A Lifeboat, Now Left Adrift.


What was once a lifeline is now a waiting room with no exit. Lives are on hold — and Canada must do better.

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Upcoming: Rally for Hongkongers On April 6th in Vancouver. Toronto. Calgary.

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17 months

Processing time of recent approvals

15,723

Applications waiting, as of Nov 14, 2024

> 2 Years

Longest wait time recorded

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Promises Made. Promises Frozen.

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Hong Kong Pathway – A Timeline

November 2020

Special Measures Announced


Canada announces new immigration measures for Hongkongers in response to Hong Kong’s deteriorating human rights situation, offering special work permits and study pathways aimed at facilitating permanent residency.

February 2021

Open Work Permit Launched


IRCC officially launches the special open work permit program for Hongkongers, enabling them to live, work, and study in Canada, paving a path toward eventual PR status.

June 2021

PR Pathway Opens


Canada opens two dedicated PR pathways specifically targeting Hongkongers who graduated from Canadian post-secondary institutions or have at least one year of Canadian work experience.

Early 2022

Application Numbers Surge


Applications for PR spike dramatically, quickly exceeding IRCC’s initial estimates. Many applicants report delays and uncertainty as the processing backlog rapidly builds up.

May 2024

Work Permit Extensions Introduced


To address ongoing delays, IRCC introduces new open work permit extensions allowing Hongkongers awaiting PR decisions to remain employed in Canada, aiming to alleviate stress and prevent status expirations.

November 25, 2024

IRCC Admits Extensive Delays


IRCC publicly acknowledges significant delays due to large application volumes, announcing that most PR applications from Hong Kong won’t see final decisions until after 2027.

Late 2024

Reports of Administrative Errors


Cases surface where IRCC mistakenly rejects work permit renewals, incorrectly demanding LMIA documentation not required under the Hong Kong pathway, leaving affected applicants in legal uncertainty or forced departures.

Ongoing

Public and Political Pressure


Immigration advocates, affected applicants, and Canadian MPs increasingly urge the government to speed up processing, correct administrative errors, and honor Canada’s promise to support Hongkongers facing political oppression.