Know Special PR Streams For Hong Kong Residents In Canada!

Last Updated On 6 February 2023, 9:59 AM EST (Toronto Time)

Government of Canada introduced two PR (permanent residency) pathways for Hong Kong residents IN 2021.

These pathways fall under the temporary public policy which came in effect on June 1, 2021. And, it is projected to end on August 31, 2026.

This article provides required information for Hong Kong residents on eligibility and how to apply. Under this policy, there are two streams/pathways:

• Stream A: In-Canada graduates
• Stream B: Canadian work experience

General Eligibility For Residents of Hong Kong

The applicant must be physically present in Canada (legal status) at the time of application as well as at the time of getting permanent residency. And, the applicant must have:

• A valid passport issued by
  • Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; “OR”
  • United Kingdom to a British National (Overseas) as a person born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong
• Intention to live in any province of Canada, except the province of Quebec
• A score of at least CLB/NCLC level 5 in all 4 skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Click here for CLB/NCLC language equivalency chart.

Stream A: In-Canada Graduates

Under stream A, the applicants must

• have graduated from a post-secondary DLI (designated learning institution) of Canada in last 3 years with one of the following:
  • Diploma for a program of at least 2 years, “OR”
  • Degree (associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral), “OR”
  • A graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate for a program of at least 1 year.
• With at least 50% of your program completed in Canada (either in person or online).

Stream B: Canadian work experience

Under stream A, the applicants must

• Have graduated in last 5 years with one of the following:
  • Diploma for a program of at least 2 years, or a degree (for example, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree or a doctorate) from a post-secondary DLI (designated learning institution) of Canada. “OR”
  • Graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate for a program of at least 1 year from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada. “OR”
  • A foreign educational credential equivalent to one of the following:
    • Canadian post-secondary diploma for a program of at least 2 years.
    • Canadian post-secondary degree
    • A Canadian graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate for a program of at least 1 year
• have worked in Canada for at least 12 months full time, or an equal amount of part-time hours in the last 3 years.

How Can Hong Kong Residents Apply

Step 1: Once applicants have all the required documents to prove their eligibility, they need to send an email to IRCC. Send the email to IRCC.HMHKPublicPolicy-MHPolitiquePubliqueHK.IRCC@cic.gc.ca with below mentioned specifications:

Subject: Request to apply for the Permanent Residence Pathways for Hong Kong Residents: [insert your unique client identifier (UCI) or passport number]

Body: Your name, the email you want to use to communicate with IRCC, and your UCI (which is found on your visa or permit) or your passport number

Step 2: You will receive an automatic confirmation email from IRCC within 1 hour. Following this, you will get an email from Canada post within 5 business days to sign up for an account. Follow the instructions to create your account. Then, use epost Connect to submit your application.

Step 3: Use IRCC’s instruction guide to apply based upon the stream you qualify for and deposit your fee. Upload your completed forms and documents to the epost account.

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