Demonstrators in Hong Kong urge Canada to maintain promise of offering permanent residency

Hong Kongers Desperately Seek Canadian Residency

Ever since the introduction of the special pathway for Hong Kongers to permanent residency in Canada back in 2021, there's been a significant surge in applications—and a massive backlog as a result. With the current backlog standing at a whopping 18,000 applications, those hoping for a fresh start across the sea are feeling the squeeze.

The group spearheading this push for speedier processing isn't backing down, though. They're hitting Ottawa hard with demands to follow through on their promise of fast-tracked permanent residency for Hong Kongers. Even with voters ranking immigration levels as a top concern during the recent federal election, these applicants are adamant and unwilling to wait.

Donald Cheng Sheung-ching, one of the main organizers, shared, "We've got members who started their applications all the way back in October 2023, and they're still waiting! That's far longer than the six months initially promised by Ottawa."

As more individuals meet the requirements for the pathway, the system has started clogging up. While the government has promised to keep both options—complete a two-year diploma or bachelor course or work full time for at least one year—available until at least August 2026, well-intended intention or not, the sheer volume of applications is proving cumbersome to process.

Curious about the details? Here's a quick rundown on the requirements for this specialized route to residency:

The Educational Path: Finish a two-year diploma or bachelor degree at designated Canadian institutions. No cap on applications here.
The Work-Experience Path: If you're a recent graduate, you'll need to work full-time for at least one year, or 1,560 hours.

Keep in mind, these options will be open to applicants until at least August 2026. Let's hope the government steps up its game to tackle the mounting backlog and grants immigrants from Hong Kong the opportunity to jumpstart their lives in Canada.

The recent push for expedited processing of permanent residency for Hong Kongers by organiser Donald Cheng Sheung-ching and others has gained momentum as more individuals meet the requirements, causing a significant clog in the system.
The backlog of 18,000 applications for Canadian residency under the special pathway for Hong Kongers has left many applicants feeling the pressure and expressing a willingness to wait no longer.
Already ranked as a top concern for voters during the recent federal elections, immigration policies and legislation continue to be a focus, with the current backlog and slow processing times being a contentious issue in Canadian politics.
With the government's deadline for the availability of the two main pathways—completion of a two-year diploma or bachelor course and working full-time for at least one year—extended until August 2026, those hoping to ensure their place on the pathway to residency should consider their options carefully.