Special Programs for Hong Kong Immigration to Canada

IRCC is speeding up processing of permits for eligible young people from Hong Kong to immigrate to Canada to work or study.

Hong Kong Youth Program – Open Work Permit 

As of February 8, 2021, Hongkongers can apply for an open work permit which is valid for up to 3 years. It offers Hong Kong residents the opportunity to gain Canadian work experience which will make the process of immigration from Hong Kong to Canada easier. Eligible spouses and dependent children can also apply for a study or work permit to Canada. This temporary public policy is valid until February 7, 2023.

To be eligible for the Open Work Permit to immigrate from Hong Kong to Canada, the candidate must:

• Be at least 18 years old;
• Hold a HKSAR or BNO passport;
• Have graduated within the last 5 years;
• Have obtained a university degree OR a diploma from a program of at least 2 years in duration. 

Hong Kong Pathways Stream A & B

In May 2021, the Government of Canada put in place a number of facilitative measures to help Hong Kong residents immigrate to Canada. This temporary public policy created two pathways to permanent residence to facilitate the possible immigration of Hong Kong residents to Canada. It recognizes the contributions made by Hong Kong residents to Canada’s economy and social-cultural landscape through human capital, while also promoting democratic values. This public policy took effect on June 1, 2021, and will be valid until August 31, 2026.

By providing new pathways to permanent residence through immigration from Hong Kong to Canada, the Government of Canada aims to encourage recent Hong Kong graduates and those with essential work experience to choose Canada as a place to study, work and settle.

Program Advantages: 

• Special pathways tailored to Hong Kong residents for immigration to Canada
• Fast-track immigration process from Hong Kong to Canada to permanent residency
• Principal applicants will be able to include in-Canada spouses, partners, and dependent children in their application for immigration from Hong Kong to Canada.

Program Requirements:

Stream A: In-Canada graduates

Stream A for immigration from Hong Kong to Canada is open to Hong Kong residents who have graduated from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada. The candidate must have completed at least 50 percent of the program while being physically present in Canada, even if classes were online. These individuals can apply directly for permanent residence after graduation. No work experience needed! The candidate:

• Must have graduated with a degree, diploma (2 years and above), or graduate or postgraduate credential (1 year and above) from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada within the last 3 years;

Stream B: Canadian work experience

Stream B for immigration from Hong Kong to Canada is open to Hong Kong residents who have gained a minimum of one year of authorized work experience in Canada. The candidate:

• Must have graduated with a degree, diploma (2 years and above), or graduate or postgraduate credential (1 year and above) from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada or abroad within the last 5 years; 
• Must have at least 1 year of work experience in Canada within the last 3 years;

The principal applicant of both Stream A and B must also meet the following requirements:

• Hold a HKSAR or BNO passport;
• Be physically in Canada when applying for and obtaining permanent residency;
• Have a valid temporary residence status in Canada;
• Intend to live in a province or territory other than Quebec;
• Meet the language requirements of CLB/NCLC 5 in English or in French, in each of the four language skills areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. 

Application Process for Immigration from Hong Kong to Canada:

1. Contact Altec Global for initial consultation. 
2. Altec Global conducts the assessment to determine your eligibility. 
3. If eligible, sign the service agreement with Altec Global.
4. Getting the required documents ready.
5. Submitting your application package. 
6. Receiving approval on your application.
7. Arrive in Canada.