Canada Ends Permanent Residence Pathways for Hong Kong Nationals

The Government of Canada has announced the closure of its special permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong nationals, effective 31 August 2026. This program, which began in 2021, was designed to provide eligible Hong Kong residents a route to permanent residency in Canada based on Canadian or work experience.

The official announcement was made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on 28 August 2026 from Ottawa. Over the five years of the program, approximately 30,315 applications were submitted, resulting in around 48,560 individuals seeking residency.

By 30 June 2026, more than 8,600 applications had been approved, allowing roughly 13,370 individuals to obtain permanent resident status. Although new applications will no longer be accepted, IRCC confirmed that applications already submitted will be processed.

Additionally, a public policy allowing eligible applicants to obtain open work permits while awaiting decisions will remain in effect until May 2029.