How to Immigrate to Canada from Hong Kong in 2024
In 2024, Canada aims to welcome 465,000 immigrants and newcomers. This number will continue to grow each year. Many options are available to Hong Kong residents who would like to relocate to Canada. Working with an immigration expert can help you determine the best path for you to take to become a Canadian permanent resident.
Canada Visa Office in Hong Kong
Your Canada visa application forms can be submitted online or in person at a Canadian visa office near you. There is a Canada visa office located in Hong Kong to service any residents looking to submit an immigration application to come to Canada.
How Can Hong Kong Residents Become Canadian Permanent Residents?
There are several pathways to permanent residence in Canada for immigrants from Hong Kong. Based on your education level, prior work experience, or many other circumstances depending on your situation, you may be eligible for a number of different pathways to Canadian immigration. Canada offers many pathways to becoming a permanent resident, and after meeting certain requirements, you can later qualify to become a Canadian citizen.
Express Entry
Canada's Express Entry immigration program is a popular system that the Canadian government uses to select and invite immigration applicants to become permanent residents. The Canadian government's department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) selects candidates from a pool of qualified applicants every couple of weeks. Once you enter the pool, your opportunity to be selected will return each selection day. Many immigrants choose Express Entry because of its quick processing time, which is usually six months or less.
To enter the Express Entry pool of applicants, Hong Kong residents will need to meet the requirements for one of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Through these programs, immigrant workers can become eligible for Canadian immigration. Residents of Hong Kong can improve their Express Entry applications by increasing the number of points they have. The top applications will have the most points, which may be awarded for English language ability, education, experience, skills, and other categories.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are pathways to permanent residence offered by many of Canada's provinces and territories. Each participating province or territory sets its own requirements for eligibility, many relating to the labour market needs in their region. Through the PNPs, each province can nominate individuals for immigration. Nominees should plan to reside in their chosen province.
At present, the 11 provinces and territories offer the following PNPs:
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
Study Permits
Many international students from Hong Kong choose to study in Canada. Programs of study longer than six months require a study permit. You can apply for a study permit once you have received a valid letter of admission from a designated learning institution (DLI). Study permits allow students from Hong Kong to work in Canada during their studies. When your program of study ends, you can apply to extend your stay in Canada. Extending your stay and continuing to collect points can help you on your journey to becoming a permanent resident.
Work Permits
Individuals looking to come to Canada as temporary foreign workers should apply for a work permit. Canada offers the following work permit options:
- Open Work Permit
- Post-Graduate Work Permit
- Work Permit for IT Workers
- Inland Spousal Sponsorship Open Work Permit
- Bridging Open Work Permit
An Open Work Permit in Canada will permit you to work for any employer anywhere in Canada. The Post-Graduate Work Permit is an option for former international students from Hong Kong who have graduated from a Canadian DLI and would like to extend their stay in Canada as workers. The type of work permit you need will depend on your current situation and immigration goals.
How Can I Apply for Canadian Immigration from Hong Kong?
You can apply to immigrate from Hong Kong to Canada through one of the options described or explore other available opportunities. A successful applicant must determine which visa application is best suited to match their needs and goals. The application must be filled out correctly to avoid errors and ensure a smooth immigration process.
How My Visa Source Can Help with Canada Immigration from Hong Kong
Congratulations on taking your first step toward permanent residence in Canada!
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By partnering with us, you are positioning yourself for the highest chance of immigration success and the best opportunity to achieve your visa-related goals.
Immigration is a complex process that requires strong legal strategy, precise paperwork, and perfect attention to detail. You will want to work with a team who has experience dealing with immigration officials and government departments and understands how to reduce the risk of wasted time, money or permanent rejection.
