Canada to fast-track permanent residence for Ukrainians and Hong Kongers, clearing backlog of about 50,000 by end of 2027

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on November 10 that it will speed up processing of backlogged permanent residence applications from Ukrainians and Hong Kongers already in Canada, aiming to clear all remaining applications by the end of 2027. About 50,000 people are affected.

32,000 spots for Hong Kong pathway, 18,800 for Ukraine family reunification

Under the announcement, Canada will use time-limited measures from Budget 2026 and 2027 permanent residence levels to clear the backlog: up to 32,000 spots under the Hong Kong pathway and up to 18,800 under the Ukraine family reunification pathway.

Both pathways are already closed to new applications

Both pathways are already closed to new applications — the Hong Kong pathway closed in August 2026 and the Ukraine pathway in October 2024 — so the fast-track is not new immigration but a clearing of existing applications. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab met community leaders from both groups on November 7 to explain the plan.

Humanitarian part of the 2027-2029 immigration levels plan

The measure is part of the 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan and the humanitarian component of the larger move to transition 200,000 temporary residents to permanent residence. Sources: IRCC news release; Eye on Ottawa; Play 103.7.