Do you need to return your CUAET visa if you have left Canada?

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) is a unique emergency support program introduced by the Canadian government in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This program allows Ukrainians and their family members to temporarily stay in Canada with the right to work and study until it is safe to return home. The question of whether to return a CUAET visa when leaving Canada is important for thousands of Ukrainians who have received this status and may be considering different options for their future.

Nature and characteristics of the CUAET visa

The CUAET is not a standard tourist visa, but a special type of Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) designed for exceptional circumstances. This visa has unique characteristics that distinguish it from regular Canadian visas. First, it allows you to stay in Canada for up to three years per visit, which is significantly longer than the standard six-month period for tourists. Second, the visa is often issued for up to ten years or until the passport expires. Third, it allows for multiple entries and exits from Canada during its period of validity.

An important feature of the CUAET is that it not only grants the right to stay as a visitor, but also allows applicants to apply for a free open work permit at the same time as their visa application. Upon entry into Canada, CUAET holders are granted visitor, worker (if they have applied for a work permit), or student (for those planning to study) status. This multifunctional nature makes the CUAET more like a comprehensive temporary residence package than a traditional visa.

Legal basis for departure and return

Canadian immigration law does not require the return or surrender of a visa upon departure from the country, and the CUAET is no exception to this rule. CUAET visa holders are entitled to leave Canada and return as many times as necessary during the validity period of their visa, provided they meet the entry requirements upon each return.

This right to multiple travel is a key part of the CUAET program, as many Ukrainians may need to visit other countries for family, business, or personal reasons. Some may even plan to return to Ukraine for short periods to visit family or attend to personal matters, if the security situation allows. The Canadian government has recognized this need for mobility and has structured the CUAET program to provide maximum flexibility for its participants.

Practical aspects of leaving under the CUAET

When a CUAET visa holder leaves Canada, they are not required to surrender their visa or any related documents to Canadian authorities. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) automatically records the departure through the Entry/Exit Initiative, which tracks all departures from the country without any action required by the traveler. This system works through data sharing with US authorities for land crossings and through electronic manifests for air travel.

However, it is important to understand that having a valid CUAET visa does not guarantee automatic re-entry into Canada. Upon each return, the CUAET holder must demonstrate to a CBSA officer that they continue to meet the requirements for entry as a temporary resident. This includes having a valid passport, confirmation of the purpose of the visit, proof of financial capacity, and no inadmissibility factors.

Features for different types of CUAET visas

The CUAET program includes several visa options, each with its own departure and return requirements. For Ukrainians who have received a standard CUAET visa with a physical sticker in their passport, the procedures are relatively simple—they can travel as with any other multiple-entry Canadian visa. However, some Ukrainians residing in certain countries (Poland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Romania) may have received visas without a physical sticker (counterfoil-less visas), which are electronically linked to their passports.

For holders of counterfoil-less visas, there are additional restrictions on the point of departure when returning to Canada by air. Airlines will only accept such visas if the departure is from one of six approved countries (Poland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Romania). If the holder of a visa without a sticker plans to fly to Canada from another country, they will need to obtain a physical sticker at the nearest Visa Application Center.

Changes to the program and their impact on departure

The CUAET program has undergone significant changes since its introduction in March 2022. The application period closed on July 15, 2023, and March 31, 2024, marked the end of the period during which Ukrainians could enter Canada for the first time to receive all the benefits of the program. However, these changes did not affect the departure and return rights of those who had already obtained CUAET visas.

Ukrainians who received visa approval before February 4, 2024, were able to enter Canada until July 31, 2024, with certain restrictions on support. After March 31, 2024, new arrivals under the CUAET are no longer eligible for federal financial support and free accommodation, but retain the right to information, legal, and language support until March 31, 2025.

These changes have created a difficult situation for some CUAET visa holders, especially those who received approval later or have not yet had time to arrive in Canada. However, for those who are already in Canada with valid CUAET visas, the right to leave and return remains unchanged throughout the period of validity of their documents.

Alternatives and future prospects

For Ukrainians considering leaving Canada permanently or moving to another country, there are several options regarding their CUAET status. First, they can simply allow their visa to expire naturally without extending their status in Canada. Second, if they plan to stay in Canada long term, they can apply for permanent residence through various federal and provincial programs.

The Canadian government has introduced a special program for Ukrainians with close relatives in Canada, which allows CUAET visa holders to apply for permanent residence. In addition, many Ukrainians use their work and study experience in Canada to qualify for standard immigration programs such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

It is important to note that the decision on future status in Canada does not affect current travel rights. Ukrainians can leave Canada to explore other options, visit family, or for any other reason, while retaining the right to return as long as their CUAET visa remains valid.

Practical recommendations

For Ukrainians considering leaving Canada, several practical considerations should be kept in mind. For Ukrainians considering leaving Canada, there are several practical considerations to keep in mind. First, before traveling, make sure that your passport and CUAET visa remain valid for the entire duration of your planned trip. Second, keep copies of all important documents, including work permits, study permits, and any other documents that may be needed upon your return.

If you plan to be away for an extended period of time, consider notifying your Canadian employers, educational institutions, or landlords of your plans. While this is not a legal requirement, it may help you maintain important connections for your future return. You should also consider the tax implications of a long absence, especially if you have earned income in Canada or plan to return to work.

Conclusion

The CUAET visa does not need to be returned or surrendered when leaving Canada. This program was designed with flexibility and mobility in mind for Ukrainians in extraordinary circumstances. Holders of valid CUAET visas retain the right to leave and return throughout the validity period of their documents, provided they meet the standard requirements for entry into Canada. Changes to the program that took effect in 2024 did not affect these core travel rights, although they did affect some additional benefits for new arrivals. For those with valid CUAET visas, the decision to leave Canada remains a personal choice with no automatic legal consequences for their status or documents.