IRCC has rolled out a new temporary policy to aid PR applicants from Hong Kong in staying in Canada during their application process.
Commencing May 27th, 2024, Hong Kong residents who applied for PR via IRCC’s special 2021 pathway can now extend their status and pursue an open work permit (OWP). This allows them to stay and work in Canada while awaiting their application outcome.
This updated policy will particularly benefit individuals who:
- Held a work or study permit within the three years prior to submitting their permanent residence application.
- Applied under Stream A (In-Canada Graduates) or Stream B (Canadian Work Experience) of the 2021 policy.
This new public policy will be effective for five years, enabling PR applicants to stay in Canada while their applications are processed.
IRCC emphasizes that individuals with temporary status in Canada (such as work or study permit holders), or their guardians, must oversee and apply for renewals as necessary. Those on a work or study permit in Canada, who apply for an extension before expiration, maintain legal status (even during the renewal process) under the concept of “maintained status”.
Furthermore, the department cautions that individuals who have lost their status in Canada within 90 days prior to applying for an open work permit under the new policy can simultaneously apply for the OWP and seek to restore their status. However, applications submitted under this new policy will not be considered if an individual has been out of status for over 90 days before applying.