Canada Extends and Expands Open Work Permit Program for Hong Kong Residents
Over 437,000 new permanent residents were admitted to Canada last year, the highest number ever welcomed in one year.
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that Canada exceeded a record-breaking target for admissions of permanent residents in 2022.
Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser issued a statement earlier, saying that new immigrants can help solve the labor shortage and aging population in medical, construction and other industries, describing it as an important milestone.
Filazer said 431,645 new permanent residents were added last year, breaking the record of about 400,000 set in 2021. According to Canadian authorities, 5.2 million applications for permanent residence, temporary residence and naturalization were received in 2022, double the number of applications in 2021.
2020: About 184,000
2021: About 405,000
2022: Approx. 432,000
According to foreign media, due to the continuous aging of the population and the fertility rate below the replacement level, immigration has become the main driver of Canada’s population growth. According to the 2021 census, immigrants account for about 23% of Canada’s total population, the largest proportion among the seven major industrial countries.
【CANADIAN STREAM A COURSE TYPE AND YEAR OF STUDY】
Most of the diplomas or above courses of a designated Canadian institution of higher education meet the requirements of the Lifeboat Program Stream A, and at least half of the courses must be completed in Canada. Hong Kong people who have completed a diploma or degree within 5 years can choose a minimum of one year of post-bachelor’s degree and postgraduate diploma programmes, which can apply for permanent residence in as little as one year.
Diploma or above at a designated institution of higher learning in Canada:
- Two years or more of the Diploma Program
- Associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree
- Diploma or postgraduate diploma program after one year or more (the diploma or degree required for enrolment must be obtained 5 years before the start of the course).
The application deadline for the Canadian Lifeboat Program Stream A is August 31, 2026, and applicants must graduate before the deadline to meet Stream A’s conditions and submit their application. Therefore, Hong Kong people who wish to apply to become permanent residents of Canada through Stream A should plan to enrol in the course on or before 2024.
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Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.
GET IN TOUCH WIH US
Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.
