The Working Holiday Visa Canada: A Guide for Austrians

If you’re an Austrian looking to apply for a working holiday visa for Canada but are finding the whole process confusing, you’ve come to the right place. International Experience Canada (IEC) started offering the Working Holiday work permit for Austrians in 2018. The permit allows Austrians between the age of 18 and 30 to live and work in Canada for 12 months.

However, the IEC Working Holiday agreement for Austria might be slightly different from other countries. Cue: a lot of confusion. Luckily for you, we know everything there is to know about the Canada working holiday visa, which we’ve shared to get you excited about spending 2022 or 2023 in Canada!

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What Are The Requirements For A Canadian Working Holiday Visa for Austrians?

In order to apply for the working holiday visa in Canada as an Austrian, you will need the have the following:

  • Have a valid Austrian passport
  • Between 18-30 years old
  • Have proof of insurance for your entire stay*
  • Have proof of having at least 1,800 euros* (CAD 2,500)

*Only necessary when you travel to Canada

NOTE: Only the IEC work permit categories for Internships and Young Professionals have a limit of 35 years old.

How Likely Is It That I Can Get a Working Holiday Visa as an Austrian Citizen?

Austria only has 100 spots per year, so the sooner you apply, the better. Once approved, you will receive an approval letter or POE (Port of Entry/ letter of introduction) that you will be able to use to enter Canada for 12 months, meaning you have time to plan your trip once you have your visa!

You can live, work and surf in Tofino on Vancouver Island.

Can I Do My Biometrics Before Getting an Invitation (ITA) for My Working Holiday in Canada?

No, you can only complete your biometrics after you receive a request from the Government of Canada. This is the last step of your work permit application after you’ve submitted your documents and paid your fees.

What Are the COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for Canada?

As of January 15th, 2022, Canada only allows entry to fully vaccinated travellers with an accepted vaccine by the Government of Canada, which are the same as the ones administered in Austria. You must be vaccinated with both doses at least 14 days before your flight to Canada. No isolation is required anymore!

If you are not vaccinated, unfortunately, you will not be allowed to enter Canada – not even if you have a job offer and you’re eager to quarantine for 14 days.

Learn more about the latest updates on Travel Restrictions in Canada here.

Do I Have To Be Permanently Employed by an Austrian Company and Come To Work With a Partner, Parent or Subsidiary Company in Canada?

No, that is a very specific requirement only for the Young Professional work permit category, not for the working holiday visa.

Spend your summer camping in Canada's Great Outdoors

Do I Need To Be Living in Austria To Apply for the Working Holiday in Canada?

No, if you are applying for the working holiday work permit category you don’t have to be a resident in Austria at the time of applying. Please keep in mind that this does not apply to the International Co-Op or internship category.

When Can I Travel to Canada in 2022 or 2023 if I Start Applying Today?

Please keep in mind to get started least 3-4 months in advance. This is because the work permit application can take between 8 -10 weeks after you submit your application and complete biometrics in Vienna. The quota is limited, so the sooner in the season you apply, the higher your chances of getting invitation!

Can I Study or Do an Internship in Canada as an Austrian Citizen?

Yes, you can! It is important to keep in mind that there are different IEC work permits available for internships or practicums in Canada for Austrians.

If you want to save your working holiday visa for a later trip to Canada, Austrians have the option to have an International Co-Op visa. The only detail to keep in mind for this visa is that there are very specific requirements for an internship program in Canada. You must be a resident of Austria and must be registered as a student in forestry, agriculture or tourism, or have graduated in one of those fields within the past 12 months at the time of application. Please also note that this is not an open work permit, so you can only work for one company in Canada for the internship.

You can also use your working holiday visa for an internship or practicum in Canada. With the working holiday visa, you can combine an internship and a part-time job to pay your expenses. Please note that requirements are also the same, being registered as a student in Austria.

We can help you find an internship in cities like Vancouver!

Can Stepwest Help Me Find an Internship in Canada?

Yes! Let’s say you are studying tourism or hotel management in Austria, we will be able to help you with an internship in your field in cities like Vancouver or Toronto, or in resort destinations like the Canadian Rockies!

How Long Can the Internship be For?

As an Austrian citizen, the internship permit for Canada will be for up to six months, and in order to be eligible for this internship permit, you must be registered as a student in Austria in very specific fields (International Co-op).

Who is Stepwest and How Can You Help Me Move to Canada?

We are a Recognized Organization by the Government of Canada, under its International Experience Canada program. We have been running our programs since 2010 and most of us are also internationals that came to Canada under IEC programs – so we know exactly what it feels like being an international travelling to Canada! We are here to help and support you every step of the way, from work permit applications to job interviews and everything in between.

Want to Learn More?

Are you interested in learning more about applying for the working holiday visa for Canada as an Austrian citizen? Book a free consultation with us and we’ll help you start planning the trip of a lifetime!