New Pathways to Permanent Residence for Hong Kong Residents Announced
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Canada’s New Initiative for Hong Kong Residents
Canada has always shared a strong bond with Hong Kong, with its residents contributing significantly to the nation for over 150 years. In light of the recent challenges in Hong Kong, Canada reaffirms its solidarity with its people. Concerns have heightened over China’s National Security Law and the worsening human rights situation there.
In November 2020, Minister Marco E. L. Mendicino unveiled plans to facilitate the migration of more Hong Kongers to Canada. The first segment of this initiative began in February 2021. Now, two additional pathways have been introduced, providing a route to permanent residency for qualified Hong Kong citizens currently in Canada as workers or recent graduates.
Pathway Details for Permanent Residency
Minister Mendicino has announced two new streams available for Hong Kong residents seeking permanent residency. Applicants must possess valid temporary resident status and remain in Canada throughout the application process. They must meet language, educational, and work criteria, and comply with Canada’s standard immigration procedures.
Stream A: Education-Based Eligibility
- Applicants must have completed a post-secondary credential in Canada within the last three years. At least half of their coursework should have been completed in Canada, either physically or online. Accepted credentials include:
- A degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate)
- A diploma from a program lasting at least two years
- A graduate or post-graduate credential from a program of at least one year, requiring a prior degree or diploma obtained no more than five years before the program start
Stream B: Work Experience-Based Eligibility
- Applicants need a year of full-time work experience or equivalent part-time work (1,560 hours) in Canada within the past three years. They should have completed one of the following educational credentials in the last five years, either in Canada or abroad:
- A degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate)
- A diploma from a program lasting at least two years
- A graduate or post-graduate credential from a program lasting at least one year, which requires a prior degree or diploma earned within five years before starting the program
Minister’s Perspective
“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.”
—The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Facts
- The international community, including Canada, expressed serious concerns when China’s National Security Law for Hong Kong was enacted on June 30, 2020.
- Canada has criticized the arrests of pro-democracy activists and the erosion of Hong Kong’s electoral system, upholding its support for democracy and human rights.
- On February 8, 2021, IRCC introduced a new three-year open work permit for eligible Hong Kong residents, aiding their path to permanent residence.
- Minister Mendicino expanded the education requirements for the open work permit to include recent graduates.
- To qualify for these new residency pathways, applicants must hold a valid passport from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or as a British National (Overseas) from Hong Kong.
- Applicants must follow the application process closely, paying fees online and using Canada Post’s epost Connect service.
- Applicants must plan to reside outside Quebec in Canada, while Hong Kong residents in Quebec should consult the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration for provincial options.
Related Resources
Contact Information
Media Contacts Only
Alex Cohen
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQs about Canada’s Immigration Pathways for Hong Kong Residents
Who is eligible for Stream A?
Stream A is for applicants who have completed a qualifying educational credential at a designated learning institution in Canada within the last three years, performing at least half of their studies in Canada.
What qualifies as valid work experience for Stream B?
Stream B requires at least one year of full-time employment or equivalent part-time work in Canada within the past three years.
Do applicants need to stay in Canada during the application process?
Yes, applicants must be in Canada when submitting their application and when their permanent residency is approved.
What are the passport requirements for these pathways?
Applicants need a valid passport from either the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or as a British National (Overseas) from Hong Kong.
What if I want to live in Quebec?
Hong Kong residents interested in settling in Quebec should seek guidance from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration for suitable pathways.
