Canada has introduced two new permanent residency pathways for the nationals of Hong Kong. This new stream will allow Hong Kong graduates and temporary workers in Canada to settle permanently. The newly started 2 PR pathway programs are:
- PR pathway number one is for those who have at least one year of work experience in Canada, and who meet the language and education standards.
- The second will allow Hong Kong international students to apply for permanent residency directly after graduating from Canadian post-secondary.
On the launch of these two new streams, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marco E. L. Mendicino said,
“With young Hong Kongers casting their eyes abroad, we want them to choose Canada. Our Hong Kong immigration pathway is a historic initiative, intended to attract talented applicants who will drive our economy forward. Skilled Hong Kongers will have a unique opportunity to both develop their careers and help accelerate our recovery. This landmark initiative will strengthen our economy and deepen the strong ties between Canada and the people of Hong Kong.”
To be eligible for these streams, the applicants must have valid temporary resident status and be in Canada both when they submit their application and when their permanent residence is granted.
Requirements for Graduate stream
The interested candidates must have completed one of the following educational credentials at a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada in the last 3 years, and they must have done at least 50% of their program of study (in person or online) while in Canada:
- diploma from a program that is at least 2 years in length
- degree (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate)
- graduate or post-graduate credential (for a diploma or certificate) from a program that is at least 1 year in length; in addition, the program must require a post-secondary degree or diploma, which must have been earned no more than 5 years before starting the graduate or post-graduate program
- Language test proofs at CLB level 5 score in all 4 skills
- ECA report for international qualification
Requirements for temporary workers
The candidates must have at least 1 year of full-time work experience (or the part-time equivalent, that is, at least 1,560 hours in total) in Canada in the last 3 years; they must also have completed one of the following at a post-secondary learning institution in or outside Canada in the last 5 years:
- degree (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate)
- diploma from a program that is at least 2 years in length
- graduate or post-graduate credential (for a diploma or certificate) from a program that is at least 1 year in length; in addition, the program must require a post-secondary degree or diploma, which must have been earned no more than 5 years before starting the graduate or post-graduate program
- Language test proofs at CLB level 5 score in all 4 skills
- ECA report for international qualification
Additionally, they also need:
- a copy of the T4 tax information slips and notices of assessment the Canada Revenue Agency issued to you
- copies of your records of employment
- pay stubs
- copies of bank deposits showing salary payments
- a letter from your employer, on company letterhead
Application submission
You must fill in the following visa and supporting application forms:
- Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] (PDF, 677 KB)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] (PDF, 1.52 MB)
- Additional Family Information [IMM 5406] (PDF, 2.23 MB)
- Supplementary Information – Your Travels [IMM 5562] (PDF, 1.75 MB)
- Document checklist [IMM 0134] (PDF, 0.9 MB)
- Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008 DEP] (PDF, 434 KB)
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 1.48 MB)
Previous immigration programs for Hong Kongers
Citizens of Hong Kong can now apply for a new open work permit in Canada from 8 February 2021. This new visa route is available for both applying from outside Canada. The work permit duration will be issued for 3 years and it could later be converted into PR of Canada as well.
Canada shows great support for the citizens of Hong Kong for their new national security law and the deteriorating human rights situation there.
These new immigration measures were introduced in November 2020 by Immigration Minister. Hongkongers who hold a Hong Kong special administrative region (SAR) or British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passport are eligible for such programs. Citizens of Hong Kong have also had an exemption from the 1-year bar on pre-removal risk assessment.
Applying from outside Canada
Applying from abroad for an open work permit will not be that easy for Hongkongers due to travel restrictions. To be eligible, they must have a job offer or meet a travel exemption and comply with all public health requirements.
Applying from inside Canada
Eligible Criteria for a work permit is:
- he/she must have an equivalent foreign degree or qualification
- the applicant must have graduated with a post-secondary diploma or degree in the last five years from Canada, or
- the duration of the qualification must of minimum 2 years
On the other hand, the Hongkongers in Canada with Visitor Visa, Study Permit, and or Temporary Worker Visa can apply online for an Open Work Permit.