Working Holiday Visa Canada

Working Holiday Visa is a part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program, created for international youth to experience living and working in Canada for up to two years.

It can be an excellent opportunity for young people to spend time in Canada, work, travel, and strengthen their future immigration attempts.

Canada Working Holiday Visa – An Overview

The Canadian Working Holiday Visa allows young professionals from countries who have a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada to work and travel in the country. The maximum stay duration is 12 or 24 months, depending on the applicant’s nationality.

This visa allows young professionals to immerse themselves in Canadian culture, build connections, and gain work experience while working to finance their travels.

Eligibility Requirements

If you’re interested in this work and travel opportunity, see if you meet the Working Holiday Visa requirements:

• Age requirements (typically 18-35, but it may vary by country)
• Citizenship from a country that has a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada
• Valid passport for the duration of the stay
• Proof of sufficient funds (usually CAD 2,500) to cover initial expenses in Canada
• Health insurance coverage for the entire stay in Canada
• No dependents accompanying the applicant
• Round-trip ticket or proof you can afford to leave at the end of your authorized stay in Canada

This visa is excellent for candidates who:

• Don’t have a job offer
• Want to work for more than one employer in Canada
• Want to work in more than one location
• Want to earn some money to fund their trip

The working holiday permit is an open work permit, meaning it allows the applicant to work for most eligible Canadian employers. Once you get the Canadian work permit, your workers’ rights are protected by Canadian labor laws, and you are guaranteed safety and a minimum wage.

If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you should look into the Young Professional Program, which is an employer-specific work permit. If you want to come to Canada as a student for an internship or work placement that is a part of your studies, look into the International CO-Op or Internship Program. 

Participating Countries

The Canadian Government has a Youth Mobility agreement with a number of countries, although not all countries participate in all three IEC programs, and some have shorter stay durations or lower age limits. 

Here is a list of countries that participate in the program and let you get an IEC Working Holiday Visa:

If you can’t see your home country on the list, it only means that you cannot get working holiday permits. Your country may still have an agreement for the Internship or Young Professionals category. 

Also, some countries only allow you to participate once, while others permit you to participate twice, but in different categories. Since each country has its own rules, verify your eligibility before you apply.

Canada Working Holiday Visa Application Process

There are two ways to apply for a Working Holiday Permit. You can do it through a recognized organization (RO) or just apply yourself. ROs are work and travel organizations that can support you before your stay and during the duration of your visa.

If you want to apply on your own, you can follow these steps:

• Create an IEC profile – Start by creating a GCKey account. Choose the “Working Holiday” stream and submit your IEC profile. You’ll be placed in a pool of applicants for your country.
• Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) – If selected, you will receive an ITA, which you must accept within ten days to proceed with the application.
• Complete the application – After accepting your ITA, you have 20 days to submit the required documents and complete your application.
• Pay the appropriate fees  – Pay the IEC program fee and an open work permit fee. 
• Receive the Port of Entry (POE) Letter  – Immigration officers will review your application. If successful, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.

Once the passport holder enters Canada, they must bring the POE letter and supporting documents with them. They will receive their IEC work permit upon entry. 

Documents Required

Once you create a profile and answer the questionnaire, you will receive a personalized checklist of all the documents you need. In any case, prepare to have:

• A valid passport 
• Medical exam certificates
• Police certificate 
• Proof of support funds (e.g., bank statements)
• Your work resume
• A 35 mm x 45 mm digital photo
• Family Information (IMM 5707) Form
• Confirmation Letter if you’re using an RO

Job Opportunities and Working Conditions

IEC participants usually find work in retail, hospitality, and tourism. Common roles include bartenders, servers, tour guides, and retail workers. Another popular path is working in ski resorts and national parks. 

The working conditions for foreign workers are determined by Canadian labor laws. Workers are entitled to:

• Minimum wage – The workers are entitled to the same minimum wage as Canadian workers, with wages varying by province and territory. 
• Working hour restrictions –  Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, but part-time ans seasonal work is a popular choice for travelers. Overtime pay is required.
• Workplace safety – Employers are required by law to provide a safe and healthy work environment, adhering to strict workplace safety regulations. Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work and report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.

Travel and Living in Canada

After you enter Canada,  you need to ensure you spend your time in the country wisely. Here are some tips to focus on:

• Cost of living – While Toronto and Vancouver are popular, they are also the most expensive cities in Canada. Montreal, Halifax, and Calgary are more affordable.
• Accommodation – You can start with short-stay options like Airbnb until you find a long-term solution. 
• Budgeting – Shop at stores like No Frills, Walmart, and Costco and track your expenses. You can also track your expenses using an app like Mint, as managing your finances can get tricky in a foreign country with a different currency and prices.
• Travel – Buy passes such as the Parks Canada Discovery Pass for national parks, and regional transit passes that will cut your transportation costs. 

Extending Your Stay

After your Working Holiday Visa expires, you can extend your stay in Canada in several ways:

• Applying for a study permit  – If you want to pursue further education at a Canadian university, you can apply for a study permit. In some cases, it may allow you to work part-time while you study. Studying in Canada can also be a pathway to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which lets you stay after your studies.
• Applying for a work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP) – If your country allows you to participate in another IMP, you can try the Young Professionals or Internship program for an internship related to your studies of professional development.  You can also apply for an employer-specific work permit with a signed job offer letter from a Canadian employer.

Trying the Express Entry system for permanent residency – If you’re interested in staying long-term, you can apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system. The work experience you gain through the Working Holiday program will strengthen your application for Express Entry.