On June 8, 2021, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced that in addition to the first stream which opened in February 2021, there are now two more streams that offer a pathway to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents in Canada who are workers or recent graduates. This policy will be in place until August 31, 2026.
For both these new streams, eligible applicants must:
- have valid temporary resident status and be in Canada when they submit their application and when their permanent residence status is granted; and
- meet the specified language, education, work, and eligibility requirements and are subject to the regular application and screening processes.
Stream A: For Recent Graduates
This is the stream for applicants who have completed one of the following educational credentials at a post-secondary learning institution in Canada in the last three years. At least 50 percent of their studies must have been done in Canada (either in person or online).
- degree (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate);
- diploma from a program that is at least two years; or
- graduate or post-graduate credential from a program that is at least one year in length. This program must require a post-secondary degree or diploma, which was earned no earlier than five years prior to starting the program.
Stream B: For Workers
This is the stream for applicants who have at least one year of full-time work experience (or part-time equivalent) in Canada in the last three years. They must also have completed one of the following at a post-secondary learning institution in or outside Canada in the last five years:
- degree (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate);
- diploma from a program that is at least two years; or
- graduate or post-graduate credential from a program that is at least one year in length. This program must require a post-secondary degree or diploma, which was earned no earlier than five years prior to starting the program.
If you are a Hong Kong resident in Canada, who would like to discuss your options for permanent residence in Canada, please contact our office.
