On May 7, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a critical policy change to support Hong Kong permanent residence (PR) applicants facing delays. Immigration Minister Marc Miller unveiled a new temporary public policy that will grant open work permits to eligible Hong Kong nationals awaiting a final decision on their PR applications. This policy, effective May 27, 2024, offers much-needed security and opportunity for those seeking to build a permanent life in Canada.
Understanding the Backlog and Its Impact
In February 2021, Canada established a special pathway to permanent residency for Hong Kong nationals in response to ongoing political and social developments in the region. This pathway, offered through Streams A (in-Canada graduates) and B (Canadian work experience), proved highly popular. However, the surge in applications has unfortunately resulted in extended processing times. Many applicants now face the risk of their temporary work or study permits expiring before receiving a final decision on their PR applications.
This situation could leave them in precarious positions, potentially impacting their ability to work legally, access healthcare, and maintain their established lives in Canada.
Canada will always stand with the people of Hong Kong. It’s why we have a PR pathway for Hong Kong nationals in Canada. And, as of May 27th, Hong Kongers in Canada can apply for a new open work permit of up to three years, while waiting for their Permanent Residency decision. 👇 pic.twitter.com/9gdyxiKxd4
— Marc Miller ᐅᑭᒫᐃᐧᐅᓃᐸᐄᐧᐤᐃᔨᐣ (@MarcMillerVM) May 8, 2024
The New Open Work Permit Policy: A Bridge to Permanent Residency
The new temporary public policy directly addresses this concern. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
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Eligibility:
- Applicants must have submitted a permanent residence application under Stream A or B of the special Hong Kong PR pathway.
- They must have held a valid work or study permit in Canada for at least three years before the IRCC received their PR application.
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Effective Date:
- The policy takes effect on May 27, 2024, and will remain in place for five years.
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Benefits:
- Eligible applicants can obtain an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.
- This policy provides a crucial bridge, enabling applicants to continue working legally in Canada while their PR applications are processed.
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Restoring Expired Status:
- The policy offers a unique advantage. Applicants whose temporary status expired within 90 days before applying for the new open work permit can regain their legal status in Canada.
A Continuation of Canadian Support for Hong Kong
This new policy builds upon Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting Hong Kong nationals. Here’s a timeline of previous initiatives:
- February 8, 2021: Introduction of the special permanent residence pathway with Streams A and B for graduates and those with Canadian work experience.
- June 1, 2021: Opening of applications for the special Hong Kong PR pathway.
- August 15, 2023: Removal of the education requirement for Stream B (Canadian work experience), making it easier for Hong Kong residents with work experience to qualify.
- As of April 30, 2023: Over 3,000 Hong Kong residents had successfully transitioned to permanent residency through these streams.
The new open work permit policy demonstrates Canada’s dedication to ensuring a smooth transition for Hong Kong nationals seeking permanent residency. This policy offers stability and empowers these individuals to continue contributing to Canada’s social and economic fabric.
We Want to Hear From You!
- Do you have friends or family members who might benefit from this new policy? Share this article to help spread the word.
- Have you navigated the Canadian PR process? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
- What other measures could Canada take to support the integration of Hong Kong nationals? Share your ideas in the comments!
https://consultations.canadianvisas.com/canadianvisas-generalconsultation
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