Canada’s immigration department has confirmed that individuals from Hong Kong applying for permanent residence through a dedicated pathway can reside outside Canada while their application is being processed. This pathway, known as the Hong Kong Pathway Programme, was established in response to the National Security Law imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong in 2020. The confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides clarity amid concerns over lengthy processing times for applicants.
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The key takeaway is that while applicants must be physically present in Canada when they apply and when their permanent residence is approved, they are not required to remain in the country for the entire processing duration, which can be substantial.
Understanding the Hong Kong Pathway Programme
The Hong Kong Pathway Programme is Canada’s immigration initiative designed to offer a route to permanent residency for eligible Hong Kong residents. It was launched following significant political changes in Hong Kong, which led many residents to seek opportunities abroad.
Canada flag flying against a blue skyThe program includes two main streams:
- Stream A: For Hongkongers who have recently graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada.
- Stream B: For Hongkongers who have gained eligible work experience in Canada, requiring either one year of full-time work or at least 1,560 hours of part-time work.
Applicants must intend to live in Canada, specifically in any province or territory outside Quebec.
Application Volume and Processing Times
According to IRCC statistics as of April 30, nearly 34,000 people have applied for permanent residence under this scheme. Out of these, over 12,200 applications have been processed, with close to 11,750 approvals granted.
Departures hall at Hong Kong International Airport with signage and people walkingThe processing time for applications under the Hong Kong Pathway was estimated at seventeen months as of the end of April. This timeframe represents the period within which 80 per cent of complete applications across both streams were processed.
However, IRCC previously announced in March that many applications could face significant delays extending beyond 2027. This backlog is attributed to the high volume of applications received since the program’s inception. The delays have caused uncertainty and frustration among some applicants. (See related reporting: ‘Hanging halfway’: In wake of Canada’s immigration delay, Hong Kong emigrants ponder whether to stay or return home)
To assist applicants facing these long waits, Canada introduced a new work permit in May of the previous year, allowing eligible Hongkongers to remain in the country while their permanent residence applications are being processed.
Toronto city skyline on a cloudy day
Scheme Deadline and Context
The Hong Kong Pathway Programme is scheduled to close to new applications on August 31, 2026.
The scheme’s creation is directly linked to the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong by Beijing on June 30, 2020. This law criminalized various acts, leading to significant changes in the city’s political and social landscape and contributing to an exodus of residents seeking opportunities and stability elsewhere, including Canada.
The confirmation that applicants can wait abroad provides flexibility, especially given the current lengthy processing times and previously warned-of delays in Canada’s Hong Kong immigration pathways.
For more information on immigration options and processing updates, readers can visit the official IRCC website or explore additional related articles detailing the experiences of Hongkongers navigating these processes.
