- Canada's special permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong nationals closed to new applications on August 31, 2026, ending a programme launched in 2021
- More than 30,000 applications covering nearly 49,000 people had been submitted by June 30, 2026, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Applicants already in the system can continue pursuing permanent residence, with eligible applicants able to access open work permits while awaiting decisions under a policy scheduled to remain in place until May 2029
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Canada has announced the closure of its special permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong nationals, ending a programme that has provided eligible residents with an opportunity to settle permanently in the country since 2021.
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The closure took effect on August 31, 2026, meaning the government will no longer accept new applications under the two pathways. The announcement was published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on August 28, 2026.
The pathways were introduced to help eligible Hong Kong residents obtain permanent residence through specific requirements involving Canadian education or work experience.
Although the programme is no longer accepting new applicants, IRCC confirmed that applications submitted before the deadline will continue to be processed.
Canada’s Hong Kong Permanent Residence Programme: Key Figures
The figures released by IRCC illustrate the scale of interest in the programme during its five years of operation.
As of June 30, 2026:
- 30,315 applications had been submitted.
- The applications covered approximately 48,560 people.
- More than 8,600 applications, representing 13,485 people, had been approved.
- Approximately 13,370 people had obtained permanent resident status in Canada.
The figures distinguish between applications approved and individuals who had already received permanent resident status. These are separate stages of the immigration process.
The programme's closure means prospective applicants who did not submit applications before the deadline can no longer apply through these specific pathways.
What Happens to Applicants Whose Cases Are Still Pending?
People who submitted applications before the closure can still have their cases processed by IRCC.
The end of new applications does not automatically cancel applications already received. Existing applicants should continue monitoring their case status and respond to any requests for additional information from immigration officials.
Canada has also maintained a separate open work permit measure for eligible Hong Kong permanent residence applicants who are waiting for decisions.
The public policy, which took effect on May 27, 2024, allows qualifying applicants to obtain open work permits while their permanent residence applications are being processed. The measure is scheduled to remain in effect until May 2029, subject to its eligibility requirements and conditions.
An open work permit can allow an eligible holder to work for most employers in Canada, subject to any restrictions attached to the permit.
Why Canada Introduced the Hong Kong Pathways
Canada introduced the special pathways in 2021 amid heightened political tensions in Hong Kong and growing interest among some residents in relocating abroad.
The programme offered eligible applicants a route to permanent residence based on specified Canadian education or work experience requirements.
Its closure marks the end of a dedicated application route for Hong Kong nationals, although other Canadian immigration programmes may remain available to people who meet their separate eligibility criteria.
Anyone considering moving to Canada should assess the requirements of the immigration programme for which they qualify rather than assume that the closed pathways can still be used.
Source: Legit.ng
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