Hong Kong residents
There are two new pathways to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents who have either worked or studied in Canada. These new pathways have taken effect on June 8, 2021 and will expire on August 31, 2026.
Stream A is for in Canada graduates, who have graduated from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada within the last 3 years. The candidate must have completed at least 50% of the program while being physically present in Canada, even if classes were online.
The candidate:
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Must have graduated with a degree, diploma (2 years or longer), or graduate or post-graduate credential (1 year or longer) from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada within the last 3 years;
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Must meet the language requirements of CLB/NCLC 5 in English or in French;
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Must have a valid temporary resident status in Canada;
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Must intend to live in a province or territory other than Quebec.
Stream B is for Hong Kong residents with Canadian work experience. Those who have at least one year of work experience in Canada. For those who graduated abroad, they will need to provide an educational credential assessment (ECA) to show that their foreign credential is equivalent to a Canadian post-secondary one.
The candidate:
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Must have graduated with a degree, diploma (2 years or longer), or graduate or post-graduate credential (1 year or longer) from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad, within the last 5 years;
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Must have at least 1 year of work experience in Canada within the last 3 years;
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Must meet the language requirements of CLB/NCLC 5 in English or in French;
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Must have a valid temporary resident status in Canada;
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Must intend to live in a province or territory other than Quebec.
The principal applicant must have a passport issued by one of:
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the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China;
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the United Kingdom to a British National Overseas, as a person born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong.
The open work permit is valid for up to 3 years. It offers Hong Kong residents the opportunity to gain Canadian work experience.
To be eligible you must:
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hold a passport that is valid and issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or the United Kingdom to a British National Overseas (BNO)
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have graduated within the last 5 years. You must have obtained a university degree OR a diploma from a program of at least 2 years in duration.