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Canada’s Lifeboat Scheme

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    Important: the Hong Kong Pathway (Stream A and Stream B) closed to new applications on 31 August 2026
    IRCC stopped accepting new permanent residence applications under the Hong Kong Pathway on 31 August 2026. Applications submitted and paid before the deadline continue to be processed. Parts of this page were written before the closure and are kept for reference. For other Canadian pathways, please speak to one of our licensed advisers.

    Canada Stream A And Stream B Application Methods And Immigration Conditions

    Canada, with its well-developed social welfare system and beautiful scenery, has always been a popular immigration destination for Hong Kong people. In addition, the “Canadian Lifeboat Plan” launched by the local government in 2021, including open work permits (Open Work Permit) and accelerated permanent residence pathways for local Hong Kong people, aims to attract young elite immigrants in a simpler way, and has attracted a large number of Hong Kong youths who want to move to the country. Want to know more about the Canadian Lifeboat Plan? What are the immigration conditions for Stream A and Stream B? This article has compiled a series of application strategies for Canadian Lifeboat Plan Stream A and B for you to help you successfully immigrate to Canada!

    *The new pathways to permanent residence opened on 1 June 2021 and closed to new applications on 31 August 2026. Contact us to discuss other Canadian pathways.
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    What Is Stream A ?

    Application requirements for Stream A:

    • English proficiency of CLB 5
    • You must stay in Canada during the immigration application period and hold a valid Canadian temporary resident status
    • When submitting an application, applicants must have completed a Canadian post-secondary program within three years prior to application.
    • The program must be completed at a Canadian government-approved post-secondary institution (DLI), and at least half of the program must be completed in Canada.
    • Diploma or higher courses (except postgraduate courses) must be at least two years
    • If you are studying for a postgraduate course, the course must be at least one year long and you must hold a bachelor’s degree or diploma at the time of enrollment and have obtained a
    • Plan to stay in Canada (except Quebec)

    Stream A Immigration Application Process:

    • Step 1: Apply to a Canadian school. Your IELTS score must not be lower than the admission score for the subject you are applying to.
    • Step 2: Apply for a student visa in Hong Kong after obtaining an admission notice from a local college or university.
    • Step 3: Enter Canada and start studying. Most post-secondary programs offer paid internships, and you can also work part-time during your studies (no more than 20 hours per week).
    • Step 4: Submit your permanent residency application after graduation, which takes approximately 12-15 months.
    • Step 5: Once your immigration application is successfully approved, you will be granted permanent residency (PR). If you want to become a Canadian citizen (naturalization), you need to meet the following 4 conditions, including 1) passing the citizenship test, 2) living in Canada for 3 consecutive years (1,095 days) in the past 5 years, 3) reaching a certain level of English or French proficiency, and 4) filing taxes in Canada (if you have a job).

    Cost:

    The application fee for permanent residency is $1,085 CAD. If you need to submit biometrics, such as fingerprints, you will also need to pay the relevant fees.
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    What Is Lifeboat Plan Stream B ?

    Application Requirements For Stream B Plan:

    • English proficiency of CLB 5
    • You must stay in Canada during the immigration application period and hold a valid Canadian temporary resident status
    • Graduated from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution (DLI) within the past 5 years, or a foreign degree equivalent to a Canadian degree. (*This requirement will be removed starting August 15, 2023)
    • Intend to stay in Canada (except Quebec).
    • Worked full-time in Canada for at least 12 months in the three years prior to your application, or worked part-time for at least 1,560 hours.

    (To work legally in Canada, as long as you have graduated from a Canadian recognized college or university with an equivalent degree in the past 10 years, you can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) for up to 3 years.

    *The new pathways to permanent residence opened on 1 June 2021 and closed to new applications on 31 August 2026. Contact us to discuss other Canadian pathways.

    Stream B Immigration Application Process :

    Step 1: Apply for a Canadian work permit, also known as an Open Work Permit (OWP)

    Step 2: After arriving in Canada, officially start working locally.

    Step 3: After working for one year, you will be eligible to apply for Stream B. You can submit an application for permanent residency.

    Step 4: After the immigration application is successfully approved, you will obtain permanent residency (PR). If you want to become a Canadian citizen (naturalization), you need to meet the following 4 conditions, including 1) pass the citizenship test, 2) live in Canada for 3 consecutive years (1,095 days) in the past 5 years, 3) reach a certain level of English or French, and 4) file taxes in Canada (if you have a job).

    Cost:

    The application fee for permanent residency is $1,085 CAD, while the application fee for OWP is $255 CAD. If you need to submit biometrics, such as fingerprints, you will also need to pay the relevant fees.

    What Is The Difference Between Stream A And Stream B?

    The entire Canadian lifeboat program can be divided into Stream A and Stream B, which closed to new applications on 31 August 2026. The application requirements for both programs are very simple, and you only need to hold a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or a BNO passport to apply. But what is the difference between the two?

    Stream A is mainly for study abroad immigration, designed for immigrants who intend to study in Canada. As long as Hong Kong students who graduate in Canada, they can directly apply for immigration. They must hold a student visa when entering the country. Stream B is for work immigration, specifically for immigrants who have work needs. As long as they have 1 year of work experience in Canada, they can directly apply for immigration.