Canada shuts work pathway for HK graduates

Stacy Shi

A program allowing Hong Kong residents to apply for open work permits in Canada - a policy designed for graduates - ends today and there are no plans for an extension, Ottawa has announced.

This decision follows indications from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that the initiative has always been intended as a temporary measure.

The department said it will cease accepting applications from today.

The IRCC has advised Hong Kong residents interested in relocating to Canada to explore other types of work visas.

Launched in 2021, the program was established to help eligible Hong Kong residents obtain an open work permit valid for up to three years.

Participants could later apply for permanent residency in Canada. The government even extended the application period at one point.

As of last year, the program received more than 49,000 applications, with more than 40,000 permits issued.

The average processing time for applications was reported to be 13 months.

Benny Cheung Ka-hei, director of immigration consulting company Goldmax, told The Standard that many interested applicants were aware of the program's temporary nature.

"Most had meticulously planned their applications in advance and have already started working in Canada. Very few would rush to apply in the last two days before the deadline," he said.

Canada has also introduced two other pathways to permanent residence for eligible applicants and their families.

These two target in-Canada graduates and individuals with Canadian work experience and are called Stream A and Stream B.

These pathways will remain open until August 31 of next year, according to the Canadian government website.

Hong Kong citizens can also immigrate to Canada through employment or by establishing businesses in the country, which remains one of the most popular immigration destinations for locals.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com