From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
News releaseAugust 11, 2021 – Ottawa – While Canadians should continue to avoid non-essential travel worldwide, the Government of Canada recognizes that proof of vaccination credentials will support the re-opening of societies and economies.
Canadians are looking for a more reliable and secure way to demonstrate their COVID-19 vaccination history to foreign and Canadian border officials. To that end, the Government of Canada is collaborating with the provinces and territories to develop a proof of vaccination that will facilitate cross-border travel, while reducing the risk of spread and importation of COVID-19. We are also continuing to engage with Indigenous partners across the country to ensure that a proof of vaccination credential responds to the needs and rights of Indigenous peoples.
The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories to develop a secure pan-Canadian approach. This plan is based on advice from our public health officials with priority placed on the safety and security of all Canadians.
For Canadians who decide to travel, using a proof of vaccination will provide foreign border officials with the vaccination history needed to assess whether a traveller meets their public health requirements and provide a trusted and verifiable credential for when they return home.
Travellers will be able to submit their proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN (mobile app or Canada.ca/ArriveCAN) when coming back to Canada. While the focus is on a digital proof of vaccination, we will also make sure that these documents are accessible for all Canadians who may need to use them.
The Government of Canada encourages everyone who is able to do so, regardless of travel plans, to get vaccinated. Vaccination with a complete series of approved COVID-19 vaccines provides individuals with substantial protection against the virus.
Destination countries determine if or what type of proof of vaccination is required and the related benefits that may be provided such as reduced or no testing or quarantine requirements. Canadians who do not have a proof of vaccination can travel outside the country, but they may have to quarantine or meet other requirements at their destination country, and they will be subject to mandatory quarantine and testing upon return to Canada.
Canadians should always check the Government of Canada’s travel advice and advisories, as well as the entry and public health requirements of their destination country, before booking a trip.
Quotes“Thanks to the incredible progress that Canadians have made, our country is reopening—gradually, cautiously and guided by public health. This means that many Canadians are contemplating doing something they haven’t done in over a year and a half: travelling. Our work with the provinces and territories to provide a consistent proof of vaccination is a key step forward in ensuring Canadians will have the documents they need once it is safe to travel again.”
– The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Around the world, vaccination rates are increasing and countries are reopening their borders. We will continue our work with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to provide Canadians with a secure and reliable proof of vaccination, which could be required for international travel. I encourage all Canadians to get vaccinated as soon as they are able to.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P., Minister of Health
Quick facts

• Canada continues to participate in the international dialogue on proof of vaccination for international travel, including with the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization, and through the G7.
  
• Currently, there is no international consensus on an acceptable proof of vaccination, but we are working with international partners to recognize proof of vaccination credentials issued in Canada. 
  
• Safeguards are being built into the policies, procedures and technical systems to protect the privacy of Canadians. Provinces, territories and Indigenous organizations are and will remain the custodians of Canadians’ health data. 
  
• The Government of Canada is working with partners to ensure the recognition of Canada’s successful, science-based vaccination strategy abroad, which includes mixed vaccination schedules, extended dose intervals and a portfolio of safe and effective vaccines.
  
• The Government of Canada is continuing to engage with Indigenous leaders across the country to ensure that design of the proof of vaccination credential responds to the needs and rights of Indigenous peoples. This includes ensuring the program is equitable and accessible, and takes into account the needs of Indigenous communities, including Canada-U.S. border communities.
  
• Fully vaccinated travellers, including Canadians, who are eligible to come to Canada must continue to upload their current vaccine documentation through ArriveCAN in English or French (or a certified translation) if they want to be eligible for the exemption from quarantine and post-arrival testing requirements. 
  
• The Government of Canada continues to work with the World Health Organization and its international partners to share data proving the efficacy of a mixed vaccine schedule. Vaccines are safe and effective, and provide strong protection against severe illness from COVID-19. 
  
• Canadians who currently need proof they were vaccinated can contact their province or territory for the record or receipt of vaccination if they don’t already have it. More information is available at Canada.ca/vaccine-proof.
  

