Canada announces two new immigration programs for Hongkongers

June 9, 2021

Two new pathways to permanent residence are now open for eligible Hong Kong nationals residing in Canada as recent graduates or workers all eligible applicants must:

Hold a valid passport issued by one of the following

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China
United Kingdom to a British National (Overseas) as a person born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong

Have valid temporary resident status and be physically present in Canada when: (i) you

submit your application and (ii) when your permanent residence is granted

Have a CLB level 5 score in all 4 skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) in either

English or French

Intend to live in any province or territory other than the province of Quebec

STREAM A (RECENT GRADUATES)

In addition to the general requirements, you must have graduated from a post-secondary

designated learning institution in Canada in the last 3 years and must have done at least

50% of the program of study (in person or online) while in Canada. The programs include:

• Degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate); OR

• Diploma from a program that is at least 2 years in length; OR

• Graduate or post-graduate credential from a program that is at least 1 year in length.

Additionally, 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

STREAM B (CANADIAN WORK EXPERIENCE)

In addition to the general requirements, you must:

Have at least 1 year of full-time work experience (or the part-time equivalent) in Canada in the last 3 years
You can’t include any hours of work that you spent
As a full-time student
Self-employed
Working outside Canada
On leave from your job (medical, parental or similar)
On an extended absence outside Canada
Have been granted one of the following educational credentials at a post-secondary learning institution in Canada (or the equivalent foreign educational credential) in the last 5 years
Degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate); OR
Diploma from a program that is at least 2 years in length; OR
Graduate or post-graduate credential from a program that is at least 1 year in length. Additionally, 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
Applicants with foreign education must submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)