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Written by: Luo Baoxi
2021-02-09 19:30
The last update date: 2021-02-09 19:36
Immigration Canada (IRCC) recently announced that Hong Kong graduates can apply for a new three-year open work permit from February 8, paving the way for permanent residency.
The authorities will also introduce two other ways to obtain permanent residency in the short term. They are designed for Hong Kong residents who have at least one year of Canadian work experience, meet relevant language and education standards, and graduate from Canadian colleges and universities.
"Hong Kong 01" interviewed Jean-François Harvey, the global managing partner of Harvey Law Group (HLG), who has provided immigration services for more than 29 years and has more than 20 offices around the world, to learn more about this special Immigration plan for Hong Kong people.
Jean-François Harvey has lived in Hong Kong for nearly 20 years and has been engaged in immigration law and Canadian law since 1992.
He told reporters frankly that he was very surprised by the degree of flexibility shown by the Canadian authorities' plan this time: "To be honest, this is the most flexible plan I have seen in my entire career, and it is undoubtedly an open door for graduates. Measures."
This work permit will accept applications from February 8th this year until February 7, 2023.
He believes that the plan is good news for those who want to move to Canada, and the open plan means that there are no language requirements and no minimum funding requirements. He said: “The authorities really hope that applicants feel that Canada is ready to let They moved in within a few weeks, so it is also a very fast plan."
Harvey said the plan is unprecedentedly flexible.
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Visas are attractive to employers
Harvey expects that the details of other plans will be announced within one or two months. Since the new plan is an open work visa, there are no restrictions on work types for this visa category.
In addition to unrestricted work types, open work visas allow employers to hire applicants without going through the complicated procedures of other work visas, which is more attractive to local employers.
Harvey said: "So the applicant will be in the same position as other Canadians to apply for a job."
As a senior immigration legal adviser, Harvey said that although Canada is a warm and friendly country, after all, its social culture is very different from Hong Kong.
He pointed out:
Even if you have obtained a work visa, we do not recommend that applicants leave for Canada immediately, because everything requires time to prepare, not just spending savings to find a job.
Moreover, currently only successful job applicants can be exempted from travel restrictions during the epidemic.
Applicants should not act too hastily and prepare for immigration such as job search.
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He emphasized that applicants must be step-by-step. Just like the one-stop immigration consultant service he has always engaged in, they will arrange education experts to meet for families with children to ensure that they can set up schools for their children before arriving in Canada. Time to prepare for emigration to other countries.
In addition, he reminded applicants to be careful when filling in the application materials, and pay attention to every detail in the form, because applying for a work visa is not like applying for a credit card, etc. If the information is omitted, it may be considered deliberately concealed by the Canadian immigration authorities. , May be banned from entering Canada for five years.
Harvey said: "The best advice for applicants is to be honest and honest with the Canadian Immigration Service."
Or 20,000 people apply for a "big" win in Canada
Looking at the graduation statistics of the education department, Harvey conservatively estimated that about 40,000 graduated each year. If calculated on a five-year basis, nearly 200,000 would be eligible to apply.
He estimates that 20,000 Hong Kong graduates will apply for the program. "This is a major victory for Canada and a major loss for Hong Kong."
He also estimated that even if only 5% of eligible people apply, plus other For spouses and children, conservative calculations are also within the range of 10,000 to 40,000.
He also pointed out that since the plan does not specify the destination of work and emigration, he encourages applicants to explore different cities on their own, without restricting themselves.
In addition to the two popular cities of Toronto and Vancouver, he believes that:
Edmonton, Calgary, Victoria, etc. are also well-known and popular cities by many Hong Kong people. In addition, those who love polar bears can also choose to go to Yellowknife.
Edmonton is a well-known and popular city in Hong Kong.
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In addition, he said that for those who like French cuisine and French culture, Montreal is also an ideal destination, with a completely different lifestyle from other parts of Canada.
He reiterated that once the epidemic passes and the economy recovers, these cities will continue to flourish.
Although Canada's current employment situation is entering the cold winter like other countries, he pointed out that there are signs that the situation may change this spring.
Harvey’s suggestion is that
although everyone
is
currently waiting for the epidemic to improve, applicants should take advantage of the two-year validity period to apply for work visas as soon as possible and start paying attention to the Canadian job market
. He said: “Now is a good time to start job hunting. , Because Canada is expected to rebound rapidly after the epidemic eases like the rest of the world, ushering in vigorous development."
The social cultures of Canada and Hong Kong are very different. Hong Kong people should adapt as soon as possible.
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Must adapt to workplace culture and free time
Harvey also pointed out that even under the epidemic, the employment situation in Canada is not bad. The authorities have ensured that many people maintain their jobs and income.
He expects that in the local job market,
trade, engineering, chemistry, and IT also have a large demand for manpower, and some of these trade-related positions may have better income than college jobs
.
He reiterated: "Canada's economy is improving before the epidemic, and all walks of life have manpower needs. In addition, Canada has always been a service-oriented country, and the service industry is believed to have huge demand."
It is expected that Canada will have a greater demand for manpower in industries such as engineering, trade, and service.
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It has been reported from time to time that Hong Kong people face the situation that their work experience in Hong Kong is not recognized when they seek jobs in Canada.
Harvey believes that Canadian employers generally value work experience in various places, and therefore believe that the statement is not accurate.
Taking his company as an example, he said that he has always hired talents from all over the world and would also consider work experience in other countries.
Finally, he reminded Hong Kong people to immigrate to Canada to adapt to the local workplace culture and the extra working time as soon as possible. He said: "Canada is a country that pursues a nine-to-five period and emphasizes work-life balance. And there are many holidays, the best For example, there is a maximum of two years of maternity leave and three months of paternity leave for men (one year in Quebec).” According to his experience, the biggest adjustment for Hong Kong immigrants to Canada lies in the work-life balance. Work, find new hobbies, and have more time to study part-time.
Hong Kong people immigrate to Canada, immigration policy, Canada epidemic (new crown pneumonia) world international topic