Canada details 2027 plans for pending Hong Kong and Ukrainian residence cases

Which pending applications the plan covers

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said on November 10 that it aims to process the remaining permanent residence applications in two closed programs in 2027. The plan covers people already living in Canada who applied through the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways or the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway. IRCC expects those applications to result in up to 32,000 and 18,800 permanent resident admissions respectively. These are estimates of people admitted, so a family application can account for more than one admission.

The November release gives separate estimates for the two programs under the temporary measure previously described in the 2027–2029 immigration levels backgrounder. IRCC says applicants have no step to take to be considered for processing under the added spaces. Both intakes remain closed. Individual decision dates remain unknown.

Which messages to watch in the existing file

People waiting under the Hong Kong pathways can use the Hong Kong after-application guide to distinguish the submission confirmation from the acknowledgement of receipt. The portal sends the first message on submission. The department sends the acknowledgement after it opens the file and checks its completeness. That distinction matters if the applicant is looking for the case number or trying to establish whether completeness review has taken place. The department can request fingerprints, a photo and medical examinations as it assesses the file.

The Ukrainian family pathway’s after-application guide describes the department’s online status tool for people who have received their acknowledgement and application number. If IRCC sends a biometrics instruction letter, the guide gives applicants 30 days from the date of the letter to provide biometrics in person. Arrange the appointment and bring the letter. An applicant invited to confirm permanent residence should also check whether IRCC is requesting an outstanding right of permanent residence fee.

Use the IRCC application update instructions if a passport has been replaced or circumstances such as a marriage or birth need to be recorded. The department explains when to use its address service and when to send a web form. Use the details for the permanent residence case when submitting evidence about that case, and continue to monitor correspondence while the update is being processed.

When Hong Kong applicants may need a work permit

The Hong Kong work permit instructions apply to applicants in Canada with a pending file under one of the two Hong Kong pathways. Applicants must also meet the work permit requirements and have held a work or study permit within the three years before their permanent residence application. The special option excludes files that have been returned, refused or withdrawn. IRCC lists May 2029 as the end of the application window, and a permit can run for up to three years.

Check the expiry on the current permit before relying on that outer deadline. The Hong Kong instructions direct applicants to the IRCC secure account, give the form entries for this policy and list a CAD 155 work permit fee. The account generates a document checklist. The policy guide identifies further evidence that may apply, including civil status documents or certified translations.

Temporary status for Ukrainian family applicants

IRCC’s January notice separately lets eligible people in Canada with an application under the Ukrainian family pathway request a work permit, study permit or extension of their stay by March 31, 2027. A family waiting for a decision should compare its existing status expiry and its intended activity with the individual permit instructions. The notice covers eligible applicants and included family members.

For a work permit, use the Ukrainian family pathway’s specific online instructions, including Form IMM 5710, the public-policy explanation and evidence of presence and temporary status in Canada. The fee instructions list CAD 155 for the work permit, CAD 85 if biometrics are required and CAD 246.25 if restoration is required. The guide directs applicants to pay through the online payment service and upload the receipt in the designated field. Applicants with expired status should read the instructions for their previous status and time since expiry before filing. The temporary application has its own evidence and fee requirements, even when the permanent residence file is already in progress.