Canada to Close Permanent Residence Pathways for Hong Kong Nationals to New Applications

What changed

The Danish Immigration Service has resumed the processing of applications for permanent residence and specific family reunification cases. This decision follows the National Police's assessment that an error in the Criminal Register, which led to the temporary suspension of these cases, had very limited consequences. The resumption means that applicants in these categories can expect their applications to proceed, ending the period of uncertainty caused by the suspension.

What changed

On 8 October 2026, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) updated its guidance for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). This amendment permits certain children, along with their primary carers, to retain their pre-settled status to ensure they can complete their education within the UK. The change is effective immediately and reflects updates to the broader Immigration Rules, providing continuity for specific educational circumstances under the EUSS.

What changed

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has updated its internal guidance for caseworkers dealing with Long Residence applications. From 8 October 2026, this guidance makes it clear that if an application for permission to stay under the Long Residence route doesn't meet its specific eligibility or suitability rules, the Secretary of State *may* change it to an application under 'Appendix FM' (for family life) or 'Appendix Private Life'. This change is designed to offer a clear path for some applicants who might otherwise have their application refused. It allows their case to be considered under other immigration routes without them needing to pay a new application fee.

What changed

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Programme (OINP) has changed the scoring for Canadian work experience earnings history within its Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream's Expression of Interest (EOI) system. As of 5 October 2026, candidates who have earned CAD 80,000 or more in a single year during the last five years will receive 10 points. This update is automatically applied to all existing EOIs and aims to make the assessment process smoother for highly paid candidates in Ontario's workforce.