On 7 May 2024, Canada introduced a new temporary public policy regarding Open Work Permit (OWP) to assist Hong Kong nationals seeking permanent residency in Canada. This policy, announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aims to address the increasing demand and prolonged processing times for applications under the Hong Kong permanent residence pathway, which was introduced on February 8, 2021.

Aiming to Help Applicants Amidst Processing Delays

Effective May 27, 2024, eligible applicants who have applied for Hong Kong permanent residence pathway under Stream A (in-Canada graduates) or Stream B (Canadian work experience) will be eligible to apply for open work permits to extend their temporary status while they wait for a deicision. This policy will remain in place for a period of 5 years.

Eligibility Criteria for Open Work Permits

To qualify, applicants must have:

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

AND

2. Held a work or study permit within 3 years before their application for permanent residence was received.

Additionally, only applicants whose temporary status expired within 90 days before applying for the new open work permit will be eligible for this new policy. Otherwise, their application will not be approved.

The policy aims to provide a solution for applicants whose temporary status may expire before their permanent residence applications are finalized. It offers them an opportunity to maintain legal status and continue their stay in Canada while awaiting a decision on their permanent residency.

For more details, please visit the official news release on IRCC’s website.

Visit TWA Canada Immigration News for more related updates.