Canada: A Clearer Path for Hong Kong BNO Holders Facing UK Immigration Reforms

By Anne Lui, Director and Principal Consultant of Hopeway Immigration

As the United Kingdom pivots toward a more restrictive immigration policy under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, Hong Kong BNO holders currently residing in the UK should begin to reconsider their long-term settlement plans. While many originally saw the UK as a gateway to stability and eventual citizenship, newly proposed immigration reforms may reshape that vision—turning what was once a straightforward path into a longer, more uncertain journey.

UK Immigration Reforms: A Changing Landscape

The British government is in the process of overhauling what it has labeled a “broken” immigration system. Several key reforms have been proposed:

• Extended Settlement Period: Migrants will now be required to live in the UK for 10 years instead of 5 before becoming eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

• Tougher Language Requirements: English proficiency thresholds will be raised for both primary applicants and adult dependents.

• Reduced Access to Services: During this extended period, newcomers may face limited access to public services, including housing and healthcare.

For many Hong Kongers—particularly families and mid-career professionals—these changes introduce new layers of financial pressure, prolonged legal uncertainty, and potential social exclusion.

Canada’s Distinct Approach: A Pathway Still Open

While the temporary public policy—the permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents (or the Hong Kong pathways)—is ending in August 2026, Canada continues to take an economically strategic approach to immigration. Its system is transparent, flexible, and actively seeks skilled newcomers—many of whom match the profiles of Hong Kong professionals.

Book a Consultation

1. Express Entry System

Canada’s flagship immigration system for skilled workers processes 80% of its applications in 6 months, and is built around three federal streams:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): For applicants with at least 1 year of continuous foreign work experience, secondary education or above, and language proficiency in English or French.

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those with at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience.

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): For tradespeople with 2 years of relevant work experience, and job offers or certifications in Canada.

  
  

Through a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), applicants are scored based on age, education, work experience, and language ability. Those with higher scores are invited to apply for permanent residency in periodic draws.

2. Category-Based Express Entry Draws

Canada introduced category-based draws in 2023 that prioritize candidates in high-demand sectors. The current categories are:

• French proficiency

• Healthcare and social services

• Education

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

• Trades

• Agriculture and Agri-food 

This means applicants with relevant experience—even if they have a lower CRS score—may still receive invitations to apply.

3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Canada’s provinces and territories run their own immigration programs, which often provide streamlined pathways for candidates with job offers in:

• Healthcare (e.g., nurses, personal support workers, physicians)

• Technology (e.g., software engineers, IT analysts)

• Education and Social Services

PNPs can either operate independently or be aligned with Express Entry for a faster track to permanent residence.

Why Consider Canada Now?

While the UK doubles down on border control and integration hurdles, Canada is actively competing for global talent—and Hong Kongers are a good fit. Consider the following:

• Faster Path to PR: Many skilled workers become permanent residents of Canada in as little as 6–12 months under Express Entry or a PNP.

• Clearer Criteria: Canada offers detailed, publicly available guidelines for immigration. The Express Entry system was launched in 2015 by the Federal Government and is a program that will stay for the long term. 

• Multicultural Society: With strong Chinese and Hong Kong diasporas, cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary offer a sense of belonging and cultural familiarity.

• Strong Support Services: From healthcare and education to housing and employment support, Canada provides robust infrastructure to help newcomers settle successfully.

Book a Consultation

Strategic Considerations for Hong Kongers in the UK

For BNO holders and their families, the UK's evolving policies may delay or derail the goal of citizenship. Canada, on the other hand, offers a predictable, economically-aligned, and socially inclusive alternative—one that could shorten the path to stability and open up new professional opportunities.

Steps to Take: 

1. Evaluate Your Profile: Use tools like Canada’s CRS calculator to assess your competitiveness under Express Entry.

2. Explore PNP Options: Identify provinces with active PNPs aligned to your skillset and experience.

3. Improve Your Profile: Consider studying for IELTS or TEF (for French) and gathering documents like reference letters and educational transcripts.

4. Consult a Licensed Immigration Consultant: A regulated expert can help you navigate complex pathways and select the best route for your goals.

5. Act Early: Immigration processing can take time. The sooner you prepare, the more options you’ll have.

   
   

Final Thoughts

In an era of global migration flux, adaptability is key. The UK may have once seemed like the obvious choice for Hong Kongers seeking refuge and opportunity. But policy changes have made it imperative to diversify your options and prepare a Plan B. Canada stands out not just for its friendly policies but for its practical, future-oriented immigration system that values what skilled Hong Kongers have to offer. It’s not just another destination—it may very well be the better one.

Book a Consultation