Hong Kong permanent residence pathways closing to new applications

Ottawa, August 28, 2026—Canada stands with the people of Hong Kong and supports their human rights and freedoms. In support of that commitment, Canada introduced permanent residence pathways in 2021 to give eligible Hong Kong nationals in Canada with recent Canadian education or work experience an additional opportunity to become permanent residents.

As previously communicated, these temporary pathways will stop accepting new applications on August 31, 2026. We continue to process applications received on or before that date.

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 (13,485 people) had been approved and approximately 13,370 people had obtained permanent residence 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.