Canada: Enhancements to Permanent Residence Program for Hong Kong SAR Applicants

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will soon allow eligible permanent residence applicants from Hong Kong SAR to continue to live and work in Canada while they wait for the adjudication of their permanent residence application. Starting May 27, 2024, permanent residence applicants from Hong Kong SAR will be able to apply for an open work permit (which allows foreign nationals to live and work independently or for any employer in Canada) if they (1) applied for permanent residence under Stream A (in-Canada graduates) or B (Canadian work experience) of the temporary public policy for Hong Kong SAR residents in Canada; and (2) held a work or study permit in Canada in the three years before they applied for permanent residence. The new policy will remain in place for five years. Interested applicants can contact Fragomen for assistance.