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
News releaseAugust 10, 2021—Ottawa--Canada is one of the top destinations in the world, with millions of people from across the globe hoping to come here every year to settle, visit or work. To navigate the immigration system, many people turn to consultants or other services for help. While nearly all operate honestly, unscrupulous actors can exploit the system and take advantage of people. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking meaningful action to root out immigration fraud and protect those who wish to come here.
Today, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants will officially open on November 23, 2021. The College will become the official regulator of immigration and citizenship consultants across the country, improving oversight and cracking down on criminals. It will be an arm’s-length institution, regulating the profession by protecting both the public and consultants in good standing from those who take advantage of vulnerable people.
The College will regulate immigration and citizenship consultants under a statutory framework put in place by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act. It will have significant new powers and tools to investigate professional misconduct and to discipline its licensees. It will also be subject to appropriate government oversight.
The creation of the College is a key part of the government’s efforts to fight fraud in our immigration system. It builds on our significant action over the past few years, including an investment of $50 million to fight fraud and new educational tools to help applicants identify fraudulent activity. It also fulfills a mandate commitment to strengthen oversight, uphold the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and protect all those who wish to come here.

BackgroundOn June 30, 2020, China imposed a national security law for Hong Kong, which criminalizes “secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces,” providing very broad definitions for these crimes which undermines rights and freedoms and may lead to discriminatory or arbitrary interpretation and enforcement.
Canada shares longstanding ties with the people of Hong Kong and is concerned with the deteriorating human rights situation there. In response to these concerns, the Government of Canada has put in place a number of facilitative measures to help Hong Kong residents come to Canada.
Public policy considerationsThe Temporary public policy creating two pathways to permanent residence to facilitate the immigration of certain Hong Kong residents recognizes the contributions made by Hong Kong residents to Canada’s economy and social-cultural landscape through human capital, while also promoting democratic values.
By providing new pathways to permanent residence, the Government of Canada aims to encourage recent Hong Kong graduates and those with essential work experience to choose Canada as a place to study, work and settle. This public policy will facilitate granting permanent residence to eligible Hong Kong residents who are currently residing in Canada, along with their family members.
I hereby establish that there are sufficient public policy considerations justifying the granting of permanent residence, pursuant to section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (the Act), when foreign nationals (principal applicants and their in-Canada family members) meet the requirements set out in this policy and the conditions (eligibility requirements) described below. I further establish that there are public policy considerations that justify the granting of an exemption from the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (the Regulations) listed below to foreign nationals (family members outside Canada) who meet the conditions (eligibility requirements) for family members outside Canada.
Conditions (eligibility requirements) applicable to principal applicantsBased on the public policy considerations, delegated officers may grant permanent resident status to foreign nationals who meet the following conditions:
The foreign national

1. holds a passport issued by
   1. the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, as defined by paragraph 190(2)(d) of the Regulations, or
   2. the United Kingdom to a British National (Overseas), as a person born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong, as defined by paragraph 190(2)(e) of the Regulations
2. has submitted an application for permanent residence with the applicable forms provided by the department in the application package for this public policy, or by the electronic means made available on the website of the department
3. has attained a level of proficiency of at least benchmark 5 in either official language for each of the 4 language skill areas, as set out in the Canadian Language Benchmarks or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens:
   1. this must be demonstrated by the results of an evaluation by an organization or institution designated by the Minister for the purpose of evaluating language proficiency under subsection 74(3) of the Regulations and
   2. the evaluation must be less than 2 years old when the permanent residence application is received
4. is physically present in Canada at the time when an application for permanent residence under this public policy is made, and at the time of granting of permanent residence
5. has a valid temporary resident status in Canada
6. intends to reside in a province or territory other than the province of Quebec
7. meets the criteria of either one of the following streams:
   1. Stream A:
      1. in the immediate 3 years preceding the date when the application is received, graduated from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada, as defined in section 211.1 of the Regulations with
         1. a degree
         2. a diploma for completion of a program that is at least 2 years in length or
         3. a graduate or post-graduate diploma, certificate or credential
            • for completion of a program that is at least 1 year in length. To be eligible, that program must require the completion of a post-secondary degree or diploma as a prerequisite for acceptance into the program and
            • the post-secondary degree or diploma must have been obtained no more than 5 years before the commencement of the graduate or post-graduate program
      2. the program of study was completed in any field of study, with at least 50% of the program of study (total courses) completed while physically present in Canada, either in class or online.
   2. Stream B:
      1. in the immediate 3 years preceding the date when the application is received, completed at least 1 year of full-time work experience, or the equivalent to 1 year of work experience through part-time work, in Canada:
         1. work can be completed in any skill level, but must meet the definition of work as per section 2 of the Regulations, and have been authorized by virtue of a work permit, work permit exemption under section 186 of the Regulations or a public policy under section 25.2 of the Act
         2. any period of employment during which the foreign national was engaged in full-time study or was self-employed shall not be included in calculating a period of work experience
      2. in the immediate 5 years preceding the date when the application is received, graduated with
         1. a degree from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada, as defined in section 211.1 of the Regulations or
         2. a foreign diploma, certificate or credential along with an equivalency assessment as defined in subsection 73(1) of the Regulations that indicates that the foreign diploma, certificate or credential is equivalent to a Canadian post-secondary degree or
         3. a diploma from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada, as defined in section 211.1 of the Regulations for completion of a program that is at least 2 years in length or
         4. a foreign diploma, certificate or credential, along with an equivalency assessment as defined in subsection 73(1) of the Regulations that indicates that the foreign diploma, certificate or credential is equivalent to a Canadian post-secondary diploma for a program that is at least 2 years in length or
         5. a graduate or post-graduate diploma, certificate or credential from a post-secondary designated learning institution as defined in section 211.1 of the Regulations
            • for completion of a program that is at least 1 year in length. To be eligible that program must require the completion of a post-secondary degree or diploma as a prerequisite for acceptance into the program and
            • the post-secondary degree or diploma must have been obtained no more than 5 years before the commencement of the graduate or post-graduate program or
         6. a foreign diploma, certificate or credential along with an equivalency assessment as defined in subsection 73(1) of the Regulations that indicates that the foreign diploma, certificate or credential is equivalent to a Canadian graduate or post-graduate diploma, certificate or credential for a program that is at least 1 year in length:
            • the graduate or post-graduate diploma program must have required the completion of a post-secondary degree or diploma as a prerequisite for acceptance into that program and
            • the post-secondary degree or diploma must have been obtained no more than 5 years before the commencement of the graduate or post-graduate program

