Permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents: The Lifeboat Scheme
The Canadian government is offering a pathway to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents. Eligible applicants must have a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport, have lived in Hong Kong for at least one year, and demonstrate an intention to live in Canada. The permanent resident status will be granted through an expedited process and will include access to healthcare and social services. This program is part of Canada’s commitment to provide safe haven and stability to those affected by the situation in Hong Kong.
Stream A of Canada's Immigration Program for Hong Kong Residents provides permanent residence to international graduates in Canada who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution. To be eligible, applicants must have graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a degree, diploma, or certificate within the last three years, have a valid postgraduate work permit for the same program of study, and demonstrate sufficient language proficiency in either English or French. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves for six months after arrival in Canada. Applicants under Stream A must also have no serious criminal record and should not have any pending proceedings in Canada.
Stream B: Canadian Work Experience is an immigration pathway designed to help Hong Kong residents gain permanent residency in Canada. This stream is open to applicants who have at least 1 year of full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in Canada in the last 3 years, and have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Eligible applicants must have a post-secondary degree or diploma, and meet the language requirements for their job. Additionally, applicants must have the necessary qualifications, skills and experience for the position, and the job offer must meet the prevailing wage rate for the occupation.
Requirements for Applying for Permanent Residence for Hong Kong Residents:
1. Eligibility:
- Be a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holder
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have at least 1 year of full-time work experience or the equivalent in part-time work experience in the past 3 years in a NOC 0, A or B occupation
2. Language Requirements:
- Have a minimum CLB/NCLC 7 in English or French for all four language abilities (speaking, reading, writing and listening)
3. Education:
- Have a Canadian post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate, or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an agency approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
4. Funds:
- Demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada
5. Submit an Application:
- Submit an Express Entry profile and complete an online application for permanent residence
6. Additional Requirements:
- Health and character requirements
- Provide biometrics
- Pay the processing fee
- Participate in an IRCC interview (if required)
- Undergo medical examinations (if required)
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/hong-kong-residents-permanent-residence.html
