As a Hong Kong recent graduate, you may be eligible to apply for an open work permit (“OWP”) that is valid for up to 3 years.

To be eligible, you must hold a valid passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the United Kingdom to a British National Overseas (“BNO”) and you must meet the education requirements for post- secondary, graduate or post-graduate studies.

If you ultimately plan to apply for Canada permanent residence, you may use the work experience you gain while on this OWP to qualify under the PR program. Specifically, to be eligible under the Canadian Experience Class (under the Federal Express Entry program), you must, among other criteria, have worked in Canada for at least 12 months on a full-time basis, or an equal number of part-time hours (at least 1,560 hours in total), in the 3 years before you file your application.

The open work permit is valid for up to 3 years. To maximize the duration of the open work permit, make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 years from the date of approval.

This public policy has taken effect on February 8, 2021 and expires on February 7, 2025.

1.

Handling Fees

Kaizen’s handling fee to apply for the Canadian open work permit is CAD2,280 per principal applicant. CAD800 will be charged for each additional accompanying dependent.

Services entailed are as follows:

1. Provide consultation pertaining to the application of the Canadian open work permit;
2. Review the documents provided by the applicant;
3. Assist in supporting document gathering and preparation;
4. Fill out the required application forms;
5. Provide legal representation for the purpose of the Canadian open work permit application;
6. Submit the open work permit application to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC);
7. Liaise with the IRCC and provide updates to the applicant regarding the application status;
8. Assist with the submission of the medical examination upon request by the IRCC (if upfront medical examination has not been done);
9. Obtain and forward the visa to the preferred address.

Notes:

• Kaizen’s handling fee does not include the government fees, notarization fees, document translation fees, courier charges, etc., where applicable.
• OWP applicants are exempt from paying the open work permit holder fee CAN100. Other possible government fees include the work permit processing fee of CAN155 and biometric fee (if needed).

2.

Eligible Criteria

Hong Kong Passport holders who wish to apply for the Canada OWP for Hong Kong recent graduates should meet the following criteria:

1. Hold a valid HKSAR or BNO passport;
2. Graduated no more than 10 years before the submission of the application and meet one of the following education requirements:
1. Post-secondary studies
1. A degree (e.g. associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral) from a designated post-secondary learning institution* in Canada or an institution abroad**
2. A diploma for a minimum 2-year program from a designated post-secondary learning institution* in Canada or an institution abroad**
2. Graduate and post-graduate studies
1. Hold a graduate or post-graduate credential
2. The credential program must:
• be of minimum 1 year in duration
• require a post-secondary degree or diploma which the applicant completed no more than 5 years before started
3. be a listed designated learning institution* in Canada OR aboard

3.

Required Documents and Information

Mandatory documents

1. Copy of educational credential, transcripts or proof of enrolment at a post-secondary educational institution
2. Copy of HKSAR or BNO passport
3. Family Information
4. CV or resume
5. Digital photo
6. Payment receipt in the Proof of Fee Exemption slot
7. Biometric information (if required)
8. If not a citizen of the country or territory where the applicant is applying from, proof of his/her present immigration status in that country or territory.

“Not applicable” documents

1. Employment reference letter
2. Letter from current employer
3. Employment records
4. Employment contract

Others supporting documents

4.

Important Notes

1. The Canadian open work permit for Hong Kong recent graduates exists under a public policy and will be valid for up to 3 years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
2. If the applicant is outside Canada when the open work permit application is approved, IRCC will issue a letter of introduction with a deadline to enter Canada.

Related Topics: Canada Study Permit | Canada Intra-Company Transferee (ICT)

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