Immigration to Canada for Ukrainians: What are the options in 2026?

Since 2022, many Ukrainians have settled in Canada in search of safety and stability. Many now wish to extend their stay, obtain permanent residence, or leave Quebec to establish themselves elsewhere in Canada.

However, immigration rules are changing rapidly, and many Ukrainians are unaware of which options remain available after the expiration of temporary measures introduced by the Canadian government.

This article presents certain immigration options for Ukrainians in Canada in 2026, including solutions for those wishing to leave Quebec.

Ukrainians in Canada: temporary status or permanent residence?

Many Ukrainians arrived in Canada through special measures implemented after the conflict, including the CUAET (Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel). However, many individuals still hold only temporary status:

• open work permit
• study permit
• visitor status

A temporary status does not automatically lead to permanent residence. In most cases, a new application must be submitted under an economic immigration program, family sponsorship, or humanitarian grounds. Consult Immigration Encima for assistance with permanent residence applications in Canada.

1. Express Entry: an important option for skilled Ukrainians

The Express Entry system remains one of the main pathways to permanent residence for Ukrainians who, for example:

• have skilled work experience
• speak English or French
• have post-secondary education
• have Canadian work experience

The main programs under Express Entry are:

• the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• the Federal Skilled Worker Program
• the Federal Skilled Trades Program

Many Ukrainians have benefited from open work permits under public policy measures. What many do not realize is that Canadian work experience accumulated in Canada may sometimes be sufficient to become eligible for Express Entry.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Several Canadian provinces offer Provincial Nominee Programs that allow them to select foreign workers based on local labour market needs.

Ukrainians already working in Canada may sometimes obtain:

• a provincial nomination
• a simplified pathway to permanent residence
• additional points under Express Entry

Some provinces also have large Ukrainian communities, which can facilitate integration.

3. Family sponsorship

Ukrainians who have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse may sometimes be eligible for family sponsorship.

Sponsorship may apply to:

• a spouse or common-law partner
• certain children
• in limited cases, other family members

The process must be carefully prepared, as authorities closely verify the authenticity of relationships.

4. Humanitarian and compassionate applications (H&C)

Some Ukrainian nationals may consider applying on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

This type of application may be relevant when:

• returning to Ukraine would create significant hardship
• the person is well established in Canada
• children are involved and may face hardship
• there are exceptional humanitarian factors

However, H&C applications are discretionary and require strong preparation. Immigration Encima is a specialist in complex immigration cases such as humanitarian applications.

5. Refugee claims for certain Ukrainians

In some specific situations, a Ukrainian may consider making a refugee claim in Canada.

However, it is important to understand that:

• each case is assessed individually
• personal circumstances are crucial
• the existence of an armed conflict does not automatically guarantee approval

A poor strategy may have serious consequences on future immigration options. It is therefore advisable to consult an asylum claim consultant in Quebec City.

In refugee matters, Immigration Encima offers:

• initial assessment to determine whether this is the appropriate remedy
• full preparation and submission of the claim
• representation at hearings before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD)
• representation on appeal before the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD)
• Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)
• loss of refugee status cases
• exclusion clauses (Articles E or F of the Convention)
• inadmissibility issues affecting asylum seekers

Ukrainians wishing to leave Quebec: what are the options?

Many Ukrainians initially settled in Quebec now wish to move to another Canadian province. The reasons vary: stricter immigration rules in Quebec, difficulty with French, and more.

Potential advantages of leaving Quebec

For some Ukrainians, leaving Quebec may open more options:

Access to federal immigration programs

• Access to Express Entry
• French language skills learned in Quebec may increase Express Entry points and improve eligibility under Francophone streams

Exemption from meeting the requirements of the Government of Quebec

• No need for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) from the MIFI
• No requirement to meet Quebec-specific French criteria

Wider range of provincial programs

• Eligibility for certain PNP streams.

Immigration Encima supports Ukrainians in Canada

Immigration Encima represents Ukrainian nationals in:

• complex inadmissibility cases
• permanent residence applications
• Express Entry
• provincial immigration programs
• humanitarian applications
• immigration appeals and remedies
• proceedings before the IRB (CISR)

Each situation is different. A personalized analysis can reveal options that are often overlooked.

Ukrainians at risk of inadmissibility in Canada

Some Ukrainians in Canada may face inadmissibility, which can lead to loss of status and removal proceedings. Certain criminal charges in Canada, such as impaired driving, can also have serious immigration consequences, including for permanent residents.

Grounds of inadmissibility can include:

• serious criminality
• misrepresentation
• security concerns
• organized criminality

Immigration Encima represents clients when inadmissibility issues arise in contexts such as:

• procedural fairness letters
• immigration division hearings (ID)
• appeals before the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)
• visa or permanent residence refusals

Immigration Encima assists Ukrainians facing complex immigration situations, particularly inadmissibility and Canadian immigration remedies. Clients value the time dedicated to analyzing their situation and developing a legal strategy.

Why choose Immigration Encima?

• A key advantage of working with Immigration Encima is that it is an immigration firm specialized in inadmissibility matters (criminality, security, organized crime, misrepresentation, etc.).
• Most immigration firms do not offer legal services related to inadmissibility or complex immigration litigation. Immigration Encima’s regulated Canadian immigration consultant specializes in inadmissibility cases in Quebec.
• Whether through a procedural fairness letter or an immigration division hearing, we represent and defend your interests.
• Many people look for an immigration lawyer in Quebec but face limited availability in immigration law services. We hold IRB (CISR) authorization to represent clients before immigration tribunals, including hearings before the Immigration Division (ID) and appeals before the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD).

Key takeaways

• Ukrainians in Canada still have several immigration options in 2026
• Temporary status does not automatically lead to permanent residence
• Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs remain key pathways
• Leaving Quebec may open additional options, but the decision must be carefully evaluated
• Each case must be analyzed individually
• Immigration Encima is a Quebec-city-based immigration firm specializing in Ukrainian immigration pathways
• It is advisable to act quickly before status expires

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each situation is unique. Consult a regulated immigration professional for an assessment tailored to your case.

¹ Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2026). Express Entry: category-based selection rounds. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html