Hong Kong residents applying for permanent residency in Canada will be granted work permits, which will enable them to remain in the country while they await the decision of their applications. For qualified applicants and their families, the temporary public policy for Hong Kong residents in Canada offers a road to permanent residency. This term of this public policy's acceptance is from June 1, 2021, to August 31, 2026. 

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There are two streams that applicants may be eligible to apply to:

• Stream A: In-Canada Graduates

• Stream B: Canadian Work Experience

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Stream A: In-Canada graduates

• Education: Applicants must be Hong Kong residents who have completed a post-secondary education program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The program must be at least two years in duration for a diploma, or at least one year in duration for a graduate or post-graduate diploma, or a degree (bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctorate).

• Work Experience: While Stream A is primarily aimed at international students, having Canadian work experience is an advantage but not a mandatory requirement.

• Language Proficiency: Must meet the language requirements of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) if applying through Express Entry. This typically requires a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for NOC TEER 0 or 1 jobs, or CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 or 3 jobs.

Stream B: Canadian work experience

• Work Experience: Applicants must be Hong Kong residents who have at least one year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in Canada in the last 3 years before application.

• Language Proficiency: Must meet the language requirements for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), typically CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 or 1 jobs and CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 or 3 jobs.

• Legal Status: Must be in Canada on a valid temporary resident status at the time of application.

Accompanying Family Members:

• Spouse or common-law partner, and 

• Dependent children under 22 years old

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Key Benefits and Considerations:

• Pathway to Permanent Residence: Both streams provide a structured pathway to permanent residency for Hong Kong residents who are already in Canada, either as international students or workers.

• Processing Times: Applications through Express Entry typically have processing times of about six months. Streamlined processes for these specific pathways may expedite the application process for Hong Kong residents.

• Open Work Permit: Eligible for work permit that let you work while waiting for permanent residence application to be processed.

• Settlement Funds: While specific financial requirements may vary, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their families in Canada.​