Canadian Immigration Minister Mendicino (Marco Mendicino) announced on November 12 last year, in response to the implementation of the “Hong Kong Area National Security Law” situation, the Canadian side will launch three new measures to relax the immigration policy for Hong Kong people, mainly for young Hong Kong people to local development opportunities. It is reported that Canada for Hong Kong people to launch the “lifeboat” work visa, February 8 to officially accept applications, the application period until February 7, 2023.
In response to the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Act in July last year, the Canadian government announced last November that it would introduce three “lifeboat” measures to facilitate Hong Kong people to work in Canada, as well as the establishment of an alternative route to citizenship. Among them, the “open” work visa designed for Hong Kong people officially opened for application on Monday. Applicants only need to meet two conditions, namely to hold a SAR passport or British National Overseas Passport (BNO), and within five years before the application, graduated from a Canadian college or university or overseas equivalent institutions, can apply, no age or language requirements. However, subject to additional entry measures under the restricted Epidemic, overseas applicants must be employed by a Canadian company and complete a 14-day quarantine in Canada.
According to the latest announcement, applicants must meet two conditions, including having a passport issued by the Hong Kong SAR government or a British National (Overseas) passport (BNO) issued by the British government. Since the new visa will be valid for a maximum of three years or until the applicant’s passport expires, i.e., if the passport expires after six months, the visa will only be valid for six months, the Canadian government advises applicants to ensure that the passport used to apply for the visa is still valid for at least three years. According to Position News, another application requirement is a degree from an accredited post-secondary institution in Canada or overseas, or graduation from a diploma program of not less than two years at such an institution, within no more than five years prior to application. However, applicants who have obtained a diploma from an overseas post-secondary institution must additionally demonstrate that the program is equivalent to a Canadian degree through certification by a designated third-party credentialing body.
Overseas applicants who meet the above criteria and are at least 18 years old must submit their application through the website and provide proof of degree or diploma, passport, employment record, and photo. In addition, the applicant’s Family members can also apply together. There is no language requirement for the application. It is reported that the Canadian government is also expected to announce two other “lifeboat” measures later this year, including a more direct path to citizenship for Hong Kong students and Hong Kong people who have been in Canada for more than one year.
In response, Chris Patten, Hong Kong’s last governor, said, “The denial of Hong Kong’s freedoms requires a coordinated response that includes sanctions, diplomacy and a lifeboat policy. That’s why Canada’s decision to introduce a Young Talent Program is welcome.” Previously, the UK’s BNO visa corridor for Hong Kongers opened on January 31. Under this policy, those who successfully apply and receive a visa will be able to apply for permanent resident status after living in the UK for five years, and can apply for British citizenship 12 months after obtaining settled status.
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