Canada Eases Work-Hour Rules for Hong Kong "Lifeboat" Immigration Stream B

On December 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced an important update regarding the "Lifeboat" Canadian Work Experience pathway for Hong Kong residents, known as Stream B. This update comes as IRCC abolishes the previous weekly cap of 30 working hours, allowing greater flexibility for applicants. This change, which went into effect on December 18, is an effort to streamline the immigration process for Hong Kong residents seeking opportunities in Canada.

Key Takeaways

IRCC's revised policy enhances flexibility by removing the cap on weekly working hours for Stream B applicants. This change is aimed at easing the immigration process for Hong Kong residents under the "Lifeboat" pathway. It signifies Canada's continued commitment to supporting Hong Kong residents in their migration journey.