Overview of the Program

This special immigration policy offers two distinct streams for eligible Hong Kong residents and their families currently residing in Canada:

• Stream A: In-Canada Graduates

• Stream B: Canadian Work Experience

Both streams offer a direct path to permanent residence while exempting you from applying through more competitive federal immigration programs such as Express Entry. These options are ideal for recent graduates and skilled workers looking to settle in Canada permanently.

Stream A: In-Canada Graduates

This stream is designed for Hong Kong residents who have graduated from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) in the past three years.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify under Stream A, applicants must:

• Hold a valid passport issued by:

  • The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China, or

  • The United Kingdom as a British National (Overseas) born, naturalized, or registered in Hong Kong.

• Be physically present in Canada when applying and when receiving permanent residence.

• Have valid temporary resident status in Canada.

• Intend to live in any province or territory outside Quebec.

• Have graduated within the last three years with one of the following from a Canadian DLI:

  • A diploma (not graduate or post-graduate) for a program of at least 2 years,

  • A degree (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral),

  • A graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate for a program of at least 1 year,

• Have completed at least 50% of the program in Canada, whether online or in person.

Additional Requirements for Graduate or Post-Graduate Credentials:

If your qualification is at the graduate or post-graduate level, you must also have completed a prerequisite post-secondary diploma or degree, either from Canada or overseas. This prerequisite must have been completed within 5 years before you began your graduate/post-graduate program.

Stream B: Canadian Work Experience

Stream B targets Hong Kong residents with eligible Canadian work experience gained in the last three years.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must:

• Hold a valid HKSAR or British National (Overseas) passport as described above.

• Be physically present in Canada during the application process and when obtaining permanent residence.

• Hold valid temporary resident status in Canada.

• Plan to reside outside Quebec.

• Have completed, within the last 5 years, one of the following:

  • A diploma (not graduate or post-graduate) for a program of at least 2 years at a Canadian DLI,

  • A degree (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) from a Canadian DLI,

  • A graduate/post-graduate diploma or certificate from a Canadian DLI (minimum 1-year program),

  • A foreign educational credential equivalent to the above.

• Have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in Canada (or equivalent part-time) in the past 3 years before applying.

Graduate/Post-Graduate Education Note:

Applicants with graduate/post-graduate credentials must also have completed a related post-secondary degree or diploma (Canadian or international) within five years before beginning the graduate-level program.

Why Choose This Pathway?

The Hong Kong PR pathways are:

Time-Limited but Accessible: Available only until August 31, 2026—ideal for those already in Canada.
Family-Friendly: You can include eligible family members in your application.
No CRS Score Needed: This pathway is outside Express Entry, with no points system to compete against.
Simplified Process: Streamlined eligibility tailored to your current education or work status in Canada.
Legal Representation: Applicants benefit from legal advice to ensure all documentation is accurate and complete.

How We Can Help

At International Immigration Law Firm, our immigration lawyers and consultants offer:

• A personalized assessment to determine your eligibility under Stream A or Stream B,

• Documentation assistance, including diploma evaluations and proof of work experience,

• Application preparation and submission for you and your family members,

• Ongoing legal representation throughout the process,

• Support with temporary status extensions if needed during the application timeline.

Our firm stays updated with the latest immigration policies affecting Hong Kong nationals and ensures your file is in full compliance with IRCC and provincial immigration laws.

Ready to Apply for Permanent Residence in Canada?

If you’re a Hong Kong resident living in Canada, the time to act is now. The pathway is open only until August 31, 2026, and early action gives you the best chance at success.