Canada Announces Continued Support for Hong Kongers

Today the IRCC made an announcement regarding the continued immigration support for Hong Kong residents in Canada. This includes amendments to Hong Kong Permanent Residence Pathway to allow for more applicants to be eligible.

Effective August 15, 2023, the education requirement will be removed from the Canadian work experience stream (Stream B) of the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways. This will open doors for more Hong Kongers with Canadian work experience to become eligible for permanent residence. 

By removing the education requirement, the Canadian government recognizes the value of work experience as a significant factor in assessing an individual’s eligibility for permanent residence. This change not only provides greater opportunities for skilled Hong Kongers but also enables them to contribute their unique skills and experiences to Canada’s diverse workforce.

Canada has been actively supporting Hong Kong residents since 2021, when it introduced dedicated immigration pathways to Hong Kongers looking to stay in Canada. These measures were implemented as a response to the national security law imposed by the Chinese government in Hong Kong, which raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and human rights.

In addition to the removal of the education requirement, the Canadian government recently extended and expanded open work permits for Hong Kong residents. This move ensures a smoother transition from temporary to permanent residence for those who wish to make Canada their new home.

The removal of the education requirement under Stream B complements these recent measures and demonstrates Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting Hong Kong residents. By attracting individuals who have already gained Canadian work experience, Canada aims to harness their talents and contributions, enriching the country’s workforce and promoting economic growth.

Permanent Resident Pathways for Hong Kongers

Canada has permanent resident pathways dedicated to Hong Kong residents who have studied in Canada. There are two streams:

Stream A: Which offers permanent residence to Hong Kong residents that have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution in the immediate 3 years preceding the date when the application is received.

Stream B: Which offers permanent residence to Hong Kong residents that have graduated from a post-secondary institution in Canada or abroad and have at least one year of work experience in Canada.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to immigrate to Canada, get started today by filling out our free online assessment.