Last Call for Canada Lifeboat Stream A

A year has passed since the launch of Canada Lifeboat Scheme, and we have seen a number of Hong Kong residents pursuing a new life in Canada through Lifeboat Stream A. By the end of 2021, Canada has issued 6,370 study permits to Hong Kong residents, more than double the number issued in 2019.

Application Timeline

Please note that Canada Lifeboat Scheme will expire on 31 August 2026. Failing to meet the qualifications and complete the application by then will make it way more difficult to get the permanent resident status. Therefore, to be eligible for Stream A, you are strongly recommended to enrol in Canada’s Destinated Learning Institution no later than 2024 so that you can graduate in the first half of 2026 and save some time for Stream A application before the ultimate deadline.

Since there is no age limit for Stream A application, no matter you are a current DSE student hoping to get into universities in Canada; a recent post-secondary or university graduate looking for further education; or a mature student pursuing new changes in life, you are welcome to apply! In this article, we will guide you through the application timeline and provide a list of best institutions and subjects so that you can make it on the lifeboat before the deadline!

Types of Applicants:

Current DSE Students
University / Post-secondary Graduates in the Last 5 Years
Mature Students

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Learn about Canadian Colleges

1. Current DSE Students

Since a bachelor's degree in Canada normally takes 4 years, Hong Kong Secondary 6 students wanting to get into universities while meeting the Stream A deadline can opt for a 2-year Canadian academic diploma or associate degree programme after graduation. Upon completion of the course, they can first apply for Stream A with post-secondary qualifications, and then transfer credits to partner universities to continue their undergraduate studies.

Course: 2-year Diploma or Associate Degree – Academic Stream

Latest Intake: January 2024

British Columbia College Recommendations

Colleges in British Columbia are more academically oriented, offering Associate Degrees or University Transfer Programs (UTP) for students to progress to universities upon successful completion.

nstitution Name	Popular Subjects	Course/ Pathway
Camosun College	Arts & Science academic subjects / Community, Family, and Child Studies / Sport Management	Associate Degree / UTP
Columbia College	Arts & Science academic subjects	Associate Degree / UTP
Douglas College / Langara College	Arts & Science academic subjects / Commerce / Science & Technology / Social Sciences / Arts	Associate Degree to The University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria
Fraser International College	Arts academic subjects	Associate Degree (mainly in Arts)
Vancouver Community College	Optometry / IT / Computer Science / Graphic Design / Culinary Arts / Automotive / Hospitality	Associate Degree (mainly in Science)

Ontario College Recommendations

Colleges in Ontario are more career-oriented, mainly offering diplomas of a specific field of study, such as Business - Marketing, Computer Science - Programming / Software Engineering, etc.

Institution Name	Popular Subjects	Course/ Pathway
Centennial College	Arts / Aerospace / Aviation / Early Childhood Education / Office Administration – Health Services, Software Engineering, Business	UTP (mainly in Arts) to University of Toronto Scarborough and York University
George Brown College	Baking and Pastry / Culinary / Business, Hospitality / Jewellery design / Early Childhood Education	UTP (mainly in Arts) to University of Toronto
Humber College	Business / Computer Science, Social Work / Film / Esthetician / Spa Management	UTP (in Arts & Science)
Seneca College	Business / Computer Science / Aviation / Fight Services / Animation	UTP (mainly in Arts)

2. University / Post-secondary Graduates in the Last 5 Years

If you have completed a Post-secondary Diploma or a Degree in the 5 years before you start the programme in Canada, you are eligible to apply for a 1-to-2-year Graduate Diploma / Post-graduate Diploma / Certificate Programme. Comparing to a Master’s Degree, they have lower admission requirements, shorter durations of study and are more career-focused, suitable for recent graduates equipping themselves for their future career. These accredited Canadian post-graduate qualifications will also give you an edge if you want to pursue a Master's Degree later.

Course: 1-to-2-year Graduate Diploma / Post-graduate Diploma / Certificate

Last Intake: September 2024 (Most programmes are available for fall admission only) / January 2025 (Only limited programmes)

British Columbia College Recommendations

Popular Subjects	Institution Name
Business / Commerce / Data Analytics	Langara College / Douglas College / Vancouver Community College
Professional Communication	Langara College / Douglas College
Business / Project Management / Technology	Vancouver Community College

Ontario College Recommendations

Popular Subjects	Institution Name
Business Analytics / Management / Data Science / Event	George Brown College / Centennial College / Fanshawe College / Humber College / Seneca College / Sheridan College
Programming / AI / Game / Cyber Security / IT	George Brown College / Centennial College / Fanshawe College / Sheridan College
Autism / Communicative disorder assistant (Georgian and St. Lawrence) / TESL	George Brown College / Centennial College / Fanshawe College / St. Lawrence College / Georgian College
Animation / Design（e.g. UX / UI）/ Media / Visual effects	Fanshawe College / St. Lawrence College / Sheridan College / Centennial College / Seneca College

3. Mature Students

If you have been working for some time and looking for breakthroughs in life such as self-enhancement, changing career, or even exploring other interests, a 2-year career-oriented Diploma can help achieve your goals. These courses are very popular among mature students as they have low admission requirements (including IELTS), relatively simple course content and are value for money.

Course: 2-year Diploma – Career Stream

Last Intake: January 2024

British Columbia College Recommendations

Popular Subjects	Institution Name
Culinary Arts	Vancouver Community College
Arts & Business	Langara College / Douglas College
Automotive	Vancouver Community College

Ontario College Recommendations

Popular Subjects	Institution Name
Culinary Management / Baking and Pastry Arts Management	George Brown College / Centennial College / Fanshawe College
Business / Commerce	George Brown College / Centennial College / Fanshawe College
Automotive	Centennial College / Fanshawe College
Cosmetology / Jewellery Arts and Design / Fashion Design and Production	George Brown College / Centennial College / Fanshawe College / Seneca College

IDP helps you devise the best Stream A study plan

Want to get on board before the 2026 application deadline? Contact IDP consultant now to receive tailor-made services including college and course recommendations, step-by-step guide as well as the timeline to complete the application!

For more information on the eligibility and required documents of the Canada Lifeboat Scheme, please visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada official website.