Hong Kong Residents Program
In November of 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada had released some interesting news regarding Hong Kong residence. The Government had announced new immigration measures supporting students and youths from Hong Kong, as part of the path for them towards permanent residency. The quoted text below outlines this program.
This program provides a fantastic opportunity for those wishing to come to Canada. In fact, there are very few programs of its kind that allow for such a streamlined path to immigration. Close historical ties between Canada and Hong Kong, as well as a large community of Hong Kong-Canadian citizens, has defiantly been a contributing factor that has influenced the government’s decision in the matter. The two countries share a common past, one that many still remember and hold close. This is a landmark immigration initiative that will contribute to Canada’s diverse landscape, bring new ideas, and deepen the ties between Canada and the people of Hong Kong.
Applications
Those applying from abroad remain subject to current travel restrictions and may not be able to come to Canada at this time, unless they have a job offer or meet a travel exemption and comply with all public health requirements. Right now, because of the travel restriction, it may be easier to come to Canada first as a student and apply for this program afterward. This is because international students are one of the few groups allowed into the country, depending on a variety of factors surrounding their educational institute of choice (contact us for more information).
Hong Kong residents currently in Canada temporarily, including visitors, students, and workers, can apply online from within Canada.
In addition to open work permits, the Government of Canada continues to implement 2 other pathways to permanent residence for young Hong Kong residents, which will be available later this year.
- The first will be for Hong Kong residents with at least 1 year of work experience in Canada and who meet the language and education criteria.
- Hong Kong residents must have graduated with a Canadian post-secondary diploma or degree in the last 5 years, or hold an equivalent foreign credential. A post-secondary diploma program must be a minimum of 2 years.
- The second will be for Hong Kong residents who have graduated from a post-secondary institution in Canada; who can then apply directly for permanent residence.
Who can apply for a Work Permit?
To be eligible, you must:
- hold a valid passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or the United Kingdom to a British National Overseas (BNO)
- The work permit will be issued for up to 3 years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. For example, if your passport is valid for 6 months, then you will be issued an open work permit for 6 months.
- To maximize the duration of the open work permit, make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 years from the date of approval.
- have graduated no more than 5 years before you apply for this open work permit, with:
- a degree from a designated post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad, or
- a diploma for a minimum 2-year program from a designated post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad
Side Notes
- These measures apply to Hong Kong residents who hold a Hong Kong special administrative region (SAR) or British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passport.
- We have also implemented an exemption to the 12-month bar on a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) for Hong Kong residents—meaning that some individuals who were previously ineligible may now get another, updated assessment on whether they can stay in Canada.
- Hong Kong residents at risk of persecution who have fled to another country may also be eligible under Canada’s existing resettlement programs, including the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program and the Government-Assisted Refugees Program.
Immigration Assistance
Our immigration consultancy currently offers help with applications for this new program. In addition, we also provide business services for residents wishing to start a company within Canada. If are interested in this program and would like to know more, you can call us at 778-682-4924 or email us through our contact page. Taraz Services provides help with a wide variety of immigration programs, so feel free to reach out and contact us for all your immigration inquiries.