Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that the two temporary permanent residence pathways created for Hong Kong residents stopped accepting new applications on 31 August 2026, as scheduled. Applications filed on or before that date continue to be processed under normal procedures.
The two streams opened in 2021. Stream A was for eligible graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions; Stream B was for applicants with eligible Canadian work experience. Both were aimed at Hong Kong nationals already in Canada with recent Canadian study or work history.
IRCC published volume figures alongside the closure. As of 30 June 2026, the department had received approximately 30,315 applications, representing 48,560 people. More than 8,600 applications, representing 13,485 people, had been approved, and approximately 13,370 people had obtained permanent resident status in Canada.
For applicants whose files are still in the queue, IRCC points to a separate public policy that took effect on 27 May 2024 allowing them to apply for open work permits so they can continue to live and work in Canada while their permanent residence application is processed. IRCC states that measure remains in place until May 2029 — which is the only forward-looking commitment the department has attached to the closure.
References
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – Hong Kong permanent residence pathways closing to new applications / Erickson Immigration Group – Canada Closes Hong Kong Permanent Residence Pathways to New Applications
