Thousands of Hongkongers Still Waiting for a Lifeline

In what was once described as a “lifeboat” for Hong Kong residents seeking refuge and a new life in Canada, the Hong Kong Permanent Residence Pathway is now facing staggering delays — with the federal government itself projecting that many applications may not be processed until after 2027.

This information came directly from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), during its November 2024 update to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM). According to IRCC, the processing timelines for these applications have been significantly affected by a high volume of submissions and limited processing capacity.

Key Statistics at a Glance (as of November 14, 2024)

While the stated processing time remains “12 months,” the large inventory and slowed throughput indicate a severe and growing backlog.

A Systemic Delay with Human Cost

Many applicants — including students, workers, and families — have already been waiting for more than two years with no end in sight. The IRCC’s acknowledgement that thousands of these cases may not be processed until after 2027 confirms what many on the ground have feared: that the program, while well-intentioned, is functionally broken in its current state.

As of November 2024, over 15,700 applications remain in inventory under Stream A and B. Meanwhile, the open work permit (OWP) stream — designed to provide immediate, short-term relief — has seen over 48,000 applications, with some extensions now taking over 200 days to process.

A Promise Deferred

The Hong Kong pathways were introduced in 2021 as a response to the rapidly deteriorating political and human rights situation in Hong Kong. Framed as a humanitarian gesture and a values-based immigration option, the program was welcomed with relief and hope by thousands of applicants. But now, as many remain in limbo, questions are being raised about Canada’s ability — and willingness — to follow through.

The immigration backlog is no longer just an administrative issue — it’s a humanitarian one.

The Ask: Action from IRCC

Advocacy groups are calling on IRCC to:

• Allocate dedicated resources to the Hong Kong stream

• Expedite pending applications, especially those that have been in the system for over 18 months

• Provide transparent, frequent updates to applicants and the public

🔗 Source: IRCC Submission to CIMM Committee – November 2024