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Canada Issues Warning: Years-Long Delays Expected for Hong Kong Permanent Residency Applications

Canada has alerted that it is currently dealing with an accumulation of applications from Hong Kong residents who desire permanent residency.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), most applications under the Hong Kong Permanent Residence Pathway will be handled after 2027.

The statement indicated that the backlog was caused by "a large number of applications coupled with restricted admission slots."

As of October 31, 2024, 80% of permanent residency applications were processed within one year," according to an announcement made on the IRCC site on Tuesday. "Nevertheless, due to receiving more applications than usual, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is experiencing delays, which means longer wait times for applicants under both pathways leading to permanent residency; these applications are anticipated to take over until post-2027.

By the end of last year, Canada had processed more than 26,500 applications and accepted around 10,500. The number of rejected applications was less than 200, as per IRCC data.

Hong Kong Pathways

In February 2021, Canada was among the first to implement what it called an "emergency" immigration program aimed at people from Hong Kong. This initiative came several months following Beijing’s unilateral imposition of national security laws in Hong Kong. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) outlined this on their official site. described The security legislation was described as "eroding rights and liberties" and they warned it could result in "biased or capricious application and enforcement."

The immigration policy acknowledges "the role of Hong Kong residents in contributing to Canada's economic growth and enriching its social-cultural environment through their skills and knowledge, while also fostering democratic principles," the IRCC stated.

This program offers two extra methods for residents of Hong Kong to obtain permanent residency: Stream A, intended for individuals who have completed studies at a post-secondary institution in Canada within the last three years before applying; and Stream B, which necessitates that candidates possess one year of professional work experience in Canada.

The application process for the pathway program has unlimited submissions but will expire on August 31, 2026.

In August 2023, Canada eliminated a post-secondary education requirement For individuals from Hong Kong applying for permanent residency via Stream B.

A distinct program allows Hong Kong graduates to apply for work visas. ended last month .

Beijing inserted national security legislation straight into Hong Kong's mini-constitution in June 2020 Following a year marked by pro-democracy demonstrations and civil disturbances, it made such acts illegal. svn checkout, breaking away, collaborating with external entities And terror attacks — which encompass disruptions to transportation and various infrastructures. The relocation granted law enforcement extensive additional authorities. resulting in hundreds of arrests amid new legal precedents , while dozens of civil society groups disappeared The officials claim it restored stability and peace to the city, dismissing criticisms from trade partners , the UN and NGOs .

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