Canada Opens Two New Pathways to Permanence Residence for Hong Kong

Canada is opening the door to immigration even more widely for Hong Kongers by opening two new avenues for permanent residence – many of whom have been adversely affected by China’s anti-democratic crackdown.

Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said in a statement this week: “With young Hong Kongers setting their eyes overseas, we want them to choose Canada.”

“Our Hong Kong immigration route is a landmark initiative aimed at attracting talented applicants who will propel our economy. Skilled Hong Kongers will have a unique opportunity to develop their careers and help accelerate our recovery,” they said.

Read More: Canada Express Entry Draw: Canada Invites 500 PNP Candidates

Under the two new routes, eligible Hong Kong residents who are workers or recent graduates in Canada can apply for permanent residency.

Applicants must have valid temporary resident status and be in Canada both when they submit their application and when they are granted permanent residency.

They must also meet the specified language, education, work, and eligibility requirements, and are subject to Canada’s regular immigration application and screening procedures and acceptance requirements.

Hong Kong Graduates From Canadian Schools Get Permanent Residency Opportunity

The first stream is for those who have completed at least one of the following academic credentials in the last three years at a secondary designated educational institution in Canada and have completed at least 50 percent of their program of study (individually or online). While living in Canada:

• Degree (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate);
• A diploma from a program that is at least two years long, or;
• Undergraduate or postgraduate credential (for diploma or certificate) from a program that is at least one year long. The program must require a post-secondary degree or diploma that must have been earned no more than five years prior to commencing an undergraduate or graduate program.

The second section is for workers. These applicants must have at least one year of full-time work experience (or part-time equivalent, i.e. at least 1,560 hours in total) in Canada for the past three years.

Read More: Top 8 Highest-Paying IT Jobs In Canada For 2021

They must have completed one of the following in the last five years at an institution of secondary education in or outside Canada:

• Degree (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate);
• A diploma from a program that is at least two years long, or;
• Undergraduate or postgraduate credential (for diploma or certificate) from a program that is at least one year long. The program requires a post-secondary degree or diploma, which must be earned no more than five years prior to commencing an undergraduate or graduate program.

Applicants under these sections must intend to reside outside the province of Quebec. Hong Kong residents living in Quebec can consult the Ministère de l’Immigration, , de la Franciscan et de l’Integration (MIFI) to learn more about the immigration routes available to them in that province.