CANADA WORKING HOLIDAY VISA – REQUIREMENTS

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.

Please click here if you are looking for our Recognized Organization (RO) programs under International Experience Canada (IEC).

What is International Experience Canada (IEC)?

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a Government program that allows young people from more than 35 partner countries to live, work, and travel in Canada for up to 12-24 months, depending on their nationality. The Working Holiday Visa is one of the most popular categories under the IEC program. It provides an open work permit, allowing participants to work for almost any employer in Canada while travelling throughout the country. Each participating country has its own IEC eligibility requirements, age limits, and participation rules, so it is important to check the requirements that apply to your nationality before applying.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply

Canada’s Working Holiday visa is one of the most popular ways for international youth from specific countries to live, work, and explore Canada for up to 12-24 months. Offered through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, it gives eligible participants from more than 35 countries the chance to gain international work experience while experiencing life in Canada.

As a Recognized Organization (RO) under International Experience Canada (IEC), at Stepwest we have helped thousands of international participants successfully move to Canada on a Working Holiday Visa. Since 2010, we have connected travellers with jobs at top Canadian ski resorts, hotels, and hospitality employers, helping them gain valuable work experience while exploring Canada.

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Who Qualifies for a Canada Working Holiday Visa?

To qualify for a Canada Working Holiday Visa through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, you must meet all of the eligibility requirements for your country of citizenship at the time you apply:

Requirement	Detail
Passport	Hold a valid passport from an IEC-eligible country (see country list below). Your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada. Some countries require applicants to be living in their country of citizenship at the time they apply for a Canada Working Holiday Visa.
Age	Between 18–35 years old (18–30 for some countries). Exact limit depends on your country’s bilateral agreement with Canada.
English level	At least intermediate English is required to participate in our programs.
Availability	You must be available for a minimum of 6 months.
Proof of funds	Proof of funds of at least CAD $2,500 upon arrival in Canada (through a recent bank statement). You must also have a round-trip ticket or sufficient additional funds to purchase a return ticket.
Health insurance	Valid travel and health insurance covering the full duration of your stay.
No criminal record	You must be admissible to Canada. A criminal record may affect eligibility.

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

36 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.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply?

Once you start your IEC Working Holiday application for Canada, you will receive a personalized document checklist based on your nationality and individual circumstances. Most applicants are typically required to provide the following documents:

Valid passport ID page
Digital passport-style photo
Police certificate(s) from your home country and any country where you have lived for 6 months or longer since turning 18
Family Information Form
Most up-to-date Resume, including your education and work experience.
Medical exam (required only for certain occupations, nationalities, or travel and residence histories)

Important: The exact documents required may vary depending on your nationality, travel history, employment plans, and personal circumstances. Always follow the document checklist provided in your IEC account.

An immigration officer may request additional documents or information after you submit your application if further clarification or supporting evidence is required. Be sure to regularly check your IEC account and respond to any requests within the specified deadlines.

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. Get in touch to start planning your adventures in Canada.

Apply Now!

How Much Does a Canada Working Holiday Visa Cost?

Fee	Amount (CAD)*
IEC application fee	$184.75
Open Work Permit holder fee	$100
Biometrics fee (if required)	$85.00

*All IEC fees are set by the Government of Canada and are subject to change each season. The fees shown above are based on the 2026 season. Always check the official IEC website for the latest fee schedule and requirements.

To qualify for a Canada Working Holiday Visa, you must show proof of funds of at least CAD $2,500 when you arrive in Canada. This is typically demonstrated through a recent bank statement issued no more than 7 days before your arrival. If you do not have a return ticket, you must also show additional funds to purchase one.

Beyond the IEC proof of funds requirement, it’s important to budget for travel insurance (mandatory to enter Canada), initial accommodation, transportation, and any equipment you may need for seasonal or ski resort jobs. Planning your budget in advance will help ensure a smooth transition to life and work in Canada. At Stepwest, we help participants understand the true cost of moving to Canada and create a realistic arrival budget so they can settle in confidently and start earning as quickly as possible.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Working Holiday Visa?

