Canada offers dedicated immigration pathways for eligible Hong Kong residents to obtain permanent residency, reflecting its commitment to human rights and democratic values.
Program Overview
In response to the evolving situation in Hong Kong, the Government of Canada introduced two special permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents. These pathways are designed for individuals currently residing in Canada and are available until August 31, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following general requirements:
● Citizenship: Hold a valid passport issued by:
● Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, or
● United Kingdom to a British National (Overseas) as a person born, naturalized, or registered in Hong Kong.
● Residency: Be physically present in Canada when applying and when granted permanent residence.
● Status: Have valid temporary resident status in Canada.
● Intention: Plan to live in a province or territory other than Quebec.
● Language Proficiency: Achieve a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in English or French.
Applicants can apply under one of the following two streams:
Stream A: In-Canada Graduates
● Education: Graduated from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada within the last 3 years with one of the following:
● A diploma (not graduate or post-graduate) for a program of at least 2 years,
● A degree (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral), or
● A graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate for a program of at least 1 year.
● Study Requirement: At least 50% of the program must have been completed in Canada (either in person or online).
● Prerequisite Education: For graduate or post-graduate credentials, applicants must have completed a post-secondary diploma or degree (from Canada or abroad) within 5 years before starting the graduate or post-graduate program.
Stream B: Canadian Work Experience
• Work Experience: Accumulated at least 1 year of full-time work experience (or 1,560 hours of part-time work) in Canada within the last 3 years.
• Education: Hold a degree, diploma, or graduate credential obtained from a post-secondary learning institution in or outside Canada within the last 5 years.
Application Process
1. Determine Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for either Stream A or Stream B.
2. Gather Documents: Prepare necessary documents, including proof of education, work experience, language proficiency, and identity.
3. Apply Online: Submit your application through the Permanent Residence Portal.
4. Pay Fees: Application fees start from CAD $1,210.
5. Await Acknowledgment: If your application is complete, you will receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).
6. Provide Biometrics and Medical Exam: If required, submit biometrics and undergo a medical examination.
Open Work Permit Option
Starting May 27, 2024, applicants who have submitted a permanent residence application under one of the Hong Kong pathways may be eligible for a 3-year open work permit, provided they:
● Have held a work or study permit within the 3 years prior to applying for permanent residence.
● Are currently in Canada.
This open work permit allows applicants to work for any employer in Canada while awaiting a decision on their permanent residence application.
Processing Times and Statistics
● Processing Times: Due to high demand, processing times may vary. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
● Application Statistics: As of October 31, 2024, over 26,500 individuals have applied under these pathways, with more than 10,500 approvals and fewer than 200 refusals.
No. These pathways are designed for individuals currently residing in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
Yes. You can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application.
If your application is refused, you may be eligible to apply for other immigration programs or consider reapplying if your circumstances change.
No. There is currently no cap on the number of applications accepted under these pathways.
Need Assistance with Your Application?
Navigating immigration pathways can be complex. Our certified immigration consultants are here to guide you through every step of the process to ensure a successful application.