Free Assessment

+1-416-745-2466

Move to Canada from Hong Kong

SIIS Canada  /  Canada Immigration  /  Move to Canada from Hong Kong

Move to Canada from Hong Kong

1. Immigration Pathways for Hong Kong Residents

Canada to HK: There are two pathways to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents who have either worked or studied in Canada.

These new pathways have taken effect on June 8, 2021 and will expire on August 31, 2026, which allows to apply candidate with their dependents.

Stream A: Canada Stream A is open to former Hong Kong residents who have graduated from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada within the last 3 years.

  • The candidate must have completed at least 50 percent of the program while being physically present in Canada, even if classes were online.
  • The candidate must have graduated with a degree, diploma (2 years or longer), or graduate or post-graduate credential (1 year or longer) from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada within the last 3 years, with at least 50% of the course completed in Canada (online or in-person)
  • Must meet the language requirements of CLB/NCLC level 5 in English or in French.
  • Must have a valid temporary resident status in Canada; and
  • Must intend to live in a province or territory other than Quebec.

Stream B: Canada Stream B is open to former Hong Kong residents who have graduated from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad and have at least one year of work experience in Canada.

  • For those who graduated abroad, they will need to provide an educational credential assessment (ECA) to show that their foreign credential is equivalent to a Canadian post-secondary one.
  • The candidate must be physically present in Canada at the time that they receive permanent residence.
  • Must have at least 1 year of work experience in Canada within the last 3 years.
  • Must meet the language requirements of CLB/NCLC level 5 for all language skills, in English or in French.
  • Must have a valid temporary resident status in Canada; and
  • Must intend to live in a province or territory other than Quebec.

In addition, both streams require:

The principal applicant must have a passport issued by either:

  • the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China; or
  • the United Kingdom to a British National Overseas, as a person born, naturalised or registered in Hong Kong.

Language Requirements:

Candidates for both of these streams must meet the language proficiency requirement of a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 in English, or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) of 5 in French, in each of the four language skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

2. Open Work Permit for Hong Kong Graduates:

Canada open work permit HK: Hongkongers can now apply for an open work permit. The open work permit is valid for up to 3 years.

  • To be eligible you must: hold a passport that is valid and issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or the United Kingdom to a British National Overseas (BNO)
  • have graduated within the last 10 years. You must have obtained a university degree OR a diploma from a program of at least 2 years in duration.
  • If you completed your education outside of Canada, you would need to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). The purpose of the ECA is so that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can confirm your education is equivalent to a Canadian standard.

3. Working Holiday Program:

Every year, tens of thousands of people from more than 30 countries come to work in Canada under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Hong Kong is one of the countries that has a Working Holiday Agreement with Canada, which allows Hong Kong residents with a valid passport to temporarily work in Canada and change jobs and locations once they are in the country. IEC participants from Hong Kong may be issued an open work permit valid for up to 12 months.

To qualify for this immigration pathway, applicants must:

  • hold a valid passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or have a valid British National (Overseas) passport.
  • be between the ages of 18 and 30.
  • have a minimum of CAN$2,500 to cover costs in Canada.
  • have health insurance.
  • have a return ticket or demonstrate the ability to purchase a ticket at the end of the authorized stay in Canada.

Those interested in the program must first submit a profile on the government site when the registration period is open. Eligible applicants whose profile is in the pool may then be invited during one of the program's regular invitation rounds.

SIIS

Typically replies within a day

Hi! How can we help you?

Powered by WpChatPlugins