June 14, 2021
Two New Pathways to Permanent Residency for Nationals of Hong Kong
The minister of Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, Marco E. L. Mendicino introduced 2 new pathways to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents on June 8, 2021.
Canada first introduced new pathways for nationals of Hong Kong in response to China’s Imposition of the national Security Law and the worsening of human rights situation in the country.
As mentioned previously by colleagues, the first set of initiatives were introduced on February 2021 and were meant to help residents of Hong Kong come to Canada on a 3-year open work permit. This pathway was designed to help Hong Kong Residents gain valuable work experiences in Canada and apply for permanent residence more quickly. The educational requirement for this new pathway was expanded on June 8, 2021 to include applicants who have completed, a graduate or post-graduate educational diploma or certificate within the last 5 years, for a program that is at least 1 year in length.
On June 8, Minister introduced 2 new Streams to permanent residence for nationals of Hong Kong. This time, for those who reside in Canada as workers or recent graduates. Certain eligibility requirements were also announced by the Minister which include:
- Having a valid temporary resident status
- Being in Canada both when they submit their application and when their permanent residence status is granted.
- Meeting the specified language, education, work and eligibility requirements, as well as Canada’s regular immigration application and screening processes and admissibility requirements.
Details of each of the streams are as follows:
Stream A
- This stream is designated for Recent Graduates who reside in Canada both when the application is submitted and when Permanent residence is granted. Eligible candidates under this stream must have completed one of the following educational certificate or diplomas at a post-secondary institution in Canada in the last 3 years, and they must have completed at least 50% of their program of study (in person or online) while in Canada.
- bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate degree
- diploma from a program that is at least 2 years in length
- graduate or post-graduate credential (for a diploma or certificate) from a program that is at least 1 year in length; (in addition, 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
- This stream is designed to grant permanent residence to Workers who reside in Canada at the time the application is submitted and when permanent residence status is granted. Applicants eligible to apply under Stream B:
- Must have at least 1 year of full-time work experience (or the part-time equivalent, that is, at least 1,560 hours in total) in Canada in the last 3 years;
AND
- They must also have completed one of the following at a post-secondary learning institution in or outside Canada in the last 5 years:
- bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate degree
- diploma from a program that is at least 2 years in length
- graduate or post-graduate credential (for a diploma or certificate) from a program that is at least 1 year in length; (in addition, 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).
These new pathways are meant to facilitate access to permanent residence for nationals of Hong Kong in an aim to both foster Canada’s economic growth and recovery and also help nationals of Hong Kong choose Canada as their place of residence. As the minister of Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, Marco E. L. Mendicino states:
With young Hong Kongers casting their eyes abroad, we want them to choose Canada. Our Hong Kong immigration pathway is a historic initiative, intended to attract talented applicants who will drive our economy forward. Skilled Hong Kongers will have a unique opportunity to both develop their careers and help accelerate our recovery. This landmark initiative will strengthen our economy and deepen the strong ties between Canada and the people of Hong Kong.
Thanks for reading. This article has been prepared for general information only, and it is not intended to be legal advice. Please contact one of our team members about your circumstances before acting on this information.