We are pleased to announce that Canada has extended and expanded its open work permit program for Hong Kong residents. This is great news for Hong Kong residents who are interested in working in Canada.
Background
In 2020, the Chinese government passed a new security law in Hong Kong that has caused a great deal of concern for the residents of Hong Kong. In response to this, Canada created a special immigration program for Hong Kong residents. The program allows Hong Kong residents to apply for a new open work permit, which will allow them to live and work in Canada for up to three years.
The Program
The open work permit program is available to Hong Kong residents who are currently in Canada or who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution within the last five years. The program is also available to Hong Kong residents who have been approved for a study permit but have not yet arrived in Canada.
The open work permit is an excellent opportunity for Hong Kong residents who are looking to gain work experience in Canada. With the open work permit, Hong Kong residents can work for any Canadian employer, and they are not tied to a specific job or employer.
The Extension
In February 2023, the Canadian government announced that it will be extending the open work permit program for Hong Kong residents for an additional three years. This means that Hong Kong residents can now apply for an open work permit and stay in Canada for up to six years.
The Expansion
In addition to the extension, the Canadian government has also expanded the open work permit program for Hong Kong residents. The expansion allows Hong Kong residents who have already applied for the open work permit to apply for a new open work permit, which will allow them to stay in Canada for an additional three years.
The expansion also allows Hong Kong residents who have not yet applied for the open work permit to apply for a new open work permit, which will allow them to stay in Canada for up to six years.
How to Apply
To apply for the open work permit program for Hong Kong residents, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be a Hong Kong resident who is currently in Canada, or who has graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution within the last five years.
- You must have a valid passport and be admissible to Canada.
- You must not have a criminal record.
- You must pay the application fee.
To apply, you will need to submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application will include your personal information, your work history, and your educational background. You will also need to provide a copy of your passport, your proof of admissibility to Canada, and your application fee.
Conclusion
Canada's open work permit program for Hong Kong residents is a great opportunity for those who are looking to gain work experience in Canada. With the extension and expansion of the program, Hong Kong residents can now stay in Canada for up to six years. If you meet the criteria, we encourage you to apply for the open work permit program and take advantage of this opportunity.
For any Immigration help, a Pre-Qualification will determine which options are available for you to immigrate to Canada. These include; LMIA/TFW, Express Entry, Provincial Nominee (Alberta, Atlantic, Manitoba, NWT, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Yukon), Entrepreneur & Investment (Alberta, BC, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI, Saskatchewan), Student Visa
