Great News! Canadian PR Requirements Lowered for Hong Kongers
The education requirement under the Canadian work experience stream (Stream B) of the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways will be removed soon.
Since 2021, Canada provided a dedicated immigration pathway for Hong Kongers along with a dedicated open work permit option. Now the Canadian government has made it even easier for them to stay and work in the country. The education requirement under the Canadian work experience stream (Stream B) of the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways will be removed starting from August 15, 2023.
Previously, only young and recent college graduates are eligible. This means that a lot more Hong Kongers with Canadian work experience can apply for Canadian PR very easily under the dedicated immigration pathway.
This change complements the recent extension and expansion of open work permits for Hong Kong residents, making it smoother for them to transition from temporary to permanent residence in Canada.
To apply for permanent residence, you have the option of choosing between two streams. However, you can only select and apply under one stream, not both.
New requirements from August 15, 2023
Stream A (In-Canada graduates)
Hold a valid passport issued by either the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China or the United Kingdom as a British National (Overseas) if you were born, naturalized, or registered in Hong Kong.
Be physically present in Canada at the time of application and when you obtain permanent residence.
Possess valid temporary resident status in Canada.
Have the intention to live in any province or territory of Canada, except Quebec.
Have completed one of the following qualifications within the three years prior to your application:
A diploma (not graduate or post-graduate) from a program lasting at least two years.
A degree (associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral).
A graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate from a program lasting at least one year, with a minimum of 50% of the program completed in Canada, whether through in-person or online studies.
Stream B (Canadian work experience)
Hold a valid passport issued by either the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China or the United Kingdom as a British National (Overseas) if you were born, naturalized, or registered in Hong Kong.
Be physically present in Canada at the time of application and when you obtain permanent residence.
Possess valid temporary resident status in Canada./li>
Have the intention to live in any province or territory of Canada, except Quebec.
Have accumulated at least 12 months of full-time work experience in Canada, or an equivalent amount of part-time hours, within the three years prior to your application.
This amendment complements the recent extension and expansion of open work permits for Hong Kong residents and further assists the transition from temporary to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents. Through implementing these measures, Canada will be able to attract individuals who have already gained Canadian work experience. This will open doors of opportunity for skilled individuals from Hong Kong to contribute their unique skills and experiences to Canada’s diverse workforce.
Apply for permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents.
