The Trials and Tribulations of Hongkongers Seeking Permanent Residency in Canada

In July 2023, Leonald Lee, a former journalist from Hong Kong, embarked on a journey to Toronto, Canada, with a clear set of goals: secure a full-time job, work for a minimum of one year, apply for permanent residency (PR), and eventually enroll in a master’s degree program at a lower tuition rate for PR holders. Little did he know that his straightforward plan would soon become filled with complexities and uncertainties.

A Fresh Start – But Not Without Hurdles

After arriving in Toronto, Lee’s journey initially showed promise. A month into his new life, he secured a minimum-wage position at a telecommunications company. While the job lacked excitement and his paychecks were sometimes delayed, Lee maintained focus on his primary goal: accumulating the required work hours for his PR application under the Hong Kong Pathway program, a lifeboat scheme established to aid those fleeing the political turbulence in Hong Kong.

However, the optimism began to wane when Lee noticed troubling discussions among fellow Hongkongers regarding the status of their PR applications. Many expressed frustration over the lack of updates months after submission. In March, restless thoughts prompted Lee to calculate the processing time for his application, which he had filed in September the previous year. Shocking estimates revealed potential delays stretching at least three years, confirmed by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shortly thereafter.

Delays and Uncertainty

The IRCC’s announcement exacerbated concerns, stating that due to a substantial volume of applications and ensuing backlogs, many PR applications from Hongkongers might not be processed until after 2027. Lee’s analogy comparing the lengthy process to a sprawling narrative like The Lord of the Rings resonated deeply with many in the same boat.

Among those feeling the strain of uncertainty was Moon Ho, a Hong Kong nurse who emigrated to Toronto in February 2023. Having submitted her PR application in September, Ho felt compelled to stay informed and even spent a week unsuccessfully trying to follow up with the IRCC. Ultimately, she was told her file hadn’t even been opened. The looming expiration of her work permit added further pressure, raising fears of losing her job in the intensive care unit she was passionate about.

Growing Frustrations on Social Media

As the wait stretched on, the emotional toll became apparent. Many Hongkongers took to social media to share their frustrations, invoking feelings of stress and helplessness. Common threads included unease about work permit expirations and lack of communication regarding application statuses. One user expressed deep worries about facing an impending expiration of their work permit and the uncertainties surrounding health issues with family back home.

The community’s desperation highlighted a crucial question: what happens to applicants who leave Canada while waiting for their PR applications? Unclear regulations further elevated anxiety among many prospective PR holders.

Lifeboat Scheme and Its Implications

The Hong Kong Pathway, launched in response to the national security measures imposed by Beijing back in 2020, offers two primary pathways for applicants. Stream A allows recent graduates from Canadian institutions to seek permanent residency, while Stream B provides a three-year work permit to those who have accumulated enough work hours in Canada. However, with over 40,500 Hongkongers under Stream B having received work permits by December 2024, the challenges posed by waiting for PR status have become increasingly daunting.

Lee pointed out that many had not anticipated such long waiting times for PR applications, especially since earlier applicants had seen quicker results. The backlog and the anxiety accompanying it have made the prospect of permanent settlement feel distant.

Political Advocacy and Community Support

Recognizing the pressing concerns of Hongkongers awaiting PR, advocates and MPs like Tom Kmiec have pushed for expedited processing and clearer communication from the IRCC. Kmiec recently presented a petition to the Canadian Parliament urging for the acceleration of PR approvals. With substantial support from the community, the petition gathered nearly 15,000 signatures.

In light of these advocacy efforts, some strategists suggest exploring alternative settlement pathways for Hongkongers facing mounting obstacles. The realities of the Canadian immigration system have prompted contemplation of various options, potentially diverging from the original lifeboat promise.

The Personal Toll

For Lee and Ho, the psychological weight of living in limbo is palpable. While Ho balances her nursing career with the uncertainty surrounding her PR application, Lee faces his own crossroads. With a trip back to Hong Kong planned soon, he is left contemplating the sustainability of his life in Canada under such uncertain conditions.

Reflecting on their experiences, Lee has begun to ponder the meaning of freedom he initially sought. Despite finding refuge in Canada, the absence of a sense of belonging has altered his worldview, leaving him questioning the worth of his sacrifices.

Push and Pull Factors

While some, like Alex Chu, have returned to Hong Kong after briefly pursuing PR because of disillusionment with life in Canada, many still cling to the hope of stability and opportunity. These stories evoke a mix of emotions—an aspirational quest for safety and a stark recognition of the hurdles that lie in wait.

The Hong Kong Pathway program, once seen as a beacon of hope, now stands as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for migrants seeking a brighter future amidst a backdrop of uncertainty.