Working in Canada

Can Hong Kong Passport Holders Work in Canada?

If you are a Hong Kong citizen but you do not have Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency, you generally need a work permit to work in Canada. There are some exceptions to the requirement for a work permit

A Hong Kong citizen holding a passport issued by the Government of the Hong Kong SAR or a Hong Kong person born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong holding a British National (Overseas) passport issued by the United Kingdom may visit Canada using an electronic travel authorization (Canadian eTA) without applying for a visa. However, a Canadian eTA does not give its holder the right to work in Canada

How Can I Get a Work Permit to Work in Canada from Hong Kong?

Canada offers a number of different pathways for a Hong Kong citizen to apply for a work permit to work in Canada, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (“TFWP”) and the International Mobility Program (“IMP”)

Can I Work in Canada Without a Work Permit?

A number of different types of Hong Kong persons may be eligible to work in Canada without a work permit. These persons include the following:

• Business visitors – Business visitors from Hong Kong and other countries may be exempt from the requirement for a work permit. A business visitor includes a foreign national who seeks to engage in international business activities in Canada without directly entering the Canadian labour market. To qualify, a foreign national’s primary source of remuneration for their business activities must be outside Canada and the principal place of business and the actual place of accrual of profits must remain predominantly outside Canada.

• Full time students - Hong Kong citizens and other foreign nationals studying full-time at a university or college in Canada on a study permit may be eligible to work in Canada subject to certain restrictions.

• Prescribed occupations – Hong Kong citizens and other foreign nationals working in prescribed occupations may work in Canada in those occupations without a work permit. The number of these occupations is limited. The occupations include performing artists, athletes, and foreign news reporters.

Does My Work Permit Allow Me to Work for Any Employer in Canada?

Work permits issued under Temporary Foreign Worker Program (“TFWP”) and the International Mobility Program (“IMP”) are employer-specific (i.e. they are closed work permits). However, in some cases, non-Canadian citizens may be eligible for an open work permit. Unlike an employer-specific work permit, an open work permit does not limit the holder to working for a specific employer.  Some open work permits will enable the holder to work for almost any employer within a defined occupation or location. Other open work permits will enable the holder to work for almost any employer without any restriction on occupation or location.