IRCC aims to finish remaining Hong Kong and Ukraine family PR applications in 2027

The two figures

IRCC’s November 10, 2026 news release gives expected admissions for two closed pathways.

IRCC says the 2027 space aims to process all remaining applications under both.

Dates for each pathway

• Hong Kong: the pathways were introduced in 2021. They stopped accepting new applications on August 31, 2026.
• Ukraine: IRCC launched the special family reunification pathway for Ukrainian nationals in Canada on October 23, 2023. Ukrainian nationals had until October 22, 2024, to submit their application.

What the measure does and does not do

• It is time-limited and is in addition to the Humanitarian and Compassionate and Other category targets in the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan.
• IRCC says it does not displace other vulnerable populations, including resettled refugees.
• It does not create new programs or re-open closed pathways.
• IRCC says applicants do not need to do anything or contact IRCC for their applications to be processed using these additional spaces.
• IRCC says these applicants are already here, so they do not represent net new arrivals to Canada.

Context: the wider 2027 measure

These two figures are part of a larger time-limited measure we already covered in our Levels Plan story and our stream tables story. IRCC’s backgrounder says the measure will help up to 200,000 people already living in Canada transition to permanent residence through two cohorts.

The same release’s Quick facts also say IRCC would help transition up to 12,600 people already found eligible on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, up to 45,000 spouses, common-law partners and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Canada, and up to 100,000 workers in Canadian communities and their eligible family members, in collaboration with the provinces and territories.

We list each “up to” figure as IRCC states it. IRCC does not publish a combined total of these figures, so do not add them together.

What this means for you

• You already applied under a Hong Kong pathway or the Ukraine pathway: IRCC says you do not need to contact it. Keep your IRCC account and contact details up to date.
• You did not apply before the deadline: this measure does not re-open the pathways.
• You are looking for new Canadian PR routes: see our Provincial Nominee Program and Express Entry guides.

Frequently asked questions

How many Hong Kong PR admissions does IRCC expect in 2027?

IRCC says processing all remaining applications under the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways is expected to result in up to 32,000 admissions.

How many Ukraine Family Reunification admissions does IRCC expect?

Up to 18,800, from all remaining applications under that pathway.

Can I still apply under these pathways?

No. IRCC says this measure does not re-open closed pathways. The Hong Kong pathways stopped accepting applications on August 31, 2026, and the Ukraine deadline was October 22, 2024.

Do I need to contact IRCC?

IRCC says applicants do not need to do anything or contact IRCC for their applications to be processed using these additional spaces.

Sources

• IRCC news release: Canada takes action to efficiently process existing permanent residence applications for Ukrainians and Hong Kongers (November 10, 2026)
• IRCC backgrounder: Building a stronger Canada through a well-managed, predictable immigration system
• IRCC: Immigration system measures

Facts as provided in our research brief dated November 10, 2026.