“Canada will continue to support the many meaningful exchanges between Canada and Hong Kong while standing up for the people of Hong Kong. By extending and expanding Canada’s open work permits for Hong Kongers, we are giving Canadian employers more skilled workers to hire at a time when we need them most and providing valuable work experience, all while also showing our support for the people of Hong Kong.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

On February 6, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the extension and expansion of the Open Work Permit program for Hong Kong residents. 

The new policy allows Hong Kong residents who have graduated from a Canadian or abroad post-secondary institution within the past 10 years to apply for an Open Work Permit, meaning that the education requirement of this program has expanded from 5 years previously to 10 years now. Also, the extension of the program will allow eligible Hong Kong residents to apply until February 7, 2025. 

As a result, more Hong Kong residents can now pursue their career objectives and acquire significant work experience in Canada, with a maximum duration of 3 years. The HKOWP public policy allows spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children to apply for a study and work permit. These measures are applicable to Hong Kong residents holding a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or British National (Overseas) passport. 

The Canadian government hopes that this extension and expansion will provide Hong Kong residents with a pathway to permanent residency.