This concise, comprehensive guide will help you identify how to move to Canada from Hong Kong for your specific circumstances.
One of the biggest advantages that Hong Kong passport holders have over many of their Asian counterparts when it comes to moving to Canada is access to the International Experience Class (IEC) Working Holiday program. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t the only option for moving to Canada from Hong Kong — many Hong Kong passport holders also move to Canada on a study permit or via the Express Entry system. More on those later, but first, IEC.
IEC Working Holiday Program
Every year, tens of thousands of people from more than 30 countries come to Canada to live and work under the IEC program. Hong Kong is one of the countries that has a Working Holiday agreement with Canada, allowing Hong Kong passport holders to work for any employer in Canada and to switch jobs and location after arrival. However, a range of qualifying criteria does exist. For instance, you must be between 18 and 30 years old to apply, and there is a limited quota system in place.
Hong Kong has been part of the Working Holiday agreement with Canada since 2010. Each year, hundreds of Hong Kong passport holders take advantage and receive approval to move to Canada from Hong Kong. However, interest in the IEC program typically exceeds the total quota for Hong Kong passport holders — so be sure to plan ahead!
The IEC program is a great way to explore this amazing country. It’s also a chance to embark on a successful career in Canada, with opportunities to stay beyond your initial work permit.
To prepare for IEC, we recommend using Moving2Canada GO, a free interactive tool we developed specifically to help IEC participants in their journey to Canada.
Study Permits
Each year, thousands of Hong Kong passport holders come to Canada on a study permit, allowing them to gain higher education in Canada while working and building towards a great career in the Great White North. If you decide to study in Canada, you will have the opportunity to learn in one of the many prestigious North American institutions and graduate with a diploma, degree, or postgraduate qualification that will prove invaluable as your career progresses. Moreover, there’s a clear pathway in place for graduates to work in Canada after graduating and then stay permanently.
In general, students from Hong Kong fare well in Canada thanks to their typically advanced education levels. If you want to learn more about what studying in Canada is really like, our study section has those insights. In addition, sign up for our International Student Roadmap, a free email-education service that covers everything you need to prepare to study in Canada through daily lessons over the course of one week.
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