Canadian Immigration News

Canada Launched 2 New Immigration Pathways for Hong Kong

2.5 minute read
"Canadian Immigration Minister, Marco Mendicino launched two new immigration pathways for HongKongers in Canada on June 8. These new immigration pathways will facilitate immigration of HongKongers who are temporary workers or recent graduates in Canada. These programs are now open to applications."
Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on:  Jul 10, 2021
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Canadian Immigration Minister, Marco Mendicino launched two new immigration pathways for HongKongers in Canada on June 8. These new immigration pathways will facilitate immigration of HongKongers who are temporary workers or recent graduates in Canada. These programs are now open to applications. 

Why Were These New Immigration Pathways Introduced?

These new pathways were introduced in the light of China’s imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong that led to a clampdown on freedom of expression. 

The Canadian government has condemned the arrests of pro-democracy activities by the Chinese authorities and the deterioration of democracy in Hong Kong due to China’s activities.

Marco Medicino expressed that these new pathways will deepen the strong ties between Canadians and the people of Hong Kong. The Canadian government first introduced measures to help HongKongers in November and the first immigration pathway for HongKongers opened for applications in February, 2021. 

The first immigration pathway allowed HongKong residents to apply for an open work permit that will be valid for 3 years and gain permanent residency quickly. 

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the New Immigration Pathways for HongKongers?

To qualify for the new immigration pathways, applicants must have valid temporary resident status in Canada. They must also meet certain education level, language proficiency and work experience requirements to qualify for permanent residency. They must also clear all admissibility requirements to enter Canada.

As a proof of their Hong Kong citizenship, they must hold a valid passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of People’s Republic of China. Applicants who are British Nationals (overseas) from Hong Kong with passports issued by the United Kingdom can also qualify for the new immigration pathways.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Stream A?

Stream A is for HongKongers who are recent graduates in Canada. To qualify for Stream A, applicants must:

  • Have a post-secondary education credential from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada
  • Completed 50% of their study program in Canada
  • Completed a study program that lasted at least 2 years
  • Completed a study program that lasted at least 1 year if it resulted in graduate or postgraduate credential
  • Completed a study program that lasted a year with a previous education credential earned no more than 5 years from the date of application

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Stream B?

Stream B is for HongKongers who are temporary workers in Canada. To qualify for Stream B, applicants must:

  • Have at least 1 year of full-time work experience or part-time work experience that accumulates to 1,560 hours
  • Work experience must be gained in the last 3 years before applying 
  • Have a post-secondary education credential earned in the last 5 years

Study programs under Stream B do not need to be completed in Canada.

For both immigration pathways, applicants must intend to live outside the province of Quebec. This is because Quebec has autonomy to nominate applicants for permanent residence. Therefore, the federal government can not impose any new immigration pathway for residency for Quebec Immigration. If you want to reside in Quebec, then you can consult the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) to know about Quebec Immigration. 

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