Canada Working Holiday Visa for Swedish Citizens - 2027 Guide

Swedish citizens can apply for a Canada Working Holiday Visa through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. This government initiative allows young adults to live, work, and travel in Canada while gaining valuable international experience.

Through the Working Holiday category, eligible Swedish citizens aged 18–30 can receive an open work permit valid for up to 12 months. An open work permit means you can work for most employers across Canada without needing a job offer before you apply.

At a Glance

 
Sweden also participates in two additional IEC categories:

Swedish citizens can participate in the IEC program up to two times, for a maximum of 24 months in Canada. However, each participation must be under a different IEC category. For example, you could complete one Working Holiday and later return through the Young Professionals or International Co-op category if you meet the eligibility requirements.

For most travellers, the Working Holiday Visa is the most popular option because it offers the greatest flexibility to work, travel, and explore Canada.

2026 IEC Season Quota (Sweden): 255 Working Holiday visas available for Swedish citizens

Canada Working Holiday Visa Requirements for Swedish Citizens

To qualify for a Canada Working Holiday Visa, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by International Experience Canada (IEC).

Applicants must:

• Hold a passport from Sweden valid for the whole duration of your stay in Canada.
• A resident of Sweden at the time of application – Sweden has a residence requirement in order to apply for the Canada Working Holiday.
• Insurance for your whole stay in Canada ready upon arrival.
• At least 2,500 Canadian dollars (CAD) or about 20.000 kr.
• Be between the ages of 18-30.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to provide biometrics, police certificates, or other supporting documents as part of your application.

If you’re approaching your 31st birthday, don’t panic, you may still be eligible.

For Swedish citizens, the age limit is 18–30 inclusive, meaning you can submit your profile while you’re 30 years old. The key requirement is that you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) before turning 31. Once you’ve received your invitation, you’ll be able to complete the rest of the application process, even if your birthday falls during that time.

If you’re planning to spend a year living and working in Canada, it’s a good idea to enter the IEC pool as early as possible to maximize your chances of receiving an invitation before the season closes.

Canada Working Holiday Visa Fees for Swedish Citizens

Applying for a Canada Working Holiday Visa involves both government fees and, if you choose to apply through Stepwest, a program fee for additional support throughout your journey.

As of the 2026 IEC season, the total government fees are CAD $369.75 (approximately SEK 2,600), excluding the Stepwest Working Holiday Program fee.

Your biometrics are valid for 10 years so you do not have to retake them if you apply again for another work or study permit for Canada. These Biometrics will be done at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Stockholm, NOT at the Canadian Embassy.

The VFS Global or Visa Application Center is located at Kistagången 26, 164 40 Kista- Stockholm (updated link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/swe/en/can). Please note that this is the only Visa Application Center to take your Biometrics in Sweden.

How Long Does It Take A Swedish Citizen to Get a Canada Working Holiday Visa?

Normally it takes up to eight weeks for International Experience Canada to process your visa application. Keep in mind, this processing time begins after you have completed your biometrics (the final step of the application process).

When Should You Apply for Seasonal Resort Jobs in Canada?

Most Canadian resorts recruit twice a year:

• Summer 2027: Until March 2027
• Winter 2027: Until June 2027

Applying early gives you access to the widest range of positions and increases your chances of securing interviews before roles are filled.

If you’ve missed one hiring season, don’t worry. Many participants begin with a summer position before extending their Canadian experience by working the following winter season.

How Much Money Do You Need to Move to Canada?

To enter Canada on a Working Holiday Visa, you’ll need to show proof that you have at least CAD $2,500 available to support yourself when you arrive.

However, we recommend budgeting CAD $3,500–4,000 to comfortably cover your first few weeks in Canada, including:

• Accommodation and security deposit
• Food and groceries
• Local transportation
• Mobile phone plan
• Everyday living expenses

Remember that most employers pay every two weeks, so you’ll need enough savings to cover your expenses before receiving your first paycheque.

How Much Can You Earn on a Working Holiday in Canada?

The minimum wage is different in every Canadian province. As of June 2025, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15 CAD/hour and in British Columbia, it is $18.25 CAD/hour.

In Canada, you will get paid bi-weekly (every two weeks). If you are working with our Working Holiday Resort Programs, the rent for your staff housing will be taken directly from your paycheque.

Do Working Holiday Visa Holders Pay Tax in Canada?

Working Holiday visa holders pay the same income tax rates as Canadian citizens. Here is a link to our favourite website that explains taxes in Canada. This tool will help you compare how much tax you pay in Sweden with how much tax you will pay in Canada.

Keep in mind that if you do your taxes properly, working holiday visa holders are eligible for an average refund of $1,000 CAD. Learn more about this in our blog post on how to file taxes as a working holidaymaker.

Will I Get Paid Vacation?

Vacation entitlement depends on your employer and the province where you work.

Many Working Holiday participants choose seasonal jobs, allowing them to travel between contracts rather than taking paid vacations during employment.

For example, you might:

• Work the winter ski season.
• Spend spring travelling across Canada.
• Return to work during the summer tourism season.

Staying with your employer for an entire season also helps you build valuable Canadian work experience and secure strong employer references, making it easier to find your next job.

Can I Apply If I’m Living Outside Sweden?

Yes, but only if you still meet Sweden’s residency requirement. Sweden requires applicants to be residents of Sweden when they apply.

If you’re temporarily travelling or living abroad, you may still qualify provided your permanent residence remains in Sweden.

However, if you hold a Swedish passport but have never established residency in Sweden, you won’t be eligible to apply through Sweden’s IEC agreement.

Can I Complete My Biometrics Outside Sweden?

Yes, biometrics can be done anywhere in the world. You don’t have to return to Sweden to provide your biometrics.

The location where you provide your biometrics does not affect your eligibility, provided you continue to meet Sweden’s residency requirements.

Do you have more questions about biometrics? Check out our post on Canada’s biometrics requirement for working holiday visa applications.

Already Have Your Canada Working Holiday Visa?

Great start! Once you’ve secured your work permit, the next step is finding the right job and preparing for your move.

Stepwest can help you:

• Secure a seasonal or hospitality job before you arrive.
• Prepare for interviews with Canadian employers.
• Find staff accommodation opportunities.
• Get ready for life and work in Canada.

Whether you’re dreaming of working at a ski resort, exploring the Canadian Rockies, or gaining international work experience, our team is here to help you start your adventure with confidence.

Contact our team for a FREE meeting to discuss work opportunities for you here in Canada.