Canada ends immigration scheme for Hong Kong residents

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Canada ceased accepting new applicants for its "lifeboat" immigration scheme for Hong Kong residents on August 31, a policy initially launched in 2021 following the introduction of a Beijing-imposed national security law. The programme, which offered two pathways to permanent residency for graduates and workers, attracted approximately 48,560 applications, with 13,370 individuals granted status to date. While the intake for new applications ended, the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stated that existing applications will continue to be processed and the open work permit programme will remain active until May 2029.

Consequences

Hong Kong residents who have already submitted applications remain eligible to live and work in Canada while their residency requests are processed under the extended permit timeline. Applicants who faced significant wait times under the scheme may now face increased uncertainty regarding their long-term status as the new application route has been closed.

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