Canada Accelerates Hong Kong and Ukraine PR Applications

Canada says it will use a time-limited measure and permanent resident admission space in 2027 to speed up remaining Hong Kong and Ukraine PR applications for people already in Canada. The measure aims to process applications that could result in up to 32,000 admissions through the Hong Kong pathways and up to 18,800 through the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway.

Which applications are covered

The measure is intended to process all remaining applications under two closed permanent residence pathways. IRCC said the additional spaces would help reduce processing times and provide greater certainty to applicants already living, working and contributing in Canada.

• Hong Kong permanent residence pathways: Applications are expected to result in up to 32,000 admissions. The pathways stopped accepting new applications in August 2026.
• Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway: Applications are expected to result in up to 18,800 admissions. The pathway closed to new applications in October 2024.

No action required from applicants

The measure does not create new programs or reopen either closed pathway. Applicants do not need to contact IRCC or take any action for their existing applications to be processed using the additional spaces.

IRCC said the applicants covered by this measure are already in Canada and therefore do not represent net new arrivals.

Other permanent residence transitions

Under the same time-limited measure, IRCC would also help transition other people already in Canada to permanent residence. These additional spaces are separate from the Humanitarian and Compassionate and Other category targets in the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan and do not displace other vulnerable populations, including resettled refugees.

• Up to 12,600 people already found eligible for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
• Up to 45,000 spouses, common-law partners and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Canada.
• Up to 100,000 workers in Canadian communities and their eligible family members, in collaboration with provinces and territories.

Background on the closed pathways

Canada launched the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway on October 23, 2023, for Ukrainian nationals in Canada who were immediate or extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Applications were accepted until October 22, 2024.

Canada introduced the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways in 2021 for eligible Hong Kong nationals in Canada with recent Canadian education or work experience.

Source: IRCC Newsroom