Special measures to support Hong Kong residents immigrating to Canada
Canada has rolled out new measures to support the people of Hong Kong in response to the Chinese government’s implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020.
The changes range from expediting documents for Canadians and permanent residents, speeding up processing for permanent residence applications, and encouraging Hong Kong youth to study and work in Canada.
Fee Waiver
Applicants who hold a HKSAR AND BNO (Hong Kong) passport and are a temporary resident in Canada who needs to extend their stay as a student ($150), worker ($155) or visitor ($100) are exempt from the processing fee.
Priority processing
Applicants who have applied for temporary residence and hold a HKSAR or BNO passport will be given priority processing if the following apply:
You are an applicant who has or will apply for temporary residence, hold a valid passport, have remained in or have departed Hong Kong, and are an immediate or extended family member of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, a person registered under the Indian Act or a protected person in Canada who have applied for permanent residence.
You are applying for a student permit to Canada, and your school is a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan.
Open Work Permit
As of February 8, 2021, if you hold a HKSAR or BNO passport, you are eligible to apply for an open work permit under a 2-year temporary resident public policy exempting you from the standard requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Applicants can be residing in Canada or overseas at the time of the application. You cannot apply at the port of entry
Eligible spouses, common-law partners and dependent children can also apply for a study or work permit
Applicants must hold either
a degree (such as a Bachelor, Master or Doctorate) from a DLI in Canada or equivalent education credential earned abroad OR
a two-year diploma from a post-secondary DLI in Canada or an equivalent credential from an overseas institution along with an ECA report from an approved agency (such as World Education Services).
The education credential must have been obtained within the last five years. Degree holders do not need to provide an ECA report upfront, but officers may request this.
Applicants must provide the following documents:
Copy of educational credential, transcripts or proof of enrolment at a post-secondary educational institution
Copy of HKSAR or BNO passport
Family Information form [IMM 5707]
CV or resume (for in-Canada applications a copy of the CV is not required)
Digital photo
Applicants already in Canada can apply to either extend their stay or for an initial open work permit from in Canada. This public policy permits visitors in Canada to apply.
The $100CAD open work permit fee is also exempted.
