Canada remains committed to supporting the freedom and democracy of Hong Kong nationals. In response to the evolving situation in Hong Kong, Canada ha

Canada remains committed to supporting the freedom and democracy of Hong Kong nationals. In response to the evolving situation in Hong Kong, Canada has implemented measures to assist Hong Kong residents wishing to immigrate. This includes pathways to permanent residence and policies to address the growing demand and application processing times.

Permanent Residence Pathway:

• Launched on February 8, 2021, specifically for in-Canada Hong Kong nationals.
• High application volumes have led to extended processing times, risking expiration of applicants' temporary status.  

New Public Policy:  

• To be introduced in the coming weeks, enabling applicants to extend their status and obtain a new open work permit while waiting for permanent residence decisions.
• Effective from May 27, 2024, open work permits will be available to those who: 

          Applied for permanent residence under Stream A (in-Canada graduates) or Stream B (Canadian work experience).

         Held a work or study permit within three years before their permanent residence application. 

• The policy will last for five years to ensure continuity of temporary status for applicants. 

Responsibilities and Maintained Status:  

• Applicants or their guardians must ensure renewal of their temporary status.
• A foreign national applying to extend their permit before expiry retains legal status until a decision is made on the extension, known as "maintained status." 

Restoration of Status: 

• Applicants with temporary status expired within 90 days before applying for a new open work permit can restore their status.
• Applications will not be approved if the temporary status expired more than 90 days before the new open work permit application.