CANADA IMMIGRATION
An Overview of Immigration Programs in Canada
Simard & Associates assists clients from Hong Kong and the wider Asia Pacific region with a range of Canadian immigration programs. Our professional immigration consultants and lawyers strive to provide you with a tailor-made immigration plan based on your needs, expectations and financial situation. We offer comprehensive assistance throughout the application process so our clients can experience hassle-free immigration to Canada.
OPEN WORK PERMIT FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS
An initiative to attract Hong Kong and BNO passport holders to immigrate to Canada, the new open work permit expedites the permit process for Hong Kongers to work in Canada as a way to gain valuable employment experience and contribute to Canada’s economy, society and culture. As an open work permit, this program is not job specific.
START-UP VISA PROGRAM
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is an investment immigration program that targets entrepreneurs looking to relocate and set up companies or expand their business in Canada.
NEW BRUNSWICK PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM (NBPNP) – ENTREPRENEURIAL STREAM
The Entrepreneurial Stream of NBPNP is for experienced entrepreneurs who are ready to establish, operate and actively manage a business in the province while living and settling there.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM (PEI PNP) – WORK PERMIT STREAM
The PEIPNP Work Permit Stream is for entrepreneurs interested in relocating to PEI on a work permit. After operating a business for a minimum of one year, entrepreneurs can receive a nomination for permanent
QUÉBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM (QIIP)
QIIP is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals who will contribute substantially to Canada’s economic development. It is the only investment immigration program that does not require applicants to establish a business in Canada. Once selected, the applicant and his/her family will be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
CANADA SKILLED WORKER PROGRAM
To develop Canada’s economy and tackle problems with talent shortage in some industries and an ageing population, the Canadian government has established the Federal Skilled Worker program to welcome overseas applicants to migrate to Canada and meet its labour needs.
CANADA FAMILY SPONSORSHIP VISA
The Canada Family Sponsorship Visa is for those who already have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, and would like to return to Canada while also obtaining a permanent residency status for their
QUEBEC EXPERIENCE PROGRAM (PEQ)
PEQ is an accelerated selection program for skilled workers who wish to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate with the goal of becoming permanent residents of Canada. The program is intended for
THE BC PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM (BC PNP) ENTREPRENEUR IMMIGRATION (EI) REGIONAL PILOT
The BCPNP EI Regional Pilot is an entrepreneur immigration program for those who wish to relocate to the province of British Columbia (B.C.) in Canada. To attract applicants to start a business and settle in regional communities with smaller populations, the EI Regional Pilot’s personal net worth
ABOUT CANADA
Canada is the second-largest country in the world, with a total area of 9,984,670 km2. Ranked 5th in the 2020 Democracy Index, Canada is considered to have full democracy. Its superb living environment, extensive social welfare and education system, social and economic stability, and welcoming business and investment environment make Canada a popular immigration destination for many in Hong Kong.
Quality of Life
Considering the job market, affordability, income equality, public healthcare system, education system, economic stability and family-friendliness, Canada has been consistently ranked as the top country for quality of life. Home to stunning landscapes, a vast land of wilderness and beautiful national parks and nature reserves, Canada offers a more relaxed lifestyle with proximity to nature. Combined with its low crime rate and cultural diversity, Canada is an ideal immigration destination for those looking to escape Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle, raise a family or in search of a place to retire.
Education
In Canada, provincial and territorial governments set up and run their own school systems, but they are much the same across the country. By law, children must receive elementary, middle and secondary education, but, depending on the province or territory, children may start at the age of 5 or 6 and continue until they are between 16 and 18. Parents can send their children to free public schools, paid private schools or choose to homeschool. Post-secondary education is delivered through universities, colleges and recognized institutes. Canada is home to some of the top universities in the world, such as the University of Toronto and McGill University.
Social Welfare
Canadian residents and citizens enjoy comprehensive social services and benefits that cover different life stages and needs. These include child benefits, caregiving benefits, public pensions, student aid, housing benefits, disability benefits and employment insurance.
Business Environment
With 14 trade agreements, such as the Canada-United-States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), businesses and investors have advantageous access to global markets. Its world-class transport infrastructure, including 24 international airports, 17 seaports, and 117 border-crossings to the neighbouring USA, also facilitates international supply chains and business operations.
IMMIGRATING TO CANADA FROM HONG KONG?
Simard & Associates serves as both an agent and immigration consultant when helping clients choose the best immigration program to Canada. Our Canadian lawyers have in-depth knowledge and first-hand experience with the processes and specific requirements of different programs so that you won’t have to worry about complex policies and jargon during the application process.
For more information, please contact us at +852 2169 0388 or by filling out our online enquiry form. Our team of professional lawyers will help you along the way.