Canada to grant open work permits to HK nationals awaiting permanent residency

The policy will be in place for five years.

Canada has allowed Hong Kong nationals with pending permanent residency applications to extend their temporary status and receive open work permits.

Starting 27 May, open work permits will be available to those who applied for permanent residence under Stream A (in-Canada graduates) or Stream B (Canadian work experience) of the temporary public policy for Hong Kong residents in Canada and those who held a work or study permit in the three years before their application for permanent residence was received.

The policy will be in place for five years. Individuals with temporary status in Canada or their guardians must renew their status as required. 

Foreign nationals who apply to extend their work or study permit before their current permits expire retain legal status under "maintained status" until a decision is made on their applications.

Applicants whose temporary status expired within the last 90 days before applying for a new open work permit can apply for a new one and restore their status simultaneously. Applications will be rejected if the temporary status expires more than 90 days prior.