Hong Kong Work Permit Program Now Accepting Applications

• Validity. The work permit is valid for up to three years and it is open, meaning it allows holders to change employers in Canada during the permit validity period. 

• Eligibility requirements. Hong Kong (SAR) residents must have graduated with a Canadian post-secondary diploma or degree in the last five years or hold an equivalent foreign credential. A post-secondary diploma program must be a minimum of two years. 

• Application process. Hong Kong residents currently in Canada, including visitors, students and workers, can apply from within Canada by submitting an application online. Those applying from abroad remain subject to current COVID-19 travel restrictions and may not be able to enter Canada at this time, unless they meet a travel exemption. 

• Dependents. Eligible spouses or common law partners and dependent children of the main applicant can apply for a study or work permit in Canada. 

• Permanent residence. Hong Kong (SAR) residents who obtain the work permit should be able to transition to permanent residence after three years. 

• Exemption for pre-removal risk assessment. The Canadian government added an exemption to the 12-month bar on Pre-removal Risk Assessment (PRRA), which allows eligible foreign nationals who are facing removal from Canada to remain in Canada. 

Impact 

Hong Kong (SAR) residents now have an additional opportunity to remain in or enter Canada for work and residence purposes, although they may be constrained by COVID-19 travel restrictions if they are currently outside Canada. 

Background 

The establishment of this new work permit was first announced in November 2020 in response to the political unrest in Hong Kong (SAR).