The Canada Working Holiday Visa For UK citizens, under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, is an open work permit that allows youth from the UK to live and work in Canada for up to 3 years.
Are you a UK citizen eager to explore the beauty and excitement of Canada while working to fund your travels? Look no further than the Working Holiday Visa Canada from the UK! At Stepwest, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our comprehensive 2024 guide will walk you through the entire process, from application to arrival, ensuring your journey on the Working Holiday Visa Canada UK is seamless and unforgettable. With our expert assistance, you can focus on planning your Canadian adventure and making the most of this incredible opportunity. Dive into our guide and let us help you start your journey today!
Year-round
5-24 Months
From $1,190
Embark on an unparalleled adventure with the Canada-UK Working Holiday Visa Agreement, offering UK citizens the chance to immerse themselves in Canadian culture while gaining valuable work experience. This reciprocal arrangement under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program enables UK citizens to reside and work in Canada for up to three years, encompassing a total of up to 36 months.
The program allows UK citizens to participate twice, providing the opportunity for an extended stay and further exploration of Canada’s diverse landscapes and career opportunities, with the option to apply for a second working holiday permit.
Choose from three distinct work permit categories tailored to your goals and aspirations:
Working Holiday: Enjoy the freedom of an open work permit, enabling employment with any Canadian employer anywhere in Canada. This category is ideal for those seeking diverse work experiences across various industries and regions.
Young Professional: Advance your career with a job offer that contributes to your professional growth. This category requires a prearranged employment commitment, allowing you to focus on building your skills and expertise in a specific field.
International Co-Op (Internship): Students can gain hands-on experience related to their field of study through internships or job placements in Canada. This option is only available for registered students back home in the UK who must complete an internship experience as part of their studies.
Take advantage of extended stays under the Canada-UK agreement:
In 2024, the UK-Canada International Experience Canada (IEC) Youth Mobility Visa introduced significant changes, including extending the maximum work permit duration to up to three years and allowing up to two participations without a gap. This expansion offers greater flexibility and work opportunities for UK citizens aged 18-35. For more details, visit New UK Rules Expand Opportunities for UK Citizens.
If you get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before your 36th birthday, you can still live and work in Canada. Better yet, once your visa is approved you will have a year to enter Canada, so you can start your working holiday as late as 36. Check out the IEC visa requirements for the UK.
The Fees for a Canada Working Holiday Visa payable to the Government of Canada is CAD $357 (£210 approx.) in addition to your Stepwest Working Holiday Program fee of CAD $1,190 (£680 approx.).
The Fees payable to the Government are divided as follows:
Your biometrics are valid for 10 years so you do not have to retake them if you apply again for another working holiday visa for Canada.
Want to apply for a working holiday visa for Canada from the UK? Get in touch to learn more about our Canada Working Holiday Programs and how we can help you start the adventure of a lifetime!
The minimum wage in Canada varies depending on the province. For example, as of June 1, 2024, the minimum wage in British Columbia has increased to $17.40 CAD, whereas in Alberta is $15 CAD.
In Canada, payments are typically issued bi-weekly (every two weeks). Furthermore, if you’re part of our Working Holiday Resort Programs, we assist you in securing jobs that offer staff housing. This means your rent is automatically deducted from your paycheck, sparing you the hassle of monthly payments.
Ski resort positions in Canada are usually full-time, ensuring you earn at least $2,300 CAD (£1,308).
Working at a Canadian ski resort is an excellent opportunity to explore a new country while earning a decent income. It provides a chance to save money, gain international work experience, and fully immerse yourself in Canadian life.
“Would 100% recommend it. They went above and beyond my expectations and couldn't do enough for me! Making sure I was up to date with everything and explained everything in very simple terms. They made getting over to Canada a breeze, especially with the whole pandemic situation. ”— Trudy, UK
When it comes to Canadian resort jobs, getting ahead of the program is definitely beneficial. Popular resorts such as Whistler, Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise have 2 main hiring periods for each season, Summer and Winter 2025. So that means here at Stepwest, the earlier you apply the better chance you have of securing your dream job in your dream resort! The latest we typically accept applications for these programs are as follows:
Summer 2025: Until February 2025.
Winter 2025: Until May 2025.
It pays off to be organized, the sooner you are ready for interviews, the more resort job positions you could be a candidate for. If you are a last-minute planner, then start to consider planning for the next upcoming Season. Too late for Winter? check our Summer Resort Working Holiday program. You could start out with a summer job and opt to stay for the next winter season!
6 - 24 Months
CAD $1190
Our Winter Resort Working Holiday program provides a great opportunity to secure employment before you arrive in Canada. Partnered with top Canadian ski resorts, we assist in job placement and guarantee staff accommodation while you're still in your home country.
6 - 24 Months
$1190
Our summer resort program is perfect for experiencing the beauty of a Canadian summer firsthand. With various job opportunities, you can earn income while immersing yourself in Canada's wonders. Plus, you can even extend your stay for the winter season if you choose!
12 - 24 Months
CAD $490
Our Canada Send Off Package helps you obtain your Working Holiday Visa, marking the start of an exciting journey. While job placement isn't included, it's a great way to begin your return to Canada affordably.
Check out our working holiday guide for a full breakdown of the documents required. No matter what country you are from, the documents will be the same: a valid UK passport for the whole duration of your working holiday in Canada, an updated resume, a family information document, and so on. The only document that differs from one country to another is the police certificate requirement. For UK citizens, you must present:
Details and instructions on how to apply are available from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Criminal Records Office (ACRO) website.
Once you have requested your police certificate from the UK, you will receive a confirmation of your application by email. Your police certificate will then be sent to the postal address provided. Please note: that ACRO will require you the complete list of addresses where you have lived in the UK and an ID Passport type of picture.
Make sure you review your police certificate and understand the ACRO step-down model.
NO TRACE: Everything is clear; Canada won’t need any more information.
NO LIVE TRACE: This indicates past offences that have been resolved. Canada will ask for more details, so be prepared to provide them.
After submitting your visa application, you’ll receive a Biometrics Instructions Letter (BIL) requesting your biometrics within 30 days. If you can’t complete biometrics in the UK, you can do so at any VFS Center worldwide.
In the UK, the only visa application center is located in London:
Seize the opportunity to explore Canada with a Working Holiday Visa from the UK. Our programs provide the perfect gateway to experiencing all that Canada has to offer, whether you’re drawn to the thrill of winter sports or the tranquillity of a summer escape. With our assistance, navigating the Canada Working Holiday Visa process becomes seamless, allowing you to focus on making unforgettable memories. Start your journey today and embrace the adventure that awaits you in Canada!
The Canada Working Holiday Visa For UK citizens, under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, is an open work permit that allows youth from the UK to live and work in Canada for up to 3 years.
UK citizens aged 18 to 35 (inclusive) at the time of application are eligible to apply for the Working Holiday Visa. Additionally, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government as disclosed in this article.
Yes, UK citizens participating in the Working Holiday Visa program may have the option to apply for an additional work permit for up to 12 months.
You will need to have valid insurance at the time of your trip to Canada to activate a Working Holiday work permit. It must cover your entire stay in Canada, including health care, hospitalization, and repatriation. Learn more about the insurance IEC requirements here.
Our program offers assistance with a guaranteed job at leading Canadian summer & winter resorts. We help secure employment and guaranteed staff accommodation, ensuring a smooth transition to life and work in Canada.
If you are applying for your work permit under International Experience Canada (IEC), you'll need a Police Certificate. Answer all your questions here!
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.