Maple News reports that beginning February 8, Canada will offer a new open work permit tailored to recent graduates and skilled workers from Hong Kong. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create smoother pathways to permanent residency, particularly for those who have been impacted by political instability in the region.
The new open work permit is valid for up to three years and is designed to help Hong Kong residents gain valuable Canadian work experience—an asset that strengthens future immigration applications through systems like Express Entry, which prioritize candidates with Canadian work history.
To qualify, applicants must hold a post-secondary diploma or degree completed within the last five years. Canadian credentials are accepted, as are equivalent foreign qualifications, provided the program was at least two years in duration. Current visitors, students, and temporary workers already in Canada can apply online. Those outside Canada must comply with ongoing public health requirements, including travel restrictions, quarantine, and testing.
Applicants outside Canada will generally need a valid job offer or another exemption to travel restrictions. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that additional details will be available on its official website when the program goes live.
Alongside the new work permit, Canada is also developing two permanent residence pathways specifically for Hong Kong citizens. One will be geared toward those with at least one year of Canadian work experience and who meet certain education and language benchmarks. The second will allow Hong Kong international students to apply directly for permanent residency upon graduation.
The eligibility for these programs extends to holders of a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) or British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passport. Moreover, Hong Kong residents are now exempt from the 12-month bar on pre-removal risk assessments, allowing new assessments for those previously deemed ineligible.
Refugees fleeing persecution in third countries may also be eligible for Canada’s existing resettlement options, such as the Private Sponsorship of Refugees and Government-Assisted Refugees programs.
Canada’s Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino emphasized the broader goals behind this initiative: “With flexible open work permits and a fast-track to permanent residency, skilled Hong Kong residents will have a unique opportunity to develop their careers and help accelerate Canada’s economic recovery,” he said. “This is a landmark immigration initiative that will deepen ties between Canada and the people of Hong Kong.”
This move reflects Canada’s continued commitment to supporting individuals affected by political uncertainty, while simultaneously addressing labor market needs and demographic goals.