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Canada launches 2 new immigration pathways for Hongkongers

The Canadian government has opened two new pathways to permanent residence for Hong Kong recent graduates and workers living in Canada as part of an initiative initially launched in February. There are two streams under new program. Over the years Canada has become a second home for many Hong Kong residents after their families moved to cities like Vancouver and Toronto.

Stream A will allow Hong Kong residents who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution in the past three years to apply for Canadian Permanent residency. Stream B targets Hong Kong residents who have completed post-secondary studies in Canada or abroad within the past five years and have worked in Canada for at least one year in the past three years.

Stream A (In Canada Graduates)

To be eligible for Stream A, the applicants must have completed a post-secondary education from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution in the last three years. They must have done at least half of their program in Canada, either in person or online. Eligible diploma programs must be at least two years in length. Graduate or post-graduate credentials must be at least one year in length, with the previous credential earned no more than five years before the start of the program.

Applicant must have completed one of the following at a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada in the last 3 years:

  • degree (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate)
  • diploma from a program that is at least 2 years in length.
  • graduate or post-graduate credential (for a diploma or certificate) from a program that is at least 1 year in length; in addition, 50% of the program must be completed in Canada.
  • If an applicant has a graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate, they must have completed a post-secondary diploma or degree as a prerequisite to this education, in the 5 years before starting graduate or post-graduate program.

Stream B: Canadian Work Experience

This stream is for applicants who have at least one year of full-time work experience, or 1,560 hours of part time work experience in Canada within the last three years. During this period applicant must be allowed to work legally in Canada on a valid work permit or should be exempted.

Applicants cannot include hours of work they performed as a full-time student, self-employed person, unemployed, work on job leaves (maternity, paternity, or similar), or work outside Canada.

Applicant must also have completed one of the following at a post-secondary DLI in Canada in the last 5 years:

  • degree (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate)
  • diploma from a program that is at least 2 years in length.
  • graduate or post-graduate credential (for a diploma or certificate) from a program that is at least 1 year in length; in addition, the program must require a post-secondary degree or diploma, which must have been earned no more than 5 years before starting the graduate or post-graduate program.
  • ECA report for international qualification equivalent to a Canadian post-secondary diploma (for a program of at least 2 years), a Canadian post-secondary degree, or a Canadian graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate (for a program of at least 1 year).
  • If an applicant has a graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate, they must have completed a post-secondary diploma or degree as a prerequisite to this education, in the 5 years before starting graduate or post-graduate program.

Under the employment section, applicants need to demonstrate a copy of the T4 tax information slips, notices of assessment issued by Canada Revenue Agency, copies of records of employment, pay stubs, copies of bank deposits showing salary payments, and a letter from your employer.

Other Requirements for both Stream A and B

All applicants must fill the following visa and supporting application forms:

Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]

Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669]

Additional Family Information [IMM 5406]

Supplementary Information – Your Travels [IMM 5562]

Document checklist [IMM 0134]

Additional Dependents/Declaration [IMM 0008 DEP]

Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]

Applicants need to hold a valid passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China or by the United Kingdom to a British National (Overseas) from Hong Kong.

Applicants must intend to live in any Canadian province or territory other than Quebec.

Applicants are subjected to Canada’s regular immigration application, screening processes and admissibility requirements.

Applicants must be physically present and have valid temporary resident status in Canada at the time they submit their application and when their permanent residency status is granted.

Applicants must have CLB 5 in all 4 skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in either English or French.

Canada believes that this policy will strengthen Canada’s international ties and provide skilled Hongkongers with a unique opportunity to develop their careers in turn helping to accelerate post pandemic recovery for the country.

Experienced immigration professionals at Can X can help you make Canada your new home. We can prepare and submit your application in compliance with IRCC standards. If you wish to prepare and submit your application by yourself, but are unsure about rules, regulations, and completeness of application, you can avail our file review services. We will professionally review the application, supporting documentation and offer you a chance to ask any queries.

Contact us for free consultation and assessment!

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