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Immigration Policies for Hongkongers

HK Stream B

What is Stream B

Stream B is a pathway that provides Hong Kong residents who have gained at least 1 year of work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residence. This initiative will remain active until August 31, 2026.

It offers eligible Hong Kong residents with Canadian work experience 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. Eligible Hong Kong residents can consider applying for a Hong Kong Open Work Permit to get a valid status to work in Canada and accumulate working hours. 

 

Stream B 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
  • (The education requirement is removed on Aug 15, 2023) have graduated in the 5 years before you apply with one of the following:
    • a diploma (not graduate or post-graduate) for a program of at least 2 years, or a degree (for example, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree or a doctorate) from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada
    • a graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate for a program of at least 1 year from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada*
    • a foreign educational credential equivalent to one of the following:
      • a Canadian post-secondary diploma (not graduate or post-graduate) for a program of at least 2 years
      • a Canadian post-secondary degree
      • a Canadian graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate for a program of at least 1 year*
  • have worked in Canada for at least 12 months full-time, or an equal amount of part-time hours in the 3 years before you apply.

*If you hold a graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate, you must have also obtained a post-secondary diploma or degree (either from Canada or abroad) as a prerequisite for your program. Moreover, this prerequisite diploma or degree must have been completed within 5 years prior to the commencement of your graduate or post-graduate program.

According to IRCC’s announcement on Jul 11, 2023, the education requirement under Stream B will be removed, effective on Aug 15, 2023. This measurement means that more Hong Kong residents could be eligible to apply for the Canadian Permanent Residency. However, the removal of the education requirement under Stream B does not mean the education requirement under HKOWP is also removed. Please refer to the application requirements of HKOWP.

 

Stream B Work Requirements

In order to fulfill the work experience requirement for this stream, you need to have worked in Canada for a minimum of 12 months full-time or an equivalent amount of part-time hours (at least 1,560 hours in total) within the 3 years before submitting your application. 

These hours can only be counted if you were legally authorized to work in Canada during that period, either through a valid work permit or by being exempt from requiring one. 

It is important to note that certain types of work experience are not eligible to be included in the calculation of the required hours. This includes any time spent as a full-time student, self-employment, work conducted outside of Canada, periods of leave from your job (such as for medical or parental reasons), or extended absences from Canada. 

 

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 in the last 5 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.

If you graduated from a post-secondary school outside Canada, you will need to obtain an educational credential assessment (ECA). This assessment will show that your studies are equivalent to a Canadian post-secondary diploma or degree. 

 

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. 

 

Canadian Work Experience

For each job include in your application, you must provide evidence to support it. This could take the form of:

  • A letter from your employer, written on company letterhead, which includes details such as your name, job title, employment dates, weekly work hours, annual salary, benefits received, company contact information (address, phone number, and email), and your supervisor’s name, title, and signature (or these of the company’s human resources officer).
  • Copies of your T4 tax information slips and notices of assessment issued to you by the Canada Revenue Agency.
  • Copies of your records of employment, pay stubs, or bank deposit records showing your salary payments.

 

Stream B FAQ

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. 

 

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. Detailed explanations can be found on the Hong Kong Pathway Stream A Canada info page.