Move to Canada From Sweden | 2024 Guide

Sweden has an agreement through the International Experience Canada program that gives Swedish citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 the opportunity to work in Canada. This agreement allows you to move to Canada from Sweden for up to 12 months with a working holiday permit, and an extra 12 months with any of the other 2 work permit categories.

There are a total of three work permit categories available under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. These are the Working Holiday (that’s the Working Holiday visum Kanada!), Young Professional, and International Co-Op (internship). A participant from Sweden can participate in the IEC program up to two times, meaning you can spend up to 24 months total in Canada. However, if you participate twice, it must be through two different categories. You cannot do two working holidays in Canada, for example.

Now that being said, the most popular and easiest visa to get for Swedish is without a doubt: The Working Holiday visa

Quota: as of IEC 2024: 580 Working Holiday visas for citizens of Sweden

WORKING HOLIDAY VISA CANADA REQUIREMENTS: FOR SWEDISH CITIZENS

In order to apply for a working holiday visa for Canada, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a passport from Sweden valid for the whole duration of your stay in Canada.
• A resident of Sweden at the time of application – Sweden has a residence requirement in order to apply for the Canada Working Holiday.
• Insurance for your whole stay in Canada ready upon arrival.
• At least 2,500 Canadian dollars (CAD) or about 20.000 kr.
• Be between the ages of 18-30.

WHAT DOES THE WORKING HOLIDAY VISA FOR CANADA COST?

There are three fees for the Canada Working Holiday Visa totalling CAD $357 as of IEC 2024 Season, or about 2,800 SEK on top of your Stepwest Working Holiday Program fee of CAD $1,190.

Here is a breakdown of these fees:

• International Experience Canada application fee: CAD $179.75
• Open Work Permit fee: CAD $100
• Biometrics collection fee: CAD $85

Your biometrics are valid for 10 years so you do not have to retake them if you apply again for another work or study permit for Canada. These Biometrics will be done at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Stockholm, NOT at the Canadian Embassy.

The VAC is located at Magnus Ladulåsgatan 29, 118 65, Stockholm.

Please note that this is the only VAC in Sweden.

HOW LONG IS THE PROCESS FOR A SWEDISH CITIZEN TO GET A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA APPROVED?

Normally it takes up to eight weeks for International Experience Canada to process your visa application. Keep in mind, this processing time begins after you have completed your biometrics (the final step of the application process).

APPLICATION WINDOWS FOR SEASONAL RESORT JOBS IN CANADA

When it comes to Canadian resort jobs, getting ahead of the program is definitely beneficial. Popular resorts such as Whistler, Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise have 2 main hiring periods for each season, Summer and Winter 2024. So that means here at Stepwest, the earlier you apply the better chance you have of securing your dream job in your dream resort! The latest we typically accept applications for these programs are as follows:

Summer 2025: Until February 2025.
Winter 2025: Until May 2025.

It pays off to be organized, the sooner you are ready for interviews, the more resort job positions you could be a candidate for. If you are a last-minute planner, then start to consider planning for the next upcoming Season. Too late for Winter? check our Summer Resort Working Holiday program. You could start out with a summer job and opt to stay for the next winter season

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED FOR A WORKING HOLIDAY IN CANADA?

To move to Canada, Swedish citizens will need to prove at least $2,500 CAD or approximately 20.000 kr. We highly recommend you have at least $3,500 CAD so you can cover your first month’s expenses (rent and rental deposit, food, transportation, leisure activities, etc.) This is because you will need to wait at least two weeks after you start working to receive your first paycheck.

HOW MUCH MONEY WILL I EARN IN CANADA? HOW WILL I GET PAID?

The minimum wage is different in every Canadian province. As of July 2024 the minimum wage in Alberta is $15 CAD/hour and in British Columbia, it is $17.40 CAD/hour.

In Canada, you will get paid bi-weekly (every two weeks). If you are working with our Working Holiday Resort Programs, the rent for your staff housing will be taken directly from your paycheque

HOW MUCH TAX DO YOU PAY WITH A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA IN CANADA?

Working Holiday visa holders pay the same income tax rates as Canadian citizens. Here is a link to our favourite website that explains taxes in Canada. This tool will help you compare how much tax you pay in Sweden with how much tax you will pay in Canada.

Keep in mind that if you do your taxes properly, working holiday visa holders are eligible for an average refund of $1,000 CAD. Learn more about this in our blog post on how to file taxes as a working holidaymaker.

WILL I GET VACATION FROM WORK DURING MY WORKING HOLIDAY IN CANADA?

In Canada, it’s common that during your first year of work, you normally will not earn vacation time from your employer. However, this fully depends on your specific job and employer. Many of our working holiday participants arrive in Canada with a resort job set up for the winter or summer season, then spend the shoulder season travelling before starting work again the following season.

We recommend you get started on your working holiday in Canada by committing with your employer for at least one full season. That way you will have time to work and earn money, and you will get an employer reference. Having a reference in Canada is very important if you want to continue working in the country. Be ready with professional references, as you will be always requested for these during the hiring process.

I AM FROM SWEDEN BUT CURRENTLY LIVING OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY, CAN I STILL GET A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA FOR CANADA?

Unlike other IEC countries, Sweden has a residency requirement for those wanting to get a working holiday visa in Canada. You must pay attention to this as a mistake here will get you a denial from the Immigration Officer:

“It has been determined that you do not currently reside in Sweden.”

If you are temporarily outside of Sweden you may still apply. As long as your permanent address is in Sweden, you can apply for any of the three IEC work permits. If you have a Swedish passport but you have never lived in Sweden, you will NOT be eligible for any IEC work visa.

CAN I DO BIOMETRICS OUTSIDE SWEDEN IF I AM TRAVELLING?

Yes, biometrics can be done anywhere in the world. You do not have to complete them in Sweden if you are currently travelling. Where you complete your biometrics will not impact your residency requirements, as long as your permanent residency is in Sweden. Have more questions about biometrics? Check out our post on Canada’s biometrics requirement for working holiday visa applications.

I already have a working holiday visa for Canada, how can I get a job before leaving Sweden? 

Great start! if you already have your working holiday visa, we can assist you in securing your job and getting settled in Canada. Fill in the form below to get in touch with our team for a FREE meeting to discuss work opportunities for you here in Canada.