Pathways for Hong Kong residents

The temporary public policy for Hong Kong residents in Canada provides a valuable pathway to Canadian permanent residence for eligible Hong Kong nationals and their families. This immigration initiative is divided into two streams, offering applicants the opportunity to apply for permanent residence based on their unique qualifications and experience.

At Zohil-Morton Law, we specialize in assisting eligible Hong Kong nationals in navigating the pathways to permanent residence, ensuring compliance with program requirements. We guide applicants through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth transition to permanent residence in Canada.

Two Pathways to Permanent Residence

The temporary public policy for Hong Kong nationals in Canada provides two distinct streams, giving applicants the opportunity to apply for Canadian permanent residence based on their unique qualifications and experience. The streams are as follows:

• Stream A: In-Canada Graduates, which is designed for Hong Kong nationals who have completed their studies in Canada and wish to transition to permanent residency; and,
• Stream B: Canadian Work Experience, which allows Hong Kong nationals with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence, leveraging their professional skills and contributions to the Canadian workforce.

General Eligibility Criteria for Hong Kong Nationals Applying for Canadian Permanent Residency Under the Temporary Public Policy

Hong Kong nationals who meet the following general criteria may be eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residency through this temporary public policy. The applicant must:

• Hold a passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China or the United Kingdom as a British National (Overseas);
• Meet language requirements, including scoring a minimum benchmark 5 in either official language of Canada for each of the four language skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) of an approved language test;
• Be physically present in Canada at the time the application is submitted and when permanent residency is granted;
• Hold valid temporary resident status in Canada;
• Intend to live in Canada, in any province or territory other than the province of Québec; and,
• Meet the extended criteria for the specific stream they are applying under, either Stream A: In-Canada Graduates or Stream B: Canadian Work Experience.

Additional Requirements Under Stream A: Canadian Work Experience

In addition to the general requirements above, Hong Kong nationals applying for Canadian permanent residence under Stream A: In-Canada graduates must have:

• Graduated from a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada within the 3 years prior to submitting the permanent residence application;
• Obtained one of the following:
  • A diploma from a program that is at least 2 years in length, excluding graduate or post-graduate programs;
  • A degree, such as an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree;
  • A graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate that is at least 1 year in length; and,
• Completed at least 50% of the program in Canada, either in-person or through online learning.

If an individual has completed a graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate, they must have also completed a post-secondary diploma or degree, either in Canada or abroad, as a prerequisite for admission to the graduate or postgraduate program. This must have been completed within 5 years before beginning the graduate or post-graduate program.

Additional Requirements Under Stream B: Canadian Work Experience

In addition to the general requirements listed above, Hong Kong Nationals applying for Canadian permanent residence under Stream B: Canadian Work-Experience must have accumulated at least 12 months of full-time work experience in Canada, or the equivalent in part-time hours (totalling at least 1,560 hours) within the 3 years prior to submitting an application for permanent residence. The applicant must have been allowed to work legally in Canada for these hours to count, and cannot include any hours of work spent as a full-time student, self-employed, working outside of Canada, on leave, or on an extended absence outside of Canada.

Is My Family Eligible to Apply With Me?

There are additional criteria for family members of a principal applicant applying for permanent residence under this public policy. Specifically, family members must be physically in Canada, and must be included as an accompanying family member in the principal applicant’s application for permanent residence. Furthermore, relatives must meet the definition of “family member” as outlined by Canadian immigration regulations, and not be inadmissible to Canada.

Legal Assistance for Hong Kong Nationals Looking to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence

Determining your eligibility for Canadian permanent residence under Stream A: In-Canada Graduates or Stream B: Canadian Work Experience can be complex. At Zohil-Morton Law, we provide comprehensive and personalized legal guidance to ensure your application meets all requirements.

If you are seeking professional advice on Canadian immigration matters, we are here to offer professional guidance and trusted, personalized support. With expertise in Canadian Immigration Law, we provide tailored legal services to ensure your immigration process is seamless and stress-free. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your Canadian immigration journey.