Canada: Extension of Hong Kong SAR Work Permit Program

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced that Canada is extending the open work permit program for eligible Hong Kong SAR residents until February 7, 2025. The program was originally set to end on February 7, 2023. Additionally, the government has expanded eligibility to Hong Kong SAR residents who have graduated with a Canadian post-secondary diploma or degree in the last 10 years, instead of the previous requirement of having graduated in the last five years. The open work permit program allows Hong Kong SAR residents to apply for open works permits in Canada, which allow foreign nationals to live in and work independently or for any employer in Canada. Furthermore, eligible spouses or common-law partners and dependent children of the main applicant can apply for a study or work permit in Canada. Canada also offers two pathways to permanent residence for eligible Hong Kong SAR applicants and their families. The first is for Hong Kong SAR residents with at least one year of work experience in Canada who meet language and education criteria, and the second is for those who graduated from a post-secondary institution in Canada. These were implemented in 2021 and are in effect until August 31, 2026.