Updates & Policy 3 min read

Canada Expedites Permanent Residence for Ukrainians and Hong Kongers

Canada will expedite permanent residence applications for Ukrainians and Hong Kongers already in the country. This action is part of the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan.

Canadian immigration office with people waiting and documents on desks.
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General information only — not legal advice. Immigration rules change often. Confirm details on the official Government of Canada (IRCC) or provincial website, and speak with a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer about your situation.

Introduction to the New Measure

Canada is taking steps to expedite the processing of permanent residence applications for Ukrainians and Hong Kongers already residing in the country. This initiative is part of the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to manage immigration sustainably and provide certainty for applicants. The measure was detailed by the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, during a meeting with leaders from the Ukrainian and Hong Kong communities.

Details of the Humanitarian Cohort

The new measure includes a humanitarian cohort that will allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to accelerate processing for thousands of Ukrainians and Hong Kongers. This cohort is expected to result in up to 32,000 admissions for Hong Kong applicants and up to 18,800 admissions for Ukrainian applicants. These applicants are already living and contributing to Canada, and the measure aims to reduce their wait times and uncertainty.

Impact on Ukrainian and Hong Kong Communities

For the Ukrainian community, the measure addresses the backlog of applications under the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway, which closed to new applications in October 2024. For the Hong Kong community, it aims to finalize all remaining applications under the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways, which stopped accepting new applications in August 2026. Community leaders have expressed gratitude for the government's actions, highlighting the positive impact on families and the workforce.

Additional Spaces for Processing

The time-limited measure provides additional spaces to process applications faster without creating new programs or reopening closed pathways. It includes up to 12,600 people eligible for permanent residence on humanitarian grounds, up to 45,000 spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and up to 100,000 workers and their families. Applicants do not need to take any action for their applications to be processed under this measure.

Sources

Prepared by Verixa from official information published by IRCC — News releases (canada.ca) (2026-11-11). Check the official source before you act. This article is general information, not legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the new measure for Ukrainians and Hong Kongers?

The measure aims to expedite the processing of permanent residence applications for Ukrainians and Hong Kongers already in Canada, reducing wait times and uncertainty.

How many admissions are expected for Ukrainians and Hong Kongers?

The measure is expected to result in up to 32,000 admissions for Hong Kong applicants and up to 18,800 admissions for Ukrainian applicants.

Do applicants need to take any action for their applications to be processed?

No, applicants do not need to take any action. Their applications will be processed using the additional spaces provided under the measure.