Canada offers immigration options for Hong Kong residents

Recently, Canada has announced new immigration measures for people living in Hong Kong. Canada wants to increase immigration from Hong Kong and it aims to attract students and youth for permanent residence in Canada. This year, in July, the Canadian Prime Minister stated that Canada will introduce new initiatives and immigration pathways for Hong Kong residents. Also, the immigration ministry will do some modifications to the existing Canadian immigration programs.

New immigration pathways for Hong Kong residents

The Government of Canada will soon start a new initiative for Hong Kong youth that will allow them to become eligible for the Open Work Permit application. A Candidate who has graduated from a post-secondary institution within the last 5 years is eligible for this work permit. The open work permit will have a validity period of three years. If a candidate gets a work permit, he or she can come to Canada and gain work experience. Canada will introduce two new immigration pathways in 2021. Through these pathways, Hong Kong residents will be able to get the status of Canadian permanent residents. Hong Kong residents who are able to meet eligibility criteria such as language proficiency, education level, and Canadian work experience will be able to apply for the new immigration pathway. Also Read: Canada offers an online test for citizenship applicants The federal government will expedite the processing of study permit applications for students living in Hong Kong who want to come and study in Canada. Post their studies, students will get an opportunity to apply for Canadian permanent residence directly. Canada will resume the applications for the International Experience Canada program for youth from Hong Kong. The applications for the IEC have been suspended by the government of Canada due to the pandemic. Also, there is a Working Holiday Agreement between Canada and Hong Kong through which its residents can work for any employer in Canada. Furthermore, individuals having a job offer under the International Experience Canada program can travel to Canada despite the travel restrictions.