Permanent Residence Pathways for Hong Kongers

Canada has tailored specific permanent residence pathways for Hong Kongers, which open until August 31, 2026, recognizing the unique circumstances many of you face. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a professional with Canadian work experience, these streams offer a chance to build a stable, fulfilling life in Canada. Let’s dive into the details of these pathways, who can apply, and how to get started.

Understanding the Pathways

There are two distinct streams for Hong Kong residents seeking permanent residence in Canada: Stream A (In-Canada Graduates) and Stream B (Canadian Work Experience). You can only apply under one stream, so it’s crucial to choose the one that best fits your situation.

Stream A: In-Canada Graduates

This stream is designed for Hong Kong residents who have studied at a Canadian post-secondary institution. Here’s what you need to qualify:

Eligibility Criteria for Stream A

To apply under Stream A, you must:

• Hold a valid passport issued by either:

  • 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, naturalized, or registered in Hong Kong.

• Be physically present in Canada when you apply and when you receive permanent residence status.

• Have valid temporary resident status in Canada (e.g., a study permit).

• Intend to live in Canada in any province or territory other than Quebec.

• Prove language proficiency with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) Level 5 in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in English or French.

• Have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary designated learning institution within the last three years with one of the following:

  • A diploma for a program of at least two years.

  • A degree (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral).

  • A graduate or postgraduate diploma or certificate for a program of at least one year, with at least 50% of the program completed in Canada (in-person or online).

• For graduate or postgraduate diplomas/certificates, you must also have completed a post-secondary diploma or degree (from Canada or abroad) within the five years before starting your graduate program, as a prerequisite for that program.

Key Documents for Stream A

To ensure a smooth application process, gather these documents early:

• Language Test Results: You’ll need results from an approved test like CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core (for English), or TEF Canada/TCF Canada (for French). Your results must show a CLB/NCLC Level 5 or higher in all four skills and be less than two years old when you apply.

• Proof of Intent to Live Outside Quebec: If you’re currently in Quebec, provide a statutory declaration explaining where you plan to live and why, or documents like job offers, proof of employment, lease agreements, or family ties in another province or territory.

• Educational Documents:

  • A copy of your Canadian diploma or degree and final transcripts from a designated learning institution, showing graduation within the last three years.

  • For graduate or postgraduate programs, include proof that a prior post-secondary diploma or degree was a prerequisite and a copy of that prior diploma/degree with transcripts, completed within five years before starting the graduate program.

Stream B: Canadian Work Experience

This stream is tailored for Hong Kong residents who have gained work experience in Canada. It’s ideal for those who’ve been working here and want to transition to permanent residence. Here’s what you need to qualify:

Eligibility Criteria for Stream B

To apply under Stream B, you must:

• Hold a valid passport issued by either:

  • 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, naturalized, or registered in Hong Kong.

• Be physically present in Canada when you apply and when you receive permanent residence status.

• Have valid temporary resident status in Canada (e.g., a work permit).

• Intend to live in Canada in any province or territory other than Quebec.

• Prove language proficiency with a minimum CLB or NCLC Level 5 in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in English or French.

• Have worked in Canada for at least:

  • 12 months full-time (30 hours per week, totaling at least 1,560 hours), or

  • An equivalent amount of part-time hours (at least 1,560 hours total) in the three years before you apply.

Work Experience Requirements

Your work experience must meet these conditions:

• You must have been legally authorized to work in Canada (via a valid work permit or exemption from needing one).

• You cannot include hours worked:

  • As a full-time student.

  • While self-employed.

  • Outside Canada.

  • During leave (e.g., medical or parental).

  • During extended absences outside Canada.

  • While unemployed.

• If working part-time, you can only count up to 30 hours per week toward the 1,560-hour requirement, as 30 hours per week is considered full-time.

Key Documents for Stream B

To prove your work experience, gather:

• Employer Letters: For each job, provide a letter on company letterhead including your name, job title, dates worked, hours per week, annual salary, benefits, company contact information, and your supervisor’s name, title, and signature (or HR officer’s).

• Tax Documents: Copies of T4 tax slips and Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.

• Additional Proof: Records of employment, pay stubs, or bank deposits showing salary payments.

• Language Test Results: Results from an approved test showing CLB/NCLC Level 5 or higher, less than two years old.

• Proof of Intent to Live Outside Quebec: Same as Stream A, if applicable.

  
  

Open Work Permit

If you’ve applied for permanent residence under one of these streams, you may also be eligible for a three-year open work permit. This permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada while your application is processed, provided you’ve held a work or study permit in the last three years. It’s a great way to maintain your status and continue building your life in Canada. You have until May 2029 to apply for this open work permit.

Why Choose Us

Navigating immigration can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), we’re here to simplify the process, ensure your application is complete, and maximize your chances of success. Whether you’re a recent graduate under Stream A or a professional with Canadian work experience under Stream B, we’ll provide personalized guidance every step of the way. Contact us at info@mapleavesimm.com or book a consultation, we can communicate with you in the language you choose (English/Chinese)  to make the process as comfortable and clear as possible.

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