IEC processing typically takes around 8 weeks from the date you complete your biometrics, although processing times can vary depending on your nationality, personal circumstances, and the completeness of your application.

To avoid delays, make sure all required documents are submitted. If an immigration officer needs additional information or is missing information, they will request further documentation. In these cases, processing will be paused until the requested information is provided, which can significantly extend the overall processing time. Submitting a complete and accurate application is one of the best ways to avoid unnecessary delays and receive your IEC approval as quickly as possible. Here’s what the full timeline looks like:

Step	Action
1	Confirm your eligibility with us at Stepwest!
2	Create your IEC profile by entering your country’s candidate pool
3	Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
4	Gather required documents
5	Submit work permit application and pay fees
6	Complete your Biometrics
7	IRCC processes your application
8	Receive Port of Entry (POE) or Letter of Introduction
9	Arrive in Canada, activate your Working Holiday Visa, and receive your work permit.

We recommend starting the process within the first 5-6 months of the year, as IEC invitations are typically issued early in the season. Applying as early as possible, even the year before you plan to travel, can help maximize your chances of securing a Canada Working Holiday Visa.

Once approved, you have up to 12 months to enter Canada and activate your work permit, giving you plenty of time to plan your move. The sooner you secure your visa, the sooner you’ll be ready to start working and enjoying your Canadian adventure.

What You Need to Activate Your Visa at the Border

When you arrive in Canada, you will need to present the following documents to a CBSA officer at your first port of entry into Canada:

Your POE Letter or Approval Letter
Valid health and travel insurance for the full duration of your stay
Proof of funds of at least CAD $2,500 (bank statement no older than 6 days before arrival)
A return flight or sufficient funds to purchase one.

Apply Now

FAQs

How do I apply for a Canada Working Holiday visa?

To apply for a Canada Working Holiday Visa through International Experience Canada (IEC), you must first create an IEC profile and enter your country’s candidate pool. Each participating country has its own pool, where eligible candidates are entered into regular rounds of invitations.

If you are selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Government of Canada. Once you receive an ITA, you can submit your full Working Holiday Visa application, upload your supporting documents, pay the required fees, and begin the process of obtaining your Canadian work permit.

How hard is it to get the IEC Working Holiday visa for Canada?

Getting a Canada Working Holiday Visa can be easier for some nationalities than others. Through International Experience Canada (IEC), each participating country receives a different number of Working Holiday spots, and some countries have significantly more applicants than available places.

To maximize your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), we recommend entering the IEC pool as soon as the season opens. The earlier you enter the pool, the more invitation rounds you can participate in throughout the year.

The good news is that once your Canada Working Holiday Visa is approved, you typically have up to 12 months to enter Canada and activate your work permit. This means you can secure your visa early and take your time planning your move, job search, and travel arrangements.

How much does the Canada Working Holiday visa cost?

The total cost of a Canada Working Holiday visa is broken down as follows:

IEC fees: CAD $184.75*
Open work permit fee: CAD $100*
Biometrics fee: CAD $85*

Important: IEC fees are set by the Government of Canada and may change each season. The fees shown above are based on the 2026 IEC season. Historically, the fee most likely to increase from year to year is the IEC participation fee. Always check the official IEC website for the most up-to-date information on government fees and application requirements before applying.

How long does it take to get a Canadian Working Holiday visa?

Processing times can vary, but IEC applications typically take around 8 weeks to process from the date you complete your biometrics, not from the date you submit your work permit application.

For example, if you submit your application and then complete your biometrics 20 days later, your processing time will generally begin from the date your biometrics are completed, not from the original submission date.

Keep in mind that processing times can be longer if an immigration officer requests additional documents or information after you submit your application.

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?

To activate your Canada Working Holiday Visa, you must travel to Canada and present your documents to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at your first port of entry (the first airport where you land in Canada).

You will typically need to provide:

Your valid passport
Your Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction
Proof of health/travel insurance covering the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada
Proof of funds of at least CAD $2,500, typically shown through a bank statement issued no more than 7 days before your arrival.
A return ticket, or sufficient additional funds to purchase one
Any supporting documents requested in your POE letter

If everything is in order, the CBSA officer will issue your Working Holiday work permit, officially activating your IEC participation and allowing you to start working in Canada!

Who is eligible for a working holiday visa in Canada?

Eligibility depends on your country’s Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada. In general, you must:

Be between 18 and 30 or 18 and 35 years old, depending on your nationality
Hold a valid passport from a country that has an International Experience Canada (IEC) agreement with Canada
Provide biometrics, police certificates, or complete a medical exam if required
Meet any residency requirement that applies to your nationality, if applicable.

Not sure if you qualify? Assess your eligibility here

How long can I stay in Canada on a working holiday visa?

The length of your stay depends on your nationality and Canada’s Youth Mobility Agreement with your country. Most Working Holiday participants can stay in Canada for 12 to 24 months, although some nationalities may be eligible for longer through additional IEC participations.

Can I extend my working holiday visa in Canada?

No. An IEC work permit, including the Working Holiday Visa, cannot be extended beyond the maximum duration allowed under your country’s IEC agreement with Canada.

However, you may have other options to remain in Canada:

Some nationalities are eligible for a second IEC participation, depending on the terms of their Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada.
You may qualify for a different IEC category, such as Young Professionals or International Co-op, if you meet the requirements.
You may be eligible for another type of Canadian work permit through a separate immigration program. We recommend seeking guidance from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).

If you’d like to stay in Canada after your Working Holiday, it’s a good idea to start exploring your options well before your work permit expires!

Can I study while on a working holiday visa in Canada?

Yes. If you hold a Canada Working Holiday Visa, you can take short courses or training programs during your stay. Examples include language classes, safety certifications, professional workshops, or industry-specific training.

Many participants use this flexibility to improve their English or French skills, gain new qualifications, or complete certifications that help them secure better jobs in Canada. If you wish to enroll in a longer academic program that requires a study permit, you will need to apply for one separately and ensure you meet all applicable requirements.

What types of jobs can I do on a Canadian working holiday visa?

With a Canada Working Holiday Visa, you can work in a wide range of industries, including hospitality, tourism, retail, customer service, and resort operations. Popular Working Holiday jobs in Canada include hotel staff, servers, baristas, housekeepers, lift attendants, guest services agents, retail associates, and culinary positions.

Many participants start with seasonal ski resort jobs in Canada and continue working through the summer, allowing them to earn money while exploring the country.

Is Canada good for a working holiday?

Yes. Canada is one of the most popular destinations for a Working Holiday Visa, offering incredible travel opportunities, world-famous ski resorts, vibrant cities, and stunning national parks. Working Holiday participants can gain international work experience while earning money to explore the country.

Canada is also known for its high quality of life, strong workplace protections, safety, and welcoming culture, making it an excellent choice for young travellers looking to live and work abroad. With Stepwest, you can start your Canadian adventure with a guaranteed job and staff housing at a leading resort in British Columbia or Alberta, making your move to Canada easier and less stressful.

How long can you stay in Canada on a Working Holiday Visa?

You can stay in Canada for 12 to 24 months, and in some cases up to 36 months, depending on your country’s agreement under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. To receive the maximum validity on your work permit, you must have health and travel insurance covering your entire stay when you arrive in Canada.

Some nationalities may also be eligible for a second IEC participation, allowing them to spend even more time living and working in Canada. Many Working Holiday participants use this opportunity to experience both the winter and summer seasons while gaining valuable international work experience.

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“They were really helpful, from finding me a job and interview to get to Canada. If I I ever had a problem they were always quick to respond. Big thank you, as I am having a great time in Whistler!”

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