Canada working holiday visa for Hong Kong passport holders

This page shows the main requirements for Hong Kong passport holders who want to get a working holiday visa for Canada. The program is part of International Experience Canada (IEC). To be eligible, you must be aged 18 to 30. The visa allows you to stay and work in Canada for up to 12 months.

You will need to show proof of funds of at least CAN$2,500. The fees are a CAN$184.75 IEC fee plus a CAN$100 open work permit holder fee. The program provides an open work permit, which lets you do temporary paid work for most employers. You cannot bring dependants with you.

Passport

Hong Kong

Age range

18 to 30

Stay

Up to 12 months

Fee

CAN$184.75 IEC fee + CAN$100 open work permit holder fee

Funds

CAN$2,500

Conditions for Hong Kong passport holders

• As a resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), you may participate in IEC only once.
• You must be a resident of Hong Kong when you apply (a residential or mailing address there).

General rules of the program

• Usually up to 12 months; some agreements allow up to 23 or 24 months (see the table).
• Open work permit: temporary paid work for almost any employer to help pay for the trip.
• At least CAN$2,500 (or the equivalent) shown on a bank statement, plus a return ticket or money to buy one.
• Health insurance for the whole stay; you may have to show it at the border.
• IEC fee CAN$184.75 plus open work permit holder fee CAN$100.00; biometrics CAN$85.00 if you need to give them.
• You cannot be accompanied by dependants.
• IRCC's profile page said the pools for the 2026 season were closed when we checked on 21 October 2026.

What stands out

Unlike some other agreements, participation in IEC for Hong Kong residents is limited to only once. A key requirement is that you must be a resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region when you apply and have a residential or mailing address there. As of 21 October 2026, the official source stated that the application pools for the 2026 season were closed.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check the IEC page for your country: categories, age range and how long the work permit lasts.
2. Create an IEC profile and enter the pool for your country and category.
3. If you receive an invitation to apply, accept it and submit the work permit application within 20 days.
4. Pay the IEC fee and the open work permit holder fee (and biometrics if asked).
5. Bring proof of funds, insurance and your port of entry letter when you travel.

Other programs open to Hong Kong passport holders

From the programs in this directory. Status is shown only where the official page stated it.

Full list: working holiday visas for Hong Kong passport holders.

All passports for this program: Canada working holiday visa (IEC) by country.