Canada announces continued assistance for Hong Kong residents
The IRCC published a statement today about the continuation of immigration assistance for Canadian citizens who reside in Hong Kong. To increase the number of applicants who can apply, the Hong Kong Permanent Residence Pathway has been modified.
The education need will no longer apply to the Hong Kong permanent residency paths' Canadian work experience stream (Stream B) as of August 15, 2023. More Hong Kongers with Canadian work experience will now be able to apply for permanent residency as a result.
The Canadian government removed the educational criterion because it values job experience as a key component in determining a person's eligibility for permanent residence.
With this shift, talented Hong Kongers not only have more chances but are also able to contribute their distinct knowledge and experiences to Canada's diversified workforce.
Since 2021, when it established specific immigration paths for Hong Kong citizens seeking to remain in Canada, Canada has been actively assisting its residents who live in Hong Kong.
The national security law that the Chinese government enforced in Hong Kong, which generated worries about the erosion of civil liberties and human rights, prompted the implementation of these measures.
The Canadian government recently broadened open work permits for Hong Kong residents and removed the requirement for schooling. This change guarantees a more seamless transition for those who choose to make Canada their new home from temporary to permanent residence.
These recent actions are strengthened by the elimination of the education requirement under Stream B, which further shows Canada's continuous support for Hong Kong citizens.
Canada seeks to capitalize on the abilities and accomplishments of those who have already worked in Canada by luring them in, enhancing the labour force and fostering economic expansion.
Hong Kongers' Pathways to Permanent Residency
There are specific immigration routes for citizens of Hong Kong who have completed post-secondary education in Canada. Two streams exist:
- Stream A, Which grants Hong Kong citizens who have completed their studies at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution within the last three years permanent residency.
- Hong Kong citizens who have completed a post-secondary program in Canada or overseas and who have at least a year of work experience in Canada are eligible for permanent residence under Stream B.
