Canada immigration minister, Marco Mendicino made this announcement on November 12. He went on to say that these initiatives will build on the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan.
These new measures will support Canada’s commitment to ensure proper connections between Hong Kong and Canada. This is due to the Chinese government’s execution of the new national security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020.
This law forbids “secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces.” It also provides broad definitions of these crimes that threaten human freedom and rights.
Marco Mendicino also went on to state that the documents of Canadian permanent residents and citizens in Hong Kong will undergo fast processing. It is also possible for families of Canadians to travel to Canada under the present exemptions. They need to quarantine themselves for 14 days after arriving in Canada.
At present, close to 300,000 Canadians are living in Hong Kong. It is one of the largest Canadian communities in a foreign country.
Two New Immigration Pathways for Residents of Hong Kong
Canada will quicken the processing pace of permits for Hong Kong youths who wish to study or work in the country.
IRCC will provide a new open work permit for Hong Kong graduates. This will be valid for a maximum of three years. The experience that graduates will gain in these three years can go towards the permanent residence application.
The holders of these work permits may apply for immigration through Express Entry (EE) system. If this is not feasible, then they may even apply through the two new immigration programs means for Hong Kong youths.
As eligibility criteria, the authorities will look at an applicant’s post-secondary education done in the last five years. This should be done either in Canada or in some foreign country.
It is possible for only eligible common-law partners, spouses, and dependent children to apply for a work or study permit. Although there is no specific date for the program to commence, it is said to launch soon.
The two new pathways for Hong Kong residents to get permanent residence in Canada will start next year. The first pathway will be for all the former Hong Kong residents.
These residents should have a minimum of one year of proper work experience in Canada. They should also fulfill minimum education and language levels.
The second pathway will be those who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution. They can apply directly for permanent residence.
Applicants will be able to include partners, inland spouses, and dependent children in their application for both the new pathways.
Canada will also quicken the processing of all the permits for suitable Hong Kong youths. These youths should be willing to either work or study in the country.
Considerations for Hong Kong Asylum Claimants
Taking part in peaceful protests is not a crime in Canada. Those who get arrested for such a crime will not get a denial on grounds of inadmissibility.
Canada will apply an exemption to the 12-month bar on a pre-removal risk assessment for Hong Kong residents. These assessments will survey the risks a person may face when returned to their home country.
In general, refusal of a refugee claim means non-eligible to apply again for a minimum of a year. This time period is from the date of the decision.
This new exemption will allow some non-eligible people to apply for another assessment. This will be before they are removed from Canada.
All foreign nationals in Canada, including Hong Kong residents, have access to the asylum system. The decision on eligible asylum claims is taken after considering individual merits and evidence. The evidence is presented to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
There are some Hong Kong residents who may undergo persecution and have run away to another country. They are also eligible under Canada’s ongoing resettlement programs. These include the Government-Assisted Refugees Program and Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.
Extra Measures for Residents of Hong Kong
For the time being, Canada is giving up the application processing fees. This will be applicable for Hong Kong residents in Canada who apply for an extension of their stay.
IRCC will be increasing recruitment and promotional efforts to attract the youths of Hong Kong to study in Canada. They will restart with their processing of IEC applications for Hong Kong youths.
This IEC processing was paused due to the recent pandemic. People are allowed to travel to Canada under the IEC even with the travel restrictions being followed. However, they should have an active job offer.
IRCC is also planning to promote super visas for parents and grandparents. This will let them enter Canada several times over a period of 10 years for a maximum of 2 years at a time.
IRCC has assigned resources to quicken the processing of permanent residence applications. This will also include family sponsorship. Common-law partners or spouses who apply in Canada can do so for an open work permit.
Get in touch with us on WhatsApp or Call us at 905-671-4442. You may even email us at info@immigrationterminal.ca if you have any queries about your temporary or permanent residence application.