Each country has a “pool” where all candidates can create a profile to take part in the rounds of invitations. If you are selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), which will allow you to get a Working Holiday permit.
CANADA WORKING HOLIDAY VISA
Before we start planning your working holiday in Canada, check to see if you are eligible to apply under the Working Holiday visa requirements for Canada.
What is International Experience Canada (IEC)?
Canada has a bilateral youth mobility agreement with approximately 35 countries, allowing international youth to live, work and travel in Canada for 12 – 24 months (depending on your nationality). This program is called International Experience Canada (IEC) and includes Working Holiday permits, otherwise referred to as the Working Holiday visa in Canada. Each country has different visa requirements for Canada.
Working Holiday Visa Requirements
In order to apply for the Canada Working Holiday visa, you will need to be able to provide the following:
- Valid passport from an International Experience Canada (IEC) country. Check to see if your country is participating below.
- Be between the ages of 18- 35 (30 for certain countries)
To participate in our programs you must have at least an intermediate English language level and be available for at least four months, up to 24 months (only for some countries).
Participating Countries in the IEC Working Holiday Permit Program
Check to see if your country is participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program and if the Working Holiday permit category is available.
If your country isn’t on the list, fear not as you might still be eligible to enter Canada on one of our other programs. See our FAQs for more information.
Andorra
Age18-30
Max. Stay12 months
Australia
Age18-35
Max. Stay24 months
Austria
Age18-30
Max. Stay12 months
Belgium*
Age18-30
Max. Stay12 months
Chile
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Costa Rica
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Croatia
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Czechia*
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Denmark*
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Estonia
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
France
Age18-35
Max. Stay24 months
Germany
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Greece
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Hong Kong*
Age18-30
Max. Stay12 months
Ireland
Age18-35
Max. Stay24 months
Italy*
Age18-35
Max. Stay6 months
Japan*
Age18-30
Max. Stay12 months
Latvia*
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Lithuania
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Luxembourg
Age18-30
Max. Stay12 months
Netherlands*
Age18-30
Max. Stay12 months
New Zealand
Age18-35
Max. Stay23 months
Norway*
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Poland
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Portugal
Age18-35
Max. Stay24 months
San Marino*
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Slovakia*
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Slovenia
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
South Korea*
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Spain*
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
Sweden*
Age18-30
Max. Stay12 months
Taiwan
Age18-35
Max. Stay12 months
United Kingdom
Age18-35
Max. Stay24 months
Please Note*
Some countries have a “Residence Requirement”, which means you must be resident in your country of citizenship at the time of application. Check to see if your country is included and the individual Working Holiday visa requirements.
Let's Get Started
Now that you’ve checked the Working Holiday visa requirements for Canada and confirmed you’re eligible, it’s time to start planning. There’s a reason the early bird catches the worm. You may apply at any time of the year, however, the earlier you start planning, the better. If you are considering applying to one of our Resort Working Holiday Programs, the latest we typically accept applications are as follows:
Summer 2024: Until February 2024.
Winter 2024: Until May 2024.
Get in touch to start planning your adventures in Canada.
FAQs
How hard is it to get the IEC Working Holiday visa for Canada?
Some IEC countries can have more applicants than others, making it easier for those countries to get a working holiday visa (like Australia, which has an unlimited number of visas available!). In order to maximize your chances, we recommend entering the pool as soon as possible. If you get your work permit approved early, you will have a year to activate it – so there’s no need to rush your plans.
How much does the Canada Working Holiday visa cost?
The total cost of a Canada Working Holiday visa is CAD $341, broken down as follows:
- IEC fees: CAD $179.75
- Open work permit fee: CAD $100
- Biometrics fee: CAD $85
How long does it take to get a Canadian Working Holiday visa?
Processing times can vary, but it will be an average of eight weeks from the moment that you submit your work permit application. However, we recommend you start planning at least 6 months in advance. This is because you will need to put your name in the IEC visa pool, gather your required documents, wait for your invitation to apply (ITA), submit your application, complete your biometrics and so on. But don’t worry, we’ll help you with all of that. Get in touch to learn more.
How do I activate my Canada Working Holiday visa?
Upon your arrival into Canada, you will need to have the following:
- Valid insurance for the complete duration of your stay
- Proof of funds of at least CAD$2,500, no older than 7 days before your trip
- Flight to return to your home country or extra funds to pay for that flight
If I do not meet the Working Holiday visa requirements, can I still come to Canada?
If your country is not listed above, or you do not meet the Working Holiday visa requirements, but you are still interested in coming to Canada then please take a look at our Study and Work programs in Canada. Our Business and Hospitality programs are available to candidates from all countries and combine a period of study with an equal period of full-time work experience. Participants have a choice when it comes to program length and discipline with programs ranging from 12 – 24 months.
Check out some testimonials from participants who have successfully completed one of our Study and Work programs, visit our blog or contact Stepwest for more information!
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