Hong Kong Immigration To Canada

In order to qualify for one of the two streams of the temporary pathway, the foreign national must also meet all of the following criteria:

• Hold a valid passport issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, or United Kingdom to a British National (Overseas) as a person born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong
• Physically present in Canada when applying and receiving PR
• Hold valid temporary resident status in Canada
• Intend to live in Canada in a province or territory other than Quebec
• Must meet the language requirements of minimum CLB/NCLC 5 in English or French
• Not inadmissible to Canada

The Refugee Protection Act (the Act) and Refugee Protection Regulations (the Regulations) grant permanent residence to family members of principal applicants who are living in Canada.

The foreign national (family member) must meet the following requirements:

• The foreign national is in Canada
• The foreign national has been included as an accompanying family in an application for permanent residence by a principal applicant under this public policy
• The foreign national meets the definition of a “family member” in subsection 1(2) of the Regulations
• The foreign national is not inadmissible pursuant to the Act and Regulations
• A delegated officer has determined that the principal applicant meets all eligibility requirements pursuant to this public policy

The Act and the Regulations allow exceptions to the requirements for family members of principal applicants not living in Canada applying for PR.  The foreign national (family member) must meet the following conditions:

• The foreign national residing outside Canada has been included as an accompanying family member in an application for permanent residence by a principal applicant under this public policy
• The foreign national meets the definition of family member in subsection 1(3) of the Regulations
• The foreign national is not inadmissible pursuant to the Act and Regulations
• A delegated officer has determined that the principal applicant meets all eligibility requirements pursuant to this public policy

This temporary pathway is an efficient way for foreigners to obtain PR if they are already working or studying in Canada. However, if they do not have any Canadian experience, they must first obtain the appropriate permits and visas to come to Canada.

Students wanting a Canadian education can apply for a study permit to a designated Canadian learning institution. If they graduate before August 31, 2026, they may qualify for a PR under Stream A.

Recent graduates from Hong Kong may be eligible to apply for an open work permit in Canada to qualify under Stream B. This will provide them with Canadian work experience required to obtain a PR under this pathway.

Besides this temporary pathway, there are various other immigration streams that Hong Kong residents can choose from to obtain PR in Canada.

Federal Express Entry is the main pathway chosen to Canadian PR. It is based on a ranking system, where eligible candidates must prove high scores to be invited to apply.

Another popular pathway is the Provincial Nominee Program, in which the provinces and territories of Canada nominate candidates they wish to have reside there. The provinces determine what type of work experience is needed to benefit the economy and usually seek specific skills or those with experience in key sectors.

One of the fastest and most efficient ways to obtain a Canadian PR is through business immigration. Hong Kong residents and entrepreneurs who have sufficient funds can use this program to invest in a new business or move an existing business to Canada and begin a new life with their family while obtaining PR.