Canada Working Holiday Visa

What Is the Canada Working Holiday Visa?

The Canada Working Holiday Visa is an exciting opportunity for young people to experience life in Canada while earning a living. This visa permits citizens from specific countries to travel and work in Canada for up to 12 or 24 months, depending on their nationality.

Typically, available to individuals aged between 18 and 35, the Canada Working Holiday Visa has some age restrictions based on the applicant's country of origin. In some instances, those over 30 may not be eligible.

Successful applicants can work in various jobs across Canada. However, some roles may require a medical examination, which must be passed before employment.

Jobs secured under the Working Holiday visa can help cover living and travel expenses, making it a practical choice for adventurous people who want to explore Canada while working.

The Working Holiday Visa is one of three visa categories designed to facilitate youth mobility. It is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) programme, which allows young people to gain valuable work experience in Canada for up to two years.

If you’re considering a working holiday in Canada, the Working Holiday Visa is the perfect solution. A standard visitor visa allows entry into Canada but does not grant work permissions.

How Does the Canada Working Holiday Visa Function?

The IEC programme in Canada, which operates under a youth mobility agreement with 30 countries, offers open work permits to residents of these countries. This agreement allows visa holders to work for any Canadian employer throughout their stay.

To qualify for the Canada Working Holiday Visa, applicants should:

Plan to work and travel across Canada
Be open to working for multiple employers
Aim to cover their living and travel costs through their earnings
Not have a job offer lined up in Canada
Not necessarily have a specific career skill set

If this sounds like you, you might be eligible for the Canada Working Holiday visa.

Which Countries Are Eligible for the Canada Working Holiday Visa?

The Canada Working Holiday Visa is available to citizens from 30 participating countries. Eligibility also depends on meeting the age requirements set by each country. Here’s a list of eligible countries:

18-30 years: Andorra, Austria, Hong Kong, Iceland, South Korea, Japan, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden
18-29 years: Mexico
18-35 years: Australia, Chile, Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Once you confirm your citizenship aligns with one of these countries, you'll need to identify recognised organisations for the Canada Working Holiday Visa. These include:

A-Way to Work/International Rural Exchange Canada Inc. (for IEC countries only)
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) (for IEC countries only)
SWAP Working Holidays (for IEC countries and the USA)
GO International (for IEC countries and the USA)
Stepwest (for IEC countries only)

Requirements for the Canada Working Holiday Visa

To qualify for the Canada Working Holiday Visa, you should meet the following criteria:

Return Ticket: You need either a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one upon arrival in Canada.
Citizenship: You must be a citizen of one of the IEC-approved countries.
Pre-Travel Residence: Applicants from certain countries must remain in their home country until their visa application is processed.
Admissibility: You must be in good health and have no criminal record. Proof is required.
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada.
Financial Stability: You should have at least CAD $2,500 upon arrival to cover initial expenses.
Age: You must be between 18-30 or 18-35 years old, depending on your nationality.
Health Insurance: You need insurance that covers the entire period of your stay.
Dependents: Dependents must apply separately.
Fees: You must be prepared to pay all necessary fees.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Canada Working Holiday Visa

Applying for the Canada Working Holiday Visa is a relatively straightforward process. Follow these steps:

Create an IRCC Account:

GCKey Registration: Visit the Canadian government website, select ‘Register with a GCKey’, and follow the instructions to create an account.
Sign-In Partners: Register through a financial institution partnered with the Canadian Government.

Complete the Come to Canada Questionnaire: Provide information on your age, nationality, language proficiency, work experience, education, and more. This helps determine your eligibility and will provide a personal reference code.
Receive an Invitation to Apply: If eligible, you will receive an invitation to apply for a work permit. You have 10 days to accept the invitation and proceed with your application.
Apply for the Work Permit: Provide proof of your IEC profile information, background details, and required documents.
Pay Fees and Submit Profile: The fees include CAD $172 for IEC participation and CAD $100 for the Canada Open Work Permit. After submission, your details will be verified.
Submit Biometrics: Biometrics, including photos and fingerprints, are required. Make an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to complete this step.
Processing: The visa office typically processes applications within 56 days. You may be asked for additional documents, and upon approval, you will receive a Port of Entry letter.
Move to Canada: Once approved, travel to Canada with your documents, including travel documents, ETA, Open Work Permit, and Port of Entry Letter. Ensure all documents are in order for a smooth entry.

Required Documents for the Canada Working Holiday Visa Application

Passport: A valid passport with a clear, readable copy.
Medical Exams: Results from an IRCC-approved doctor, valid for one year.
Police Certificates: For all countries where you have lived for six months or more since turning 18.
Digital Photo: A clear photo meeting specified dimensions and format.
Family Information: Completed IMM 5707 form with details about family members.
CV/Resume: A copy detailing your educational background and work experience.

Other Canada IEC Programme Categories

In addition to the Canada Working Holiday Visa, the IEC programme includes:

Young Professionals: For post-secondary graduates seeking professional experience in Canada.
International Co-op (Internships): For students requiring internships as part of their studies.

Both categories have specific eligibility requirements and provide valuable opportunities for career development and experience in Canada.