Open work permits for Hong Kong recent graduates-Canada

As a Hong Kong recent graduate, you may be eligible to apply for an open work permit under a temporary public policy for Hong Kong residents.

The open work permit is valid for up to 3 years.

Who can apply

To be eligible, you must:

• hold a valid passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or the United Kingdom to a British National Overseas (BNO)
  • The work permit will be issued for up to 3 years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. For example, if your passport is valid for 6 months, then you will be issued an open work permit for 6 months.
  • 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.
• have graduated no more than 5 years before you apply for this open work permit, with:
  • a degree from a designated post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad, or
  • a diploma for a minimum 2-year program from a designated post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad

If you got your diploma abroad

If you got your diploma outside of Canada, you must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an organization or a professional body designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. They’ll give you a report that tells you what your education is equal to in Canada.

Processing times and costs vary by organization or professional body.

Once you choose a designated organization or a professional body, they’ll tell you how to submit your documents to get your assessment.