01 — Overview
Programs with narrow eligibility and deadlines
Special permanent-residence pathways are created for specific groups and should not be treated as general immigration programs. Each has its own dates, definitions and evidence requirements.
Two current examples listed by IRCC are the pathway for eligible Hong Kong residents in Canada and the pathway for certain foreign nationals who were under state care in Canada.
02
Current special pathways
Hong Kong residents — Stream A
A time-limited pathway for eligible in-Canada graduates, open until August 31, 2026.
Hong Kong residents — Stream B
A time-limited pathway based on qualifying Canadian work experience, open until August 31, 2026.
Foreign nationals formerly in state care
A pathway open until January 21, 2027 for certain people who came to Canada before age 19, were legally under a child and family services provider's responsibility and meet all current rules.
Other temporary public policies
IRCC may introduce, amend or close policies responding to specific circumstances; only the current official instructions should be used.
03
Verify before relying on a special program
- The exact public policy and closing date
- Presence in Canada and immigration-status rules
- Nationality, age, education, work or state-care definitions
- Eligible family members and required declarations
- Whether a related open work permit, temporary resident permit or fee exemption applies
04
How to approach a special pathway
- 01
Confirm the policy is still open
Check the official page and date before preparing or paying for an application.
- 02
Match every definition
Review each eligibility term against the applicant's dates, status and documentary history.
- 03
Build the evidence
Collect records proving the specific education, work, care or family facts required by the policy.
- 04
Submit before expiry
Use the required forms and portal and ensure IRCC receives a complete application before the policy closes.
05
Important points
- A special program's appearance on IRCC's website does not mean it is available to the general public.
- A deadline may arrive before IRCC updates related forms or guidance, so the current instructions must be read together.
- Temporary public policies can be extended, amended or closed.
- The state-care pathway and its related temporary resident permit have different purposes and requirements.
Official sources
Verify the current rules at the source.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Program status, criteria and intake can change. Confirm the current official instructions before applying.