‘Stuck’: Canada closes Hong Kong migration scheme, some eye new paths

‘Stuck’: Canada closes Hong Kong migration scheme, some eye new paths

‘Moving to the US is geographically convenient, but it is expensive,’ agent says, recommending UK BN(O) visa as Ottawa closes 2021 pathway

The closure of Canada’s “lifeboat” migration scheme for Hongkongers has left some applicants who are struggling to meet permanent residency requirements in limbo, prompting others to consider alternative destinations such as the US and Britain.

Hong Kong-based immigration agents made this observation after Ottawa announced on Friday that its dedicated pathways for Hongkongers would stop accepting new applications on Monday. Applications submitted before the deadline will continue to be processed.

Launched in 2021 in response to Beijing’s imposition of the national security law in Hong Kong, the pathway allowed applicants to qualify for permanent residency either by completing a diploma or bachelor’s degree at designated Canadian institutions, or obtaining an open work permit and working full-time in the country for at least one year, or accumulating 1,560 work hours.

Benny Cheung Ka-hei, director of immigration consulting firm Goldmax, said on Sunday that the scheme’s closure was widely expected amid Canada’s tightening immigration policy.

He noted that some Hongkongers who moved to the country failed to meet the requirements, particularly struggling with the English proficiency test, and that the closure could shut down their route to permanent residence.

“Some of our clients moved to Canada but are busy or need to take care of children and remain unable to pass the English test despite multiple attempts,” Cheung said. “Some of them are stuck at this stage.”

He said some Hongkongers unable to qualify for permanent residency had begun seeking alternatives, prioritising the United Kingdom and the United States.