According to the government, “eligible applicants must have valid temporary resident status and be in Canada both when they submit their application and when their permanent residence is granted”.

“They must also meet the specified language, education, work and eligibility requirements, and they are subject to Canada’s regular immigration application and screening processes and admissibility requirements,” it said.

Marco E. L. Mendicino, minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, first announced initiatives to help more Hong Kongers come to Canada in November 2020, with the first stream having opened for applications in February this year.

“With young Hong Kongers casting their eyes abroad, we want them to choose Canada. Our Hong Kong immigration pathway is a historic initiative, intended to attract talented applicants who will drive our economy forward,” said Mendicino.

“Skilled Hong Kongers will have a unique opportunity to both develop their careers and help accelerate our recovery”

“Skilled Hong Kongers will have a unique opportunity to both develop their careers and help accelerate our recovery. This landmark initiative will strengthen our economy and deepen the strong ties between Canada and the people of Hong Kong.”

The Canadian government has said it is “deeply concerned about China’s imposition of the National Security Law and, more broadly, the deteriorating human rights situation in Hong Kong”.

The National Security Law passed in June 2020 granted authorities greater power to clamp down on those critical of Mainland China’s increasing grip over the city, resulting in the arrests of pro-democracy advocates, lawmakers, students and journalists.

Much to Beijing’s ire, countries such as the UK, Australia and Canada have brought in laws to facilitate paths to immigration for Hong Kongers wishing to leave the city.