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Thousands of Hong Kong citizens are applying for Canadian residency. This not only includes newcomers but reverse migrants too. More than 8,000 double-reverse migrants and their families have opted to move back to Canada in the five years before the last census in 2016.
The reasons for this are both political and personal. Hong Kong’s political instability doesn’t seem to show any signs of letting up, leaving Hong Kong citizens feeling unsure of future prospects for themselves and their loved ones.
Today, there are over 500,000 people from Hong Kong living in Canada and it’s not hard to understand why so many have decided to make the move. So, let's take a closer look at why and how to apply for Canadian residency from Hong Kong.
Political Unrest
Times are uncertain in Hong Kong. There have been a number of pro-democracy protests and demonstrations since June 2019. The world population review has ranked Canada 6th on its list of most peaceful countries on the Global Peace Index. It is also one of the most welcoming nations in the world, with the world's longest undefended military border.
High Cost of Living
The cost of living in Hong Kong is extremely high. For example, monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city will cost you about $2,997 a month, compared to Toronto, where it will cost anywhere around $1,747 per month. That's more than a $1,000 saving per month that could be put to better use.
The Great Outdoors
Canada offers a wide variety of natural wonders to explore, including 47 national parks, over 250,000 lakes as well as popular attractions like the Canadian Rockies, Niagara Falls, and the breathtaking Northern lights. With so many beautiful sights on your doorstep, how could anyone not think about immigrating to Canada?
Multicultural Vibrant Cities
Canada is one of the most multicultural populations in the world and aims to welcome over 1 million immigrants over the next 3 years. Canadian cities such as Toronto, offer a wide variety of international festivals, concerts, and events to choose from each year as well as having a bustling nightlife. It also hosts a multitude of art museums, historical landmarks, and restaurants for art fundies and foodies to indulge in.
Quality of Life
Canada offers a number of benefits. Housing is relatively inexpensive and cities are less crowded, especially in provinces such as Alberta, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. Canada also offers a world-renowned education system, at no cost to permanent residents and locals up until Grade 12, with a wide variety of tertiary institutions to choose from, such as McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia. Free healthcare is another benefit afforded to Canadian citizens. There is also considerably less pollution. Studies have shown that Canada, which has been ranked 9th out of 33 high-income OECD countries, has among the cleanest overall air quality in the world.
Best Ways To Migrate To Canada from Hong Kong
There are 3 main immigration programs to consider once you have decided to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
1. Express Entry System
The Express Entry System is the most popular and fastest way to apply for permanent residency in Canada as it streamlines the immigration process. You will need to create an online profile containing information such as your age, qualifications, and work experience. Based on this information, you will be ranked against other applicants based on points scored according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Applicants with the highest CRS scores will receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
There are many ways to improve your CRS score, including receiving a Provincial Nominee, which can be obtained by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) or alternatively receiving a Notification of Interest (NOI) from your chosen province as they are able to select suitable applicants from the Express Entry System.
Candidates can apply via one of the following programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program;
- Federal skilled Trades Program; and
- Canadian Experience Class.
2. Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program allows 11 out of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories to invite suitable applicants to apply for permanent residency in Canada. This is a great option for those who do not qualify for the Express Entry system. Receiving a provincial nomination awards applicants with an additional 600 points to add to their CRS score, which virtually guarantees to receive permanent residence in Canada.
Most Hong Kongers choose to relocate to provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario which both have their own PNPs. See links below:
3. Student Direct Stream
The Student Direct Stream is an immigration program open to applicants from China, India, the Philippines, Pakistan, or Vietnam wanting to study in Canada at the post-secondary level. Applicants will require the following:
- Tuition payment for the first year of study at a designated learning institution.
- Purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of $10,000.
- Completion of an upfront medical examination and police certificate (if required).
- A qualifying score of at least 6 for English (IELTS), or Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens score of 7 for French (TEF), or graduation from a Canadian-curriculum high school.
Optimize Your Application Process By Using A Licensed Immigration Agency
Applying for Canadian residency from Hong Kong is a tiresome and lengthy task, especially with strict immigration deadlines, procedures, and specifications that need to be met, but when you sign up with our service our knowledgeable Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC’s) will be here to help you through every step of the process. As a licensed immigration agency, we are given permission by the Canadian government to liaise with them on your behalf regarding your Canadian visa application. All you have to do is fill out our application form to receive your eligibility assessment and let us sort out the rest. It’s just that simple!
