When a program closes after you have applied, it is natural to worry that your file closed with it. In almost every case it did not. IRCC keeps processing applications it accepted before a closing date, and its plan for 2027 sets aside room to finish many of them. This guide gathers what IRCC has said about each closed program in one place.
Where each program stands
| Program | Closed | Applications already received |
|---|---|---|
| Agri-Food Pilot | May 14, 2025 | Still processed; included in the 2027 workers cohort |
| Hong Kong permanent residence pathways | August 31, 2026 | Still processed; IRCC aims to finish them with 2027 admissions |
| Ukraine family reunification pathway | October 22, 2024 | Still processed; IRCC aims to finish them with 2027 admissions |
| Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot | Closed to new applications | IRCC has not published details |
Hong Kong residents
The two Hong Kong permanent residence streams, for recent Canadian graduates and for people with Canadian work experience, closed on August 31, 2026. By June 30, 2026, IRCC had received about 30,315 applications covering 48,560 people, and approved more than 8,600. The open work permit for Hong Kong residents remains in place until May 2029, so you can keep working while you wait or apply through another program.
Ukrainians and their families
The temporary public policy that let Canadian relatives help Ukrainians become permanent residents closed on October 22, 2024, and the CUAET emergency travel measure ended on July 15, 2023. Some special measures for Ukrainians changed on April 1, 2026, so check IRCC’s Ukraine page for what applies to you now.
The 2027 cohorts
- IRCC announced a one-time 2027 workers cohort of up to 100,000 people.
- Provinces and territories will be able to identify workers who already applied to closed programs, including the Agri-Food Pilot, the federal business programs and the home care worker programs.
- A humanitarian cohort will finalize applications from people already found eligible on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
- IRCC set a goal of processing all remaining Hong Kong and Ukraine family reunification applications.
While you wait
- 01
Keep your file current
Tell IRCC about any change of address, family or job, and answer requests quickly.
- 02
Keep your status valid
If you are in Canada, renew your permit before it expires, using any extension options your program allows.
- 03
Watch for your province
If you applied to the Agri-Food Pilot or a business program, follow your province’s announcements about the 2027 workers cohort.
- 04
Look at open routes too
If another program also fits your situation, our Pathway finder shows the routes open today.
Frequently asked questions
The program I applied to closed. Was my application cancelled?
No. For each of these programs, IRCC says it continues to process the applications it accepted before the closing date.
Can I still apply to the Hong Kong pathways?
No. They closed on August 31, 2026. The open work permit for Hong Kong residents remains available until May 2029.
When did the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot close?
IRCC’s pages show both the regional and federal streams as closed to new applications, but do not give a closing date. Check IRCC’s EMPP page for updates.
Will my province contact me about the 2027 workers cohort?
IRCC said provinces and territories will be able to identify workers who applied to closed programs. Details have not been published yet, so watch your province’s immigration pages.
You don’t have to face the wait alone.
Thousands of people have shared their real timelines so the next person isn’t left guessing in the dark. Add yours, keep your own application and your family’s together in one place, and see a grounded estimate of how long your decision might take, drawn from people who are walking the same path.
- Share your timeline and help the next applicant find their footing.
- Track your own and your family’s applications together, in one calm place.
- See a realistic estimate of your wait, based on people on the same journey.
It’s free, and what you track stays private to you. Sharing your timeline with the community is always your choice.
Key takeaways
- IRCC keeps processing applications it accepted before a program closed.
- The Hong Kong pathways closed on August 31, 2026, and the Agri-Food Pilot on May 14, 2025.
- Canada’s 2027 plan includes extra admissions to clear many of these waiting applications.
- IRCC: Agri-Food Pilot (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Hong Kong residents, permanent residence (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Ukraine family reunification pathway (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Building a stronger Canada (November 5, 2026) (opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed: Nov 8, 2026