Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that the temporary permanent residence pathways for eligible Hong Kong residents will stop accepting new applications on August 31, 2026.
These pathways were introduced in 2021 to provide eligible Hong Kong residents in Canada with recent Canadian education or work experience an additional opportunity to become permanent residents. IRCC has confirmed that applications received on or before August 31, 2026 will continue to be processed after the pathways close to new applications.
Two Hong Kong Permanent Residence Streams Are Affected
The temporary public policy included two permanent residence streams:
Stream A: In-Canada Graduates
This stream was designed for eligible Hong Kong residents who recently graduated from a qualifying Canadian post-secondary institution.
Stream B: Canadian Work Experience
This stream was available to eligible Hong Kong residents who met the required Canadian work experience and other program requirements.
Applicants could apply under only one of the two streams. Both streams will stop accepting new applications after August 31, 2026.
Applications Submitted by August 31 Will Still Be Processed
The closure of the pathways does not mean that applications already submitted will be cancelled.
IRCC has confirmed that applications received on or before August 31, 2026 will continue to be processed. Applicants with pending applications should continue monitoring their IRCC account and correspondence and respond promptly if IRCC requests additional documents or information.
As of June 30, 2026, IRCC had received approximately 30,315 applications representing 48,560 people under the Hong Kong public policy. More than 13,000 people had already obtained permanent residence through the pathways by that date.
Eligible Applicants May Still Apply for an Open Work Permit
Hong Kong permanent residence applicants who are waiting for a decision may still have access to a special open work permit measure.
Under a temporary public policy introduced on May 27, 2024, eligible applicants may apply for an open work permit valid for up to three years while their permanent residence application is being processed.
To qualify, an applicant must generally have:
- applied for permanent residence through one of the two Hong Kong permanent residence pathways, and
- held a work permit or study permit within the three years before IRCC received their permanent residence application.
IRCC has confirmed that this open work permit measure will remain available until May 2029.
Waiting for Permanent Residence Does Not Automatically Extend Your Status
Submitting a permanent residence application does not, by itself, give an applicant temporary resident status or unlimited authorization to work in Canada.
Applicants waiting for their Hong Kong permanent residence application to be finalized should pay attention to the expiry date of their current work or study permit and determine what steps may be required to maintain their status and work authorization.
For eligible Hong Kong pathway applicants whose current permit is approaching expiry, the special open work permit measure may provide an option to continue working in Canada while IRCC processes the permanent residence application.
The Deadline Is Approaching Quickly
Applicants who believe they qualify for one of the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways but have not yet submitted their application should be aware that August 31, 2026 is the final deadline for new applications.
After that date, IRCC will no longer accept new permanent residence applications through these temporary pathways. Individuals who have not applied by the deadline will need to consider whether they may qualify for another Canadian permanent residence program.
How H&K Immigration Can Help
At H&K Immigration Consulting Services Inc., we help you understand your permanent residence options and how your temporary immigration status may affect your ability to remain and work in Canada while an application is being processed. We review your immigration history, current status, work or study permit, permanent residence application, and future immigration goals so you can move forward with a clearer plan.
If you have already applied through one of the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways and are unsure about maintaining your status or extending your ability to work in Canada, a consultation can help you understand what options may be available.
Have questions about your Hong Kong permanent residence application, open work permit, or other pathways to permanent residence? Book a consultation with H&K Immigration Consulting Services Inc. and get clear guidance on your next steps.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies and program requirements may change without notice.
