ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Stream A: In-Canada Graduates
Certain individuals are not eligible to apply for a TRP. These include:
Hold a valid passport
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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China, or
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The United Kingdom as a British National (Overseas), born, naturalized, or registered in Hong Kong.
Be physically present in Canada both at the time of application and when you receive permanent residence.
Have valid temporary resident status in Canada.
Intend to live in a province or territory other than Quebec.
Take an approved language test that demonstrates a minimum score of Level 5 in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in either:
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Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English, or
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Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French.
Approved language tests include:
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English:
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CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General test),
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IELTS: International English Language Testing System (General Training test),
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PTE: Pearson Test of English (Core test).
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French:
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TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français,
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TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français.
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Have graduated from a designated post-secondary institution in Canada within the three years before applying, with one of the following:
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A diploma (not graduate or postgraduate) for a program of at least two years.
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A degree (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral).
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A graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate for a program of at least one year, where at least 50% of the program was completed in Canada (either in person or online).
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If you have a graduate or post-graduate diploma or certificate, you must also meet these additional requirements:
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You must have completed a post-secondary diploma or degree (in Canada or abroad) as a prerequisite to the graduate or post-graduate program.
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The prerequisite diploma or degree must have been completed within five years before starting the graduate or post-graduate program.
Documents Required for Stream A
When applying for permanent residence under Stream A, ensure that you gather all required documents to avoid delays.
01
Language test results
A copy showing that you meet the minimum Level 5 score in all four skills.
02
Proof of intent to live outside Quebec
You can provide a statutory declaration or evidence of ties to the province you plan to reside in, such as:
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Proof of employment, job offers, applications, or interviews.
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Lease agreements or mortgages.
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Family connections.
03
Post-secondary education proof
Include your diploma/degree and transcripts showing you graduated from a Canadian designated learning institution in the last three years. If you completed a graduate or post-graduate program, also provide proof of the program’s prerequisites.
Stream B: Canadian Work Experience
To be eligible under Stream B, you must meet these requirements:
Hold a valid passport issued by either:
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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China, or
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The United Kingdom as a British National (Overseas), born, naturalized, or registered in Hong Kong.
Be physically present in Canada both when applying and when receiving permanent residence.
Have valid temporary resident status in Canada.
Intend to live in a province or territory other than Quebec.
Take an approved language test that demonstrates a minimum score of Level 5 in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in either:
-
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English, or
-
Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French.
Approved language tests include:
-
English:
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CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General test),
-
IELTS: International English Language Testing System (General Training test),
-
PTE: Pearson Test of English (Core test).
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French:
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TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français,
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TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français.
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Have worked in Canada for at least 12 months full-time, or the equivalent amount in part-time hours (at least 1,560 hours total), within the three years before applying.
Note: Hours worked must have been while you were legally allowed to work in Canada, under a valid work permit or exempt from needing one. Certain hours cannot be counted, such as time spent:
● As a full-time student.
● Working outside Canada.
● Self-employed.
● On medical, parental, or similar leave.
Documents Required for Stream B
When applying for permanent residence under Stream B, ensure you gather all required documents:
01
Language test results
A copy showing you meet the Level 5 requirement.
02
Proof of Canadian work experience
This may include a letter from your employer, pay stubs, T4 slips, or bank deposits showing salary payments.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1
Ensure Eligibility
Before applying, verify that you meet all requirements under either Stream A or Stream B.
Step 2
Apply Online
Complete your application through the permanent residence portal. Required forms include:
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Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
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Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
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Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
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Supplementary Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562)
Include the relevant form for your stream:
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Stream A (IMM 0135)
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Stream B (IMM 0136)
Step 3
Pay Fees
Pay all applicable fees, including the biometrics fee if required. After payment, you’ll receive instructions for submitting biometrics.
Step 4
Submit Your Application
Ensure your application is complete, including all documents and processing fees, before submission.
OPEN WORK PERMIT
Starting May 27, 2024, Hong Kong residents awaiting permanent residence may apply for a three-year open work permit, provided they meet the following criteria:
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Have applied for permanent residence under one of the two Hong Kong pathways.
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Held a work or study permit within three years prior to submitting the permanent residence application.
When To Apply
You only need to apply for this open work permit if your current temporary resident status will expire while you wait for your permanent resident application to be processed.
You have until May 2029 to apply for this open work permit.
Who Can't Apply
You can’t apply for an open work permit under this public policy if your application for permanent residence has been refused, withdrawn or returned.
If Your Temporary Resident Status Has Already Expired
You’re still eligible for this open work permit if
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you’re in Canada and
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your temporary status expired less than 90 days ago
In this case, you must apply to restore your temporary resident status, including paying the restoration fee ($229) when you apply for this open work permit.
Work Permits For Family Members
Your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child over the age of 18 can apply for an open work permit when you apply for yours, if they were included on your permanent resident application.
If You Want To Study In Canada
If you or your family members want to study in Canada, you may need to apply for a study permit.
If you‘re the principal applicant for permanent residence through 1 of the Hong Kong pathways, you may be eligible to study without a study permit.
Family members of the principal applicant may need a study permit to study in Canada if they’re planning to study for longer than 6 months.
Minor children
If your dependent, minor child wants to study in Canada, they may need a study permit. The age of majority depends on the province or territory that you plan to settle in.
