Permanent residence applicants from Ukraine and Hong Kong could see their applications processed faster under a time-limited measure included in Canada’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan.
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Permanent Residence Update
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said on November 10, 2026, that the measure aims to process all remaining applications under the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways and the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway using additional admission space in 2027.
The announcement focuses on people who are already in Canada and waiting for decisions after applying through pathways that are closed to new applicants.
IRCC targets existing applications
The federal government said additional permanent resident admission space in 2027 would support faster processing for thousands of Ukrainians and Hong Kong residents living in Canada.
IRCC said the remaining Hong Kong applications are expected to result in up to 32,000 admissions.
Applications under the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway are expected to result in up to 18,800 admissions.
These are projected admission figures associated with the remaining applications. They do not guarantee approval for every applicant.
Applicants must still complete the applicable assessment process, including eligibility, admissibility, security, medical and other required checks, before a final decision is made.
The government described the measure as time-limited and said it is intended to reduce processing times and provide more certainty to applicants who are already living, working and contributing in Canada.
Hong Kong pathways closed to new applications
Canada’s Hong Kong permanent residence pathways stopped accepting new applications on August 31, 2026.
The pathways were introduced in 2021 for eligible Hong Kong nationals in Canada with qualifying Canadian education or work experience.
They included an in-Canada graduate stream and a Canadian work experience stream.
IRCC continues to process applications accepted on or before the closing date.
The new announcement does not reopen either Hong Kong pathway or create a new application window.
Applicants with pending cases do not need to submit a new application or contact IRCC to have their applications considered under the additional 2027 admission space.
Eligible Hong Kong permanent residence applicants may also be able to apply for an open work permit while IRCC processes their applications. Eligibility requirements apply, including having held a work or study permit within the three years before the application was received.
The open work permit measure is separate from the decision on the application and does not guarantee approval.
Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway remains closed
The Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway opened on October 23, 2023, for certain Ukrainian nationals in Canada with qualifying family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
The application deadline was October 22, 2024.
IRCC is continuing to process applications received by that deadline.
The pathway was designed to help eligible Ukrainian nationals and their family members obtain permanent residence while keeping families together in Canada.
The pathway’s closure means that people who did not submit an application by October 22, 2024, cannot use this specific program to apply now.
The November 10 announcement likewise does not reopen the Ukraine pathway or introduce a new intake.
Applicants with pending Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway cases do not need to contact IRCC for their applications to be processed using the additional admission spaces described by the government.
What the 2027 measure means for applicants
The announcement is mainly about processing capacity and admission planning rather than new eligibility rules.
For applicants with existing files, the government’s stated objective is to move remaining applications forward more efficiently during 2027.
However, the announcement does not provide an individual processing date or confirm that every pending case will be finalized by a specific day.
Processing will continue to depend on the circumstances of each application and the completion of required checks.
Applicants should continue following instructions from IRCC and keep their contact information updated through the appropriate account or application process.
Applicants should also ensure that they maintain valid temporary status where required. Any work permit or other temporary-residence measure must be assessed under its own eligibility requirements.
The government stated that applicants do not need to take action or contact IRCC simply to have their applications considered under the additional spaces.
Other groups included in the time-limited measure
The Ukraine and Hong Kong application backlogs are part of a wider time-limited measure proposed in Budget 2026.
IRCC said the measure would also help transition other people in Canada to permanent residence.
- 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.
The government said the measure is in addition to the Humanitarian and Compassionate and Other category targets in the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan.
It also said the measure would not displace other vulnerable populations, including resettled refugees.
Why the announcement matters for Canada’s immigration system
The announcement comes as Canada recalibrates immigration levels and seeks to reduce uncertainty caused by long processing times.
IRCC said the people covered by the measure are already in Canada and therefore do not represent net new arrivals.
The government also linked the measure to its broader objective of improving processing efficiency while reducing the temporary resident population.
For employers and communities, faster decisions could give eligible applicants greater certainty about their long-term ability to live and work in Canada.
For applicants, the additional spaces could reduce the period spent waiting for a permanent residence decision, although the government has not published individual timelines for each case.
The measure does not change the requirement for an application to be approved under the applicable rules.
Key dates for Ukrainian and Hong Kong applicants
| Program or measure | Important date | Current status |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway | October 23, 2023 | Opened to eligible applicants |
| Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway | October 22, 2024 | Application intake closed |
| Hong Kong permanent residence pathways | August 31, 2026 | Application intake closed |
| Time-limited processing measure | 2027 | Additional admission space planned for existing applications |
No new application window announced
Canada has not announced a new application period for either the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways or the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway.
The measure is intended for existing applications and does not create a new immigration program.
People who did not apply before the relevant closing date will need to examine other available Canadian immigration programs if they want to pursue permanent residence.
Applicants with pending files should rely on official IRCC correspondence for requests, updates and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Canada reopen the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway?
No reopening was announced. The pathway closed to new applications on October 22, 2024, and the new measure is intended to process applications already submitted.
Are the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways accepting new applications?
No. The pathways closed to new applications on August 31, 2026. IRCC said it will continue processing applications received by that date.
Do applicants need to contact IRCC to receive faster processing?
No. IRCC said applicants do not need to do anything or contact the department for their existing applications to be processed using the additional spaces.
Does the 2027 measure guarantee permanent residence?
No. The measure supports processing capacity and admission planning. Applicants must still meet applicable requirements and pass the necessary assessments before a final decision.
How many admissions could result from the Ukraine and Hong Kong applications?
IRCC said the remaining Hong Kong applications are expected to result in up to 32,000 admissions, while Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway applications are expected to result in up to 18,800 admissions.
Fact-Checked: Fact-checked against IRCC’s November 10, 2026 news release and current official pages for the closed Hong Kong and Ukraine pathways.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not replace individualized advice from IRCC or a qualified immigration professional.
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