Canada Launches New Measures to Support Hong Kong Residents to Come to Canada!

Nov 12, 2020 | Global

Due to the current political climate in Hong Kong, new temporary and permanent immigration pathways, as well as fast-track processes, are being implemented for Hong Kong residents.

New policies include expedition of processing for work and study permits, open work permits specific to youth (18-35 years of age, preferably with a post-secondary education) up to 3 years in duration, new paths to Canadian permanent residency (to be introduced in 2021), waiving application processing fees for Hong Kong residents already in Canada and wishing to extend their stay, resuming International Experience Canada applications for youth (previously paused due to COVID-19), and increased promotion and processing of Hong Kong family sponsorships.

In addition, asylum claims are available to all Hong Kong citizens at risk of governmental persecution.

Keep in mind that COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions are still paramount, and will affect all individuals seeking entry into Canada.

Related Posts:

Brexit & What It Means for European Employees in the UK

Background: While Brexit occurred on January 31, 2020, there will be no practical changes to immigration until January 1, 2021. Still, there are important steps EU citizens need to take in order to secure their immigration status. Next Steps: European employees and their family members will need to register with the government’s EU settlement scheme to remain in status after January 1, 2021. Deadline: Registration must be completed before January 1, 2021. Definitions: The EU settlement scheme will classify EU citizens residing in the UK in one of two categories. Settled Status – for those who can prove they have been in the UK continuously for five years. Pre-settled status – for those living in the UK for shorter periods of time. Required Documentation: Proof of Identity* (e.g. passport, biometric residence card, biometric resident permit) National Insurance Number (recommended) – You can provide your National Insurance Number to allow an automated check of your residence based on tax and certain benefit records. If this check is successful, you will not need to provide any documents as proof of residence. Evidentiary proof of residency – If there is not enough data to prove your residency status through the automated check, you […]

UNITED KINGDOM: Covid-19 Update

There is still a lack of clarity in terms of visa applications being submitted around the world and in the United Kingdom (UK). Attorneys are urging UKVI and the Home Office to update its guidance of February 27, 2020, to provide greater clarity. In the meantime, below are updates. Visa Application Centers Around the World Many application centers are still open for those individuals who wish to submit visa applications. As expected, however, there are a number of closures and interruptions to the usual service standards. These include: Asia Pacific: Due to closure of the Manila regional visa hub, there are currently no priority services for applicants applying in, for example, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong. USA: All non-premium biometric application service centers ASCs operated by USCIS in the United States are closed. The Premium Application Centers (PACs) all remain open for the time being, except for the PACs in Seattle and San Francisco, which are currently closed. Europe: All TLS contact centers are closed for UK visa applicants. UK: Sopra Steria application centers in the UK remain open for the time being. There have been reports of closures at some locations for certain application types […]