Starting 1 June 2021, Hong Kong residents who are currently in Canada can apply for permanent residence under two different streams: In-Canada graduates and Canadian work experience.
This temporary public policy will be in effect until 31 August 2026.
Under Stream A: In-Canada graduates, applicants must:
hold a valid passport issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China or United Kingdom to a British National (Overseas) as a person born, naturalized, or registered in Hong Kong
- hold a valid passport issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China or United Kingdom to a British National (Overseas) as a person born, naturalized, or registered in Hong Kong
- be in Canada
- have valid temporary status in Canada
- intend to live in Canada, in any province or territory other than the province of Quebec
- have a level 5 score in all 4 skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in either English or French
- have graduated from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada in the 3 years before applying
Under Stream B: Canadian work experience, applicants must:
- hold a valid passport issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China or United Kingdom to a British National (Overseas) as a person born, naturalized, or registered in Hong Kong
- be in Canada
- have valid temporary status in Canada
- intend to live in Canada, in any province or territory other than the province of Quebec
- have a level 5 score in all 4 skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in either English or French
- have graduated in the last 5 years before applying with one of the following:
- a diploma (for a program of at least 2 years) or a degree from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada
- a graduate or postgraduate diploma or certificate from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada
- a foreign educational credential equivalent to 1. or 2.
- Have worked full-time in Canada for at least 12 months, or an equal amount of part-time hours, in the 3 years before applying. Note that any hours of work spent self-employed or as a full-time student cannot be included.
For more information on the two new permanent residence pathways, contact one of our lawyers today.
