Canada has ceased accepting applicants for a “lifeboat” immigration scheme introduced for Hongkongers in the wake of the national security law.

A Canadian flag flutters over Giant’s Head Mountain in Summerland, British Columbia. Photo: Ryan Ho Kilpatrick/HKFP.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the government department responsible for immigration to the country, said in a statement on Friday that the scheme – which allows Hongkongers to gain permanent residency in Canada – would close to new applicants from August 31.

“We continue to process applications received on or before that date,” the department said.

Ottawa had earlier announced that the scheme would expire at the end of August 2026.

Hongkongers who have already applied can still live and work in Canada while their application is being processed, the department said.

They are able to do so under an extended open work permit programme, which will remain in place until May 2029.

13,000 granted permanent residence

Canada launched the immigration scheme in 2021, a response to the Beijing-imposed national security law passed in June 2020 following the anti-extradition protests and unrest.

A national security law poster. Photo: GovHK.

While Hong Kong authorities said the law was needed to restore stability, Western governments and international organisations raised concerns about its impact on the city’s freedoms.

Canada’s scheme provided two pathways for Hongkongers to gain permanent residence. Scheme A was for those who graduated from a post-secondary institution in Canada in the three years prior to applying, while Stream B was for those who – under the work permit programme – had one year of work experience in the country.

Announcing the scheme five years ago, Canada’s then-immigration minister said the programme was a “landmark initiative” that would “deepen the strong ties between Canada and the people of Hong Kong.”

See also: ‘Hanging halfway’: In wake of Canada’s immigration delay, Hong Kong emigrants ponder whether to stay or return home

In the Friday statement, Canada’s immigration department said it had received applications from around 48,560 people. Among them, 13,370 have been granted permanent residence.

Hongkongers who applied have spoken of longer than expected wait times, with some deciding to return home while waiting for the outcome.