More Hongkongers to Arrive in Canada

More young Hongkongers can consider moving to Canada

A friend contacted me tonight, excited about the news that Canada has made it easier for Hongkongers to immigrate.

Previously only young people who had graduated within the past five years could apply for a work permit to work for a year and then be eligible for permanent residency, or study a post-secondary degree.

But now anyone who has graduated within the past 10 years from a recognised Hong Kong tertiary institution can come to Canada, work for a year and get permanent residency.

Chiang made the announcement this morning

The move was announced this morning and will come into effect on August 15.

"Removing this requirement means more Hongkongers who have worked in Canada will be eligible for permanent residency, easing the transition to permanent status for those who are already working in Canada under the open work permit program," Paul Chiang, parliamentary secretary to the minister of housing and diversity and inclusion, said on behalf of the immigration minister.

He added those employed under the "working holiday program" were also eligible to apply for permanent residency after a year.

The move came after those who previously would not be able to apply because they graduated in 2016 and 2017, lobbied the government to widen the eligibility to include them. They formed a concern group that numbered in the hundreds, and so they were thrilled to hear the news this morning.

"Our demand was just to expand the scheme to cover 2016 and 2017 graduates, but it turned out the result is better than expected," said Connie Chan, a 29-year-old who graduated in 2016.

There are now 76,000 Hongkongers in Vancouver

University of British Columbia student Christopher Ng says the loosening of the requirements now makes it easier for Hongkongers to decide where to migrate.

"It's also opening another door for people my age to consider Canada as an option other than the UK and Australia. And it's definitely the easier way," he said.

From 2016-2021 there has been a 6.1 percent increase of Hong Kong-born people in Metro Vancouver to make the total number of Hongkongers 76,000. 

The program runs until 2025. In the meantime from mid August Canada should expect a flood of applications, but at the same time the government needs to ensure there is enough housing and support for these young people. 

They are currently dealing with a repressive government in their hometown; Canada needs to step up in welcoming them with supports to enable them to flourish here.