What is Stream A

Stream A is a pathway that provides Hong Kong residents who have graduated from a designated Canadian post-secondary learning institution within the past 3 years the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Canada. This initiative will remain active until August 31, 2026.

It offers eligible graduates a direct and faster pathway to apply for permanent residency in Canada, with the aim of attracting and retaining young and skilled talent from Hong Kong. 

*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. Hong Kong residents who have applied for Stream A or Stream B and are waiting for IRCC’s decision on their applications may be eligible for a special HKOWP under the new temporary policy. For more details, please visit: Canada’s New Temporary Open Work Permit Policy for Hong Kong Permanent Residence Applicants 2024

Eligibility 

To be eligible for this stream, you must

• hold a valid passport issued by one of the following:
  • Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
  • United Kingdom to a British National (Overseas) as a person born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong
• be physically present in Canada when you apply and when you get permanent residence
• have valid temporary resident status in Canada
• intend to live in Canada, in any province or territory other than the province of Quebec
• have graduated from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada
  • in the 3 years before you apply
  • with one of the following:
    • a diploma (not graduate or post-graduate) for a program of at least 2 years
    • a degree (associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral)
    • a graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate for a program of at least 1 year and
  • with at least 50% of your program completed in Canada (either in person or online)

 

Required Documents

If you meet the above requirements, you can start preparing the documents for the application. We have listed the documents below for your reference.

 

Language Test

In terms of language test, applicants are required to submit a copy of their language test results that demonstrate a level 5 score in all 4 language skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking – according to the following frameworks:

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
• Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC)

Applicants should complete the language test early because it takes time to get the results. 

 

Post-Secondary Education

Applicants must submit a copy of their diploma or degree certificate, as well as their final transcripts. These documents must demonstrate that the applicant graduated from a designated learning institution in Canada in the past 3 years. 

If you hold a graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate, you are required to provide the following documents:

• Evidence indicating that the program necessitated you to have a post-secondary diploma or degree as a prerequisite. This may include a copy of the school’s website outlining all prerequisites, or a letter from the school listing the prerequisites you were required to fulfill.
• A copy of your post-secondary diploma or degree, as well as your final transcripts indicating that you obtained your degree no more than 5 years prior to commencing your graduate or post-graduate program.

 

Intent to Live in a Province or Territory other than Quebec

It is essential to show that you do not intend to live in any province or territory in Quebec if you are currently residing in Quebec. You can submit one or more of the following documents to demonstrate your intention:

• A statutory declaration which outlines where you intend to reside and the reasons for your decision.
• Any documents that establish your connections to the province or territory (outside Quebec) where you plan to reside, such as proof of employment, job offers, job applications you have submitted, job interviews you have scheduled, proof of having family in the area, or lease agreements/mortgages. 

 

Stream A FAQ

What is Canada Stream A?

Stream A program is an immigration pathway launched by the Canadian government for Hong Kong residents. Eligible Hong Kong graduates in Canada are able to apply for permanent residency through this pathway.

 

What is Canada Stream B?

Stream B program is an immigration pathway launched by the Canadian government for Hong Kong residents. Eligible Hongkongers with Canadian work experience are able to apply for permanent residency through this pathway. Detailed explanations can be found on the Hong Kong Pathway Stream B Canada info page.