HK emigrant hopefuls hard-pressed for options amid Canada PR delays

Phoebe Poon

Hong Kong emigrant hopefuls in Canada are uncertain about their future and stuck for options after The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada revealed that delays for most permanent residency applications or ones through the Hong Kong Pathways may extend until 2027.

Ken, a Stream B applicant in the "lifeboat" immigration scheme in early September 2022, expressed his disappointment over the news in an interview with Sing Tao Daily, The Standard's sister publication.

He said he has yet to receive the result of his application nearly a year after completing the required one-year work experience in the country.

As his open work permit is set to expire in September, Ken said he is feeling the pressure but is reluctant to return to Hong Kong, while worrying about the legality of his stay in Canada.

He noted the processing time was much slower than expected, and said he might consider relocating to the United Kingdom instead.

Brandy, a Hong Kong YouTuber now living in Canada, said that he and his partner are currently unemployed after applications to renew their work permits were turned down.

They reached out to a Canadian politician for assistance, hoping for a review of their situation. But their appeal was also denied.

As of October 31, 2024, over 26,500 Hong Kong applicants have applied for PR in Canada, with more than 10,500 approved and fewer than 200 refused, according to the IRCC's statistics.

However, due to a high volume of applications and a reduction in immigration quotas over the next two years, the IRCC stated that most Hong Kong applicants will face delays extending into 2027.

Despite the updated IRCC statistics showing that the PR application processing times for the immigration scheme were averaging 15 months as of January 31, the department stressed the time frame is not fixed.

It pointed out that only 80 percent of applicants are expected to acquire their PR status within 15 months, emphasizing that applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Launched in 2021, Stream B of the Hong Kong Pathways offers Hong Kong residents the chance to apply for Canada's permanent residency after accumulating one year of full-time working experience or at least 1,560 part-time hours in Canada.

Applicants usually received results within six to nine months after submissions in the past, according to reports.

An immigration consultant said that the Hong Kong PR pathways are included in the Humanitarian and Compassionate and Other Category within the immigration levels plan, with a current quota of 10,000 for this year, gradually decreasing to 6,900 in 2026 and 4,300 by 2027, totaling 21,200 spots over the next three years.

Since the H&C category also includes programs for refugees from Ukraine and Sudan, the consultant pointed out the situation has left many eligible Hong Kong applicants despairing over the results.

Regarding the legal status of staying in Canada with an expired visa during the application process, the consultant said that applicants are still authorized to work until the decision on their application is made.