Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that its permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents closed on August 31, 2026, as planned. IRCC will continue to process applications received before that date.
The two streams, introduced in 2021, enabled eligible Hong Kong nationals in Canada with recent Canadian education or work experience to become permanent residents.
As of June 30, 2026, IRCC had received approximately 30,315 applications, representing 48,560 people, under the public policy. As of that date, more than 8,600 applications, representing 13,485 people, had been approved and approximately 13,370 people had obtained permanent resident status in Canada.
Applicants to the Hong Kong pathways can apply for open work permits under a public policy that took effect on May 27, 2024, to ensure they can continue to live and work in Canada while their permanent residence application is in processing. This measure remains in place until May 2029.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.