With its Working Holiday Visa program, Canada offers open work permits to young people from 35 partner countries to work and explore the country.
As a component of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, this visa encourages cross-cultural interaction and allows young people to get valuable international work experience.
Individuals with open work permits can work for almost any employer in any Canadian province to support their exploration of the Great White North.
In this article, we cover the Canada Working Holiday Visa benefits, qualifying criteria, application process, and tips for making the most of your time in Canada.
Learn about getting work permit via working holiday visa category
- What is a Canada Working Holiday Visa?
- Benefits of the Working Holiday Visa in Canada
- Working Holiday Visa Eligibility Criteria
- List of Participating Countries
- Application Procedures
- Canada Employment Opportunities
- Living In Canada
- Exploring Canada
What is a Canada Working Holiday Visa?
With the Canada Working Holiday Visa, young individuals from participating countries can live, work, and travel in Canada for a defined period of time.
This time period is typically up to 12 or 24 months, depending on their country of origin.
Click here to see list of all 35 participating countries. If you are not from any of these countries, then you are ineligible for a working holiday visa.
This visa is within the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which also includes the categories for Young Professionals and International Co-op (Internship).
The Working Holiday Visa is available to people who want to work for a short period of time to pay for their travels and experience living in Canada.
Participants have freedom to research different industries and places because they are not required to obtain a job offer or employment before arriving in Canada.
Benefits of the Working Holiday Visa in Canada
- Cultural Exchange : The program promotes participants to thoroughly enjoy the way of life, customs, and culture of Canada. This gathering encourages friendships and understanding among people all over the world.
- Work Opportunities: The visa allows holders to work for any Canadian company, allowing them to gain expertise in anything from retail and administration to hospitality and tourism. This will help your CV stand out and provide practical skills for future jobs.
- Travel Freedom : Those on a Working Holiday Visa are free to travel about Canada as they like. The dynamic metropolises of Toronto and Vancouver and the Albertan Rocky Mountains are just a few of the countless sites to visit.
- Language proficiency: Living and working in Canada offers non-native speakers of French or English a fantastic opportunity to improve their language skills by being fully immersed in an English- or French-speaking environment.
- Networking : The program provides the chance to build a professional network in Canada, which can be helpful for future job opportunities or potential immigration routes.
Working Holiday Visa Eligibility Criteria
The nationality of the applicant may affect the specific conditions that must be met for applications for the Canada Working Holiday Visa.
Still, the basic requirements include:
- Age: According to their nationality, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35 because this program is for youth.
- Nationality: Applicants must hold citizenship in one of the countries with bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada.
- Valid Passport: Throughout their stay in Canada, a visitor must have a valid passport.
- Insurance: Participants must have health insurance throughout their stay in Canada.
- Sufficient Funds: Proof of having enough money to fund the initial portion of the stay in Canada must be submitted. Though it fluctuates, this amount is often around CAD 2,500.
- Return Ticket : Applicants may be required to present proof of purchase of a return ticket or equivalent funds.
- No Dependents : Those who are given the visa often are those without dependents. Anyone wishing to bring family members will need to investigate other visa options.
List of Participating Countries
The Canada Working Holiday Visa is available to citizens of countries listed below:
| Andorra |
| Australia |
| Austria |
| Belgium |
| Chile |
| Costa Rica |
| Croatia |
| Czech Republic |
| Denmark |
| Estonia |
| Finland |
| France |
| Germany |
| Greece |
| Hong Kong |
| Iceland |
| Ireland |
| Italy |
| Japan |
| Latvia |
| Lithuania |
| Luxembourg |
| Netherlands |
| New Zealand |
| Norway |
| Poland |
| Portugal |
| San Marino |
| Slovakia |
| Slovenia |
| South Korea |
| Spain |
| Sweden |
| Taiwan |
| United Kingdom |
Countries eligible for Canada Working Holiday Visa
Application Procedures
Successful application of the Canada Working Holiday Visa requires meticulous attention to the many phases of the application process.
Generally speaking, the procedure includes:
- Build an IEC Profile: Applicants need to sign up for an account on the International Experience Canada (IEC) website. This profile will comprise the chosen IEC category (Working Holiday) coupled with personal details and qualifying requirements.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Upon completion of the profile, eligible candidates will be included to a pool of candidates. Regularly selected applicants from this pool receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Since the choosing process is random, there is no guarantee that one will receive an ITA.
- Submit Work Permit application: Once they receive an ITA, candidates have a limited amount of time to accept the invitation and submit a work permit application. Additional documentation for this application includes proof of income, health insurance, and a police clearance certificate.
- Biometrics Appointment: Applicants may be required to bring their photo and fingerprints to a predetermined collecting site. This step is needed for most applications.
- Wait for Processing: After the application and biometrics are sent in, the application will be handled. As per latest official IRCC processing update, current season is taking around 6 weeks to process IEC applications.
- Port of Entry (POE) Letter: Upon acceptance of the application, the applicant will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter. This letter is what immigration officers need to see when you enter Canada.
- Arrival in Canada : When successful candidates arrive in Canada, they provide the POE Letter, passport, proof of income, health insurance, and return ticket. If all goes according to plan, you will get a work permit and be able to start your working holiday in Canada.
Canada Employment Opportunities
Working in Canada is one of the most crucial parts of the Working Holiday Visa experience.
Here are a few tips to land you a job:
- Update Your CV: Make sure your CV is oriented towards Canadian standards and emphasizes relevant work experience and skills. Remember to give drafting a cover letter for each job application considerable thought.
- Use Employment Search Websites : Canadian job seekers use Indeed, Workopolis, and Job Bank, among other websites. The vast number of job postings on these websites include a variety of industries.
- Check Out Local Employment Agencies : You can get help locating local jobs, either temporary or permanent.
- Network : To learn about job options, attend networking events, join neighbourhood associations, and contact other working holiday makers.
- Uncover Seasonal Work : The hotel, agricultural, and tourist sectors are among the ones that are in high need for temporary employees. Consider applying to jobs in popular tourist destinations or during busy seasons of the year.
- Use social media: Visit websites like LinkedIn to stay updated on job openings and to engage with potential employers.
- Available for Different Chances : Make yourself flexible and open to different job opportunities. As such, you might stand a greater chance of finding work quickly.
Living In Canada
Living in Canada on a Working Holiday Visa allows you to take in the country’s diverse culture and stunning landscape. Consider the following:.
- Accommodation: Finding suitable accommodation is essential. Another option is to share a house or hostel. With services like Airbnb, Kijiji, and Craigslist, finding rental listings is made easier.
- Low Cost of Living : In Canada, living costs can vary depending on the city or region. More affordably priced than bigger cities like Toronto and Vancouver might be smaller towns and rural areas.
- Medicine : The medical system in Canada is excellent. Those on working vacations must have health insurance that covers them the entire period. Check if you qualify for provincial health insurance; some provinces offer it to overseas workers.
- Transportation : Canada has an extensive system of domestic aircraft, trains, and buses. Getting about cities practically is best accomplished by public transit. Get a transportation pass to save some money.
- Banking : Open a Canadian account to better manage your money. With most institutions, temporary residents can typically create accounts, and having a local bank account makes paying bills and receiving paychecks easier.
- Social Security Number : Working in Canada requires a SIN. You may apply for a SIN at Service Canada offices after you arrive.
Exploring Canada
It is well known that Canada has varied landscapes and untouched natural beauty. Spend your working holiday around the country.
The following locations are simply must-sees:
- Banff National Park in Alberta is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, renowned for its stunning alpine landscape, plethora of species, and turquoise lakes.
- Vancouver (British Columbia) : This dynamic city offers a fusion of natural beauty and urban attractions through Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the nearby Whistler.
- Toronto (Ontario) : The largest city in Canada, Toronto is a cultural hotspot with a variety of neighbourhoods, excellent theatres and museums. Pass up the well-known CN Tower and Toronto Islands.
- Montreal (Quebec): Combining North American flair with European charm, Montreal is renowned for its festivals, cuisine, and historic structures.
- Niagara Falls (Ontario): One of the most famous natural locations in the world, Niagara Falls offers a wealth of activities and tours.
- With its centuries-old buildings and cobblestone lanes, Quebec City (Quebec) appears to have stepped back in time. Take in Old Town and the stunning Château Frontenac.
- Prince Edward Island : characterized by an undulating landscape, beaches with red sand, and Anne’s nice place with Green Gables history, Prince Edward Island.
- Rocky Mountains : Including sections of British Columbia and Alberta, the Rockies offer some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery, perfect for hiking, skiing, and animal watching.
The Canada Working Holiday Visa is a fantastic option for young individuals looking to see one of the most beautiful and diverse countries on earth while gaining practical work experience.
Knowing the qualifications, application procedures, and success tips will help you make the most of your time in Canada.
Whether the prospect of growing your business network, the bustling cities, or both appeal to you, a working holiday in Canada promises to be an incredible experience full of both professional and personal growth.
