Permanent Residence Pathways for Hong Kong Residents - Stream A (In-Canada Graduates)
Stream A of the Hong Kong pathways let eligible Hong Kong residents who had recently graduated from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada apply directly for permanent residence. Applicants had to be in Canada, intend to live outside Quebec, and meet a modest language threshold. No Canadian work experience or job offer was required.
Closed
Closed on August 31, 2026, when the temporary public policy expired. IRCC continues to process applications received on or before that date, and applicants can still apply for an open work permit while their application is processed.
Status
Job offer
How you apply
Key requirements
| Age | No age requirement in the stream criteria |
| Education | Graduation from a Canadian post-secondary designated learning institution within the 3 years before applying: a degree, a diploma of at least 2 years, or a graduate/post-graduate diploma or certificate of at least 1 year (with a prior post-secondary credential); at least 50% of the program completed in Canada |
| Language | English or French at level 5 (CLB/NCLC 5) in all 4 abilities (minimum CLB 5) |
| Work experience | No work experience requirement; eligibility is based on the Canadian credential. Valid passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or a British National (Overseas) passport issued to a person born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong; must be in Canada with valid temporary resident status when applying and when permanent residence is granted |
| Job offer | Not required |
| Where you must live | Must intend to live outside Quebec |
| How you apply | Direct application when you meet the requirements |
Summary only — requirements change and details decide real cases. Always confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/hong-kong-residents-permanent-residence.html (this record was verified against that source on 23 Oct 2026). This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
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How long will it take?
Current IRCC processing-time estimates, recorded daily.