Canada – Hong Kong Residents Initiative
In response to the new National Security Law affecting the state
of human rights in Hong Kong, Canada has announced several new
measures to help recent graduates and skilled workers from Hong
Kong gain faster permanent residency in Canada. In November 2020,
the Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration,
Refugees, and Citizenship, announced that starting February 8,
2021, Hong Kong residents will be able to apply for new open work
permits. To qualify, applicants must have graduated with a Canadian
post-secondary diploma or degree within the last 5 years, or hold
an equivalent foreign credential. Hong Kong residents who are
currently in Canada, including visitors, students and workers, can
apply online from within Canada. Those applying from abroad are
unfortunately still subject to travel restrictions in place due to
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Later this year, Canada will implement two additional pathways
to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents. Applicants with at
least one year of Canadian work experience who meet the language
requirements; and applicants who have graduated from a
post-secondary institution in Canada will be able to directly apply
for permanent residence. The exact dates of the rollout for the
last two pathways are not yet announced, but the aim is for the
programs to become effective in 2021.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.