but can stretch to several months in complex cases.
Common mistakes Ukrainians make - and how to avoid them¶
1. Translation by a relative¶
As we already covered: even if your brother is an ATIO-certified translator, he can’t translate your documents. IRCC flags this automatically as a conflict of interest. Result: returned application and lost time.
2. Missing the deadline¶
March 31, 2026 is the application submission date, not the approval date. If you submit on March 30 at 11:59 PM - you’re fine. But if you miss it - that’s it, these special measures close for you.
3. Incomplete translation¶
IRCC requires word-for-word translation. That means everything on the document gets translated - text, seals, stamps, handwritten notes. If your Soviet-era birth certificate has a half-readable stamp on the side - that needs to be translated too, or marked as “[illegible stamp]”.
4. Filling out the form incorrectly¶
“Ukraine 2022 public policy” is a specific phrase you need to enter in the form. If you write something else (like just “work permit”), your application might be processed under general rules instead of the special CUAET measures. That means longer wait times and more complexity.
5. Translation done in Ukraine without an affidavit¶
A translation done in Ukraine with a notarial certification isn’t enough for Canada. You need either a certified Canadian translator or an affidavit. A Ukrainian notarial translation on its own isn’t recognized by IRCC. You’ll need to either get a new translation in Canada or find a way to add an affidavit to the existing one.
What comes next: after getting your work permit¶
A work permit isn’t the finish line - it’s a tool. Here’s what you should be doing in parallel:
Build Canadian work experience - every year of work in Canada adds points to your CRS for Express Entry. One year already gives you access to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Take a language test - IELTS or CELPIP. CLB 7+ seriously boosts your PR chances.
Prepare ECA documents - getting your Ukrainian diploma assessed through WES or another organization takes 2-3 months. Don’t wait.
Watch the PNP streams - Provincial Nominee Programs regularly open new streams. Some provinces (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Atlantic provinces) have lower requirements than Ontario or BC.
Save EVERY document - every translation, every affidavit, every receipt. When you transition to PR, you’ll need the full package, and it’s better to have too many documents than to scramble for them under a deadline.
There’s no dedicated PR pathway yet, but pressure on the government is growing. In the meantime - build your experience, your document portfolio, and your language skills.
FAQ¶
Is the CUAET program still active?¶
New CUAET applications closed on July 15, 2023. But for those who arrived in Canada before March 31, 2024, extended measures are in place: you can apply for an Open Work Permit or Study Permit until March 31, 2026. After that date, you’ll need to go through standard immigration programs.
Who can translate my documents for IRCC?¶
Either a certified translator who’s a member of a provincial/territorial association (ATIO, OTTIAQ, STIBC, CTTIC), or any competent translator with a properly executed affidavit (a sworn document witnessed by a notary). You, your family members, or your immigration consultant cannot translate your documents - IRCC considers this a conflict of interest.
How much does document translation for CUAET cost?¶
From a certified translator: $30-60 CAD per page. From a regular translator with an affidavit: $20-40 CAD per page plus $10-25 CAD for notarization. A typical Open Work Permit package (3-5 pages) runs $90-250 CAD. On ChatsControl, you can get a translation faster and more affordably, then arrange the affidavit with a local notary.
Can I reuse a translation from a previous application?¶
Yes, if the document hasn’t changed (same certificate, same passport). But if you got a new certificate or new reference - you need a fresh translation. Also check that the translation format meets the specific requirements of the application you’re filing (for example, PR through Express Entry may have different requirements than an Open Work Permit).
How do I transition from CUAET to permanent residence?¶
There’s no dedicated pathway. You need to apply through standard channels: Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), or humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Canadian work experience gained under a CUAET permit counts toward your CRS score for Express Entry.
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