If you are a UK citizen dreaming of living in Canada, working in a ski resort, exploring national parks