On May 7, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a new public policy aimed at supporting Hong Kong permanent residence (PR) applicants in Canada. Starting May 27, 2024, Hong Kong nationals in Canada who have applied for PR will be able to extend their status and obtain a new open work permit.
The introduction of this new policy is a response to the political and social unrest in Hong Kong. On February 8, 2021, Canada introduced a pathway to permanent residency for Hong Kong nationals to offer them a safe haven and new opportunities. However, the high volume of applications led to increased processing times, causing many applicants to risk losing their temporary status in Canada before their permanent residence applications were finalized.
This new temporary policy ensures that Hong Kong residents can maintain their legal status in Canada, alleviating anxiety and uncertainty while they wait for their permanent residence decisions. By allowing them to continue working, the policy also enables these individuals to support themselves and contribute economically to Canada. By April 30, 2023, a total of 3,122 Hong Kong nationals have successfully obtained permanent residency in Canada.
Eligibility criteria for Open Work Permit
As outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the open work permits will be available to Hong Kong nationals who meet specific criteria:
● Previous Permit Holders: Applicants must have held a valid study or work permit within the three years prior to IRCC receiving their permanent residence application, or
● Applied for Permanent Residence: Applicants must have applied for permanent residence under the temporary public policy for Hong Kong residents in Canada, specifically through Stream A (in-Canada graduates) or Stream B (Canadian work experience).
This policy will be in effect for five years, during which time candidates can continue working in Canada while their permanent residence applications are processed. Additionally, the policy allows applicants to restore their temporary status if it expired within 90 days prior to applying for a new open work permit.
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