These new pathways have taken effect on June 8, 2021 and will expire on August 31, 2026. Canada offers special immigration and work permit pathways to residents of Hong Kong that aim to strengthen the historical, social, and economic ties between the two sides.
There are two new pathways to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents who have either worked or studied in Canada.
Stream A is open to former Hong Kong residents who have graduated from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada within the last 3 years. The candidate must have completed at least 50 per cent of the program while being physically present in Canada, even if classes were online.
Eligibility:
- Have graduated with a degree, diploma (2 years or longer), or graduate or post-graduate credential (1 year or longer) from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada within the last 3 years
- CLB/NCLC 5 in English or in French
- Have a valid temporary resident status in Canada
- Intend to live in a province or territory other than Quebec
Stream B is open to former Hong Kong residents who have graduated from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad, and have at least one year of work experience in Canada. For those who graduated abroad, they will need to provide an educational credential assessment (ECA) to show that their foreign credential is equivalent to a Canadian post-secondary one.
Eligibility:
- Have graduated with a degree, diploma (2 years or longer), or graduate or post-graduate credential (1 year or longer) from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad, within the last 5 years
- At least 1 year of work experience in Canada within the last 3 years
- CLB/NCLC 5 in English or in French
- Have a valid temporary resident status in Canada
- Intend to live in a province or territory other than Quebec
