Canada extends immigration support to Hong Kong residents. This is a revelation made by the Canadian government in a recent announcement.
In 2021, IRCC established two routes for Hong Kong citizens who had either worked or studied in Canada to get permanent residency.
Former Hong Kong citizens who have completed their post-secondary education in Canada within the last three years are eligible to apply for Stream A.
The candidate may apply for permanent residence if they have at least one year of work experience in Canada as of August 15th. This must be when IRCC eliminates the educational requirement from Stream B.
This would make it possible for more Hong Kong citizens who have worked in Canada to obtain permanent residency and complete the application process more simpler, as documentation of Canadian or international academic credentials is no longer necessary.
By providing residents of Hong Kong with valuable Canadian work experience, the growth of Stream B also aids in filling labor shortages in the Canadian employment market.
Canada extends immigration support to Hong Kong residents
One of the principal immigration sources for Canada is Hong Kong. Hong Kong is one of the top five Asian source nations for immigrants to Canada, according to data from the Statistics Canada 2021 Census, where 213,855 immigrants listed Hong Kong as their birthplace.
Data shows 3,750 new Hong Kong residents moved to Canada as permanent residents between January and November 2022. Meanwhile, 8,705 study visas went out to Hong Kong residents studying abroad during that time. In 2022, the International Mobility Program also provided 8,795 work permits to overseas employees from Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Residents to access extended work permits
Sean Fraser made the announcement that Canada would extend its open work permit possibilities for Hong Kong citizens for an additional two years in February of this year. Hong Kong citizens are now required to obtain a Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma within the last ten years, as opposed to the prior five-year requirement.
They might also hold an equivalent foreign certificate, for which they could apply for an ECA evaluation. The minimum duration of the post-secondary diploma program is two years.
Residents of Hong Kong who are temporarily residing in Canada as tourists, students, or workers have the opportunity to apply online from within Canada.
