Permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents: Intake

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

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Who can apply

IRCC has implemented many facilitative measures to support Hong Kong residents seeking alternatives to remaining in or returning to Hong Kong. Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria can apply under this public policy.

Eligibility for processing

Applications under the permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents must be submitted online using the Permanent Residence Portal. Those who are unable to apply online can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print). Applications must be submitted using the applicable forms provided by the department.

Completeness check

Applicants are required to submit their complete application, including all mandatory forms, fees, information and supporting documents.

Applications are first checked for completeness according to the document checklist (PDF, 926 KB) requirements. The intake team checks for the following:

Fees

Any applicable fees, including fees for processing an application for permanent residence under subsection A25.2(1), must be paid. Payment of the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF) is not mandatory upfront.

Information on applicable fees can be found in the Fee list.

Putting an application into processing

Applicants are to submit their applications online using the Permanent Residence Portal. They can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large font) if they can’t apply online and require accommodations, including for a disability. To apply electronically, applicants must sign in to their Permanent Residence Portal account or create one. Applicants must complete all application forms, gather the supporting documentation on the checklist and submit the documents in the portal.

Note: If a paid representative is submitting the application online on behalf of the applicant, the representative must sign in to their Authorized Paid Representatives Portal account to do so. The primary applicant must electronically sign their application, and the representative must also provide their declaration before submitting the application.

Global Case Management System (GCMS) procedures

Upon receipt of the required application forms and other documents from the applicant, the office must complete the following steps:

  1. Create the permanent residence application and ensure that the Rec’d Via field reflects the method by which the application was received (email or paper file).
  2. Conduct an integrated search.
  3. Choose the GCMS category HC-CDA - Humanitarian and Compassionate and special program code HKPPPR-A or HKPPPR-B. After completing the required data entry, promote the application.
  4. Enter the applicable cost recovery processing fees.
  5. Upload the application forms and scanned document(s).
  6. Assign the file to the local office responsibility centre (RC) code associated with the application code location.
  7. Initiate an Entry/Exit check to confirm the client is in Canada.
  8. In the GCMS outgoing correspondence, send a letter to the email address provided by the applicant to request any outstanding documents:
    1. IMM 1017 medical forms (after ensuring that there is no valid medical on file)
    2. missing police certificates, if applicable
    3. any other missing items
  9. Recover the biometric fee and send the biometric instruction letter (BIL). If the biometric fee was not paid, send the biometric fee payment letter. The BIL will be sent by the processing office once the applicant submits the biometric fee. More information on biometrics can be found in General processing measures: COVID-19 program delivery.
  10. Save email correspondence with the client in the GCMS in the Outgoing Correspondence screen.

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