Introduction
Exciting news for newcomers from Hong Kong looking to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just announced that they are waving the education requirement for people immigrating from Hong Kong.
How the Most Recent Changes to the Program Work
On July 11th, 2023, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced the removal of the education requirement under the Stream B pathway. This means that more Hong Kongers with Canadian work experience will be eligible for permanent residence, as they will not be restricted by educational status. This change also simplifies the application process, as it no longer requires applicants to submit proof of education. The removal of the education requirement comes into effect on August 15th, 2023.
Expansion of Open Work Permit Program
Previously, in February of 2023, Canada announced that they would be extending the deadline to apply for permanent residency, along with expanding eligibility to Hong Kong residents who have graduated from a post-secondary learning institution within Canada in the last ten years.
In addition to the permanent residence streams that are available to Hong Kong residents, there have been two additional pathways put in place on June 1st, 2021, and are available until August 31st, 2026. These additional pathways are:
- Stream A: For in-Canada graduates
- Stream B: For individuals with Canadian work experience
On February 8th, 2021, the IRCC launched a new open work permit which allows eligible residents of Hong Kong to gain work experience in Canada and apply for permanent residency more quickly, this measure was recently extended, allowing Hong Kongers to apply until February 7th, 2025.
Need Help Navigating?
If you are a Hong Kong resident applying for permanent residency in Canada, or if you have any further questions about the Canadian Immigration process, please contact our associate lawyer Perry Yung (pyung@boyneclarke.ca) at BOYNECLARKE LLP.