Canada announced new programs to make it easier and faster for Hong Kong residents to live and work in Canada. Canada reaffirmed its commitment to immigration as a key factor in the country's economic recovery and growth by announcing new initiatives to attract students and young skilled workers from Hong Kong and increased benefits for Hong Kong already in Canada. The new programs provide expedited work permits and study permits for Hong Kong residents who want to move to Canada, plus enhanced initiatives for Hong Kongers already in Canada. Many of the new programs target Hong Kong “youth,” young adults aged 18-35 years old.
In announcing the new measures, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) reaffirmed the strong relationship between Canada and Hong Kong:
“The people-to-people ties between Canada and Hong Kong are strong and deep, and these new measures celebrate those long-standing relationships. Newcomers from Hong Kong, including students, have made outstanding contributions to Canada, and the changes we’re announcing today will strengthen our relationship with the people of Hong Kong and bring us closer together.”
- The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P.,
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
The government will also initiate promotional and recruitment efforts to increase awareness of the new programs and enhanced measures.
New Pathways for Hong Kong Youth
- Expedited Processing of Work and Study Permits
Minister Mendicino announced that after their studies are completed, Hong Kong students studying in Canada will have a new dedicated pathway to permanent residence. - Open Work Permit
A new open work permit valid for up to three years, to allow eligible Hong Kong residents in Canada or abroad who have completed post-secondary studies in the past 5 years to apply for an open work permit. - 2 New Pathways To Permanent Residence
New pathways to permanent resident status for in-Canada Hong Kong residents who meet specific eligibility criteria will be available in 2021.- One pathway's criteria will include minimum language and education levels and 1 year of work experience in Canada.
- The second new pathway to permanent residence will be available for Hong Kong residents in Canada who graduated from a Canadian post-secondary educational institution.
New Measures for Canadian Permanent Residents in Hong Kong and Hong Kong Residents In Canada
- Waived Fees
Hong Kong residents already in Canada can extend their stay without paying application processing fees. Processing fees are being temporarily waived for Hong Kong residents in Canada on a temporary basis who apply to renew their status to extend their stay. - Expedited Processing
Canada will speed up the processing of permanent residence applications, including family sponsorship and study and work permits.- IRCC will promote super visas for parents and grandparents. This will allow them to come to Canada multiple times over a 10 year period for up to two years at a time.
Strong Relationship Between Canada and Hong Kong
Canada's 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan is designed to encourage recent Hong Kong graduates and those with essential work experience to choose Canada as a place to study, work, and settle. There are strong cultural ties between Hong Kong and Canada. There are many Canadians of Hong Kong descent living in Canada now, and an estimated 300,000 Canadians living in Hong Kong, which is one of the largest Canadian communities abroad.
In his announcement, Minister Mendicino reassured Canadians in Hong Kong that they can return to Canada at any time, and any documents they require will be expedited. Family members in Hong Kong of Canadians and Canadian permanent residents may also travel to Canada under the current exemptions to travel restrictions, and as for all travellers to Canada, must quarantine for 14 days after their arrival.
Read More:
- Canada's 2020-2022 Immigration Levels Plan
- How Hong Kong Residents Can Move To Canada
- What Are the Best Options for Hong Kong Residents to Move to Vancouver?
- PGP Alternative: Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
About Ackah Law
At Ackah Business Immigration Law, our goal is to make Crossing Borders Seamlessly a reality and to smooth your way to new opportunities in Canada.
Evelyn L. Ackah is the founder and managing lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law and has exclusively practiced immigration law for over 20 years. Ackah Law is headquartered in Calgary with offices in Vancouver and Toronto. Contact Ackah Law today at 403-452-9515 or email us directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.