Background:Following China’s adoption of a controversial national security law in Hong Kong that came into force on June 30, 2020, Canada committed to taking action and standing up for the people of Hong Kong. Aligned with a whole-of-government approach, this measure aims to attract educated Hong Kong youth to Canada, where it is expected that their human capital and international experience will contribute to Canada’s economic, social, and cultural fabric. At the same time, Canada’s response demonstrates its solidarity with other like-minded allies, and its robust support for, and defence of, democratic values.
Therefore, I hereby establish, pursuant to my authority under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (the Act), that there are sufficient public policy considerations that justify the granting of exemptions from the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (the Regulations) listed below to foreign nationals who meet the conditions (eligibility requirements) set out below.
Accordingly, this public policy will allow for the issuance of open work permits to eligible residents of Hong Kong, whether they are in Canada or abroad, for a period of up to three years. Eligible family members may also be issued an open work permit.
Conditions (eligibility requirements):Based on public policy considerations, delegated officers may grant an exemption from the requirements of the Regulations identified if:

1. The foreign national:
   1. is described at paragraphs 190(2)(d) or (e) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations;
   2. has submitted a work permit application under section 200 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, where the duration of the work permit requested is for a maximum of three years;
   3. has submitted their work permit application using electronic means (applied online), or by any other means that is made available or specified by the Minister for that purpose if the foreign national because of disability is unable to meet the requirement to make the application, submit any document or provide signature or information using electronic means; and
   4. in the five years preceding the submission of the work permit application in (ii), has graduated with:
      1. a degree from a designated post-secondary institution as defined in section 211.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations or a foreign diploma, certificate or credential that is equivalent to a Canadian degree ; or,
      2. a diploma from a designated post-secondary institution as defined in section 211.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations for completion of a program that is at least two years in length or a foreign diploma, certificate or credential, along with an equivalency assessment as defined in subsection 73(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations that indicates that the foreign diploma, certificate or credential is equivalent to a Canadian diploma for a program that is at least two years in length. 
2. The foreign national:
   1. is a family member - per the definition in subsection 1(3) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations - of a foreign national who has applied and has been found to meet the conditions listed in 1;
   2. has submitted a work permit application under section 200 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, where the duration of the work permit requested is for a maximum of three years;
   3. has submitted their work permit application using electronic means (applied online), or by any other means that is made available or specified by the Minister for that purpose if the foreign national because of disability is unable to meet the requirement to make the application, submit any document or provide signature or information using electronic means; and
   4. is 18 years of age or older at the time the work permit application in (ii) is submitted;
3. The foreign national:
   1. meets the conditions listed in 1 or 2; and
   2. is in Canada with valid temporary resident status;

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