HomeAuthorPreet Gill, Author at Immigration Lawyer Vancouver, Canada | Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre

On May 6, 2021, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (“IRCC”) launched the Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence Pathway (“TR to PR”) for essential workers and international students in Canada. On July 26, 2021, IRCC broadened the benefits of this pathway. Candidates can now apply for a coveted open work permit while their temporary residence status is still in place (until a decision is made on their permanent residence application). This open work permit allows those who are awaiting a decision on their application to extend or remain in status during this transitional period.

Today, the Honourable Marco E.L Mendicino, Minister of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) announced two new pathways that offer Canadian permanent residence for Hong Kong residents who are currently in Canada. Canada and Hong Kong share a long historic relationship and Canada has continuously shown a commitment to support the citizens of Hong Kong. In June 2020, China imposed controversial National Security Laws in Hong Kong which threatens the security, liberty and privacy of Hong Kong nationals.

On April 16, 2021, Canada’s Immigration Minister, The Honorable Marco Mendicino announced new, progressive pathways to Canadian Permanent Residence status for up to 90,000 temporary workers in health care, and in essential occupations as well as international graduates who are currently in Canada. The new policies extend to temporary foreign workers in 40 health-care-related occupations, such as nurses, social workers, and doctors, as well as workers in 95 other occupations, which include a variety of essential occupations ranging from cashiers to caregivers, and factory workers.