Work Permit for Hong Kong permanent residents
An important step in aiding those impacted by the political shifts in Hong Kong has been taken with Canada’s recent announcement on the establishment of an Open Work Permit for permanent residents of Hong Kong.
Special Immigration Process for Hong Kong Residents Announced in 2021
In reaction to the events taking place in the area, Canada announced on February 8, 2021, a special immigration process designed to give people in Hong Kong a path to permanent status. This initiative was introduced to offer support and protection to individuals from Hong Kong facing challenges due to the imposition of the controversial national security law and other political developments. The immigration track offers accelerated priority processing for eligible Hong Kong residents seeking permanent status in Canada. It is intended to provide a safe haven for people who want to flee Hong Kong in search of safety in a nation that respects human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
New Public Policy for Hong Kong PR Applicants Effective May 27, 2024
Recently, on May 7th Marc Miller announced that from May 27th, 2024 a new public policy for Hong Kong permanent residence (PR) applicants under special measures, will be effective. The goal of this program is to give Hong Kong nationals who have decided to settle in Canada new opportunities. Recognizing the challenges faced by Hong Kong residents, the Canadian government has taken proactive measures to extend support to applicants under Hong Kong permanent residency pathway (if they (1) applied for permanent residence under Stream A (in-Canada graduates) or B (Canadian work experience) of the temporary public policy for Hong Kong SAR residents in Canada) to be able to extend their status and obtain a new open work permit. This new temporary public policy will offer open work permits to those waiting for a final decision on their permanent residence applications.
The new policy will remain in place for five years, during which time candidates can continue to work Permit in Canada while their application for permanent residency is being processed.If an applicant applies under this public policy and their temporary status expires ninety days before they can apply for a new open work visa, and they can simultaneously petition to reinstate their temporary status.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including holding valid Hong Kong permanent residency status, residing in Canada at the time of application, and satisfying admissibility requirements. Other requirements for this policy is as follows:
- applied for permanent residence via the temporary public policy for Hong Kong residents in Canada under Stream A (in-Canada graduates) or Stream B (Canadian work experience), and
- had a Work Permit or study visa during the three years before their application for permanent residency was received by the IRCC.
Successful Transition to Permanent Residency
As of April 30, 2023, a total of 3,122 Hong Kong permanent residents had successfully transitioned to permanent residency through these two streams. Among them, 2,358 individuals were granted permanent residency through Stream A, while 764 individuals received permanent residency through Stream B.These numbers reflect the effectiveness of these special permanent residency programs in facilitating the integration of Hong Kong residents into Canadian society.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Open Work Permit for Hong Kong permanent residents represents a positive development in Canada’s immigration policy. It offers tangible support to individuals facing uncertainty and upheaval in their homeland, providing them with opportunities for stability, growth, and a brighter future in Canada. As the program takes effect on May 27, it heralds a new chapter of hope and opportunity for Hong Kong residents seeking refuge and resettlement in Canada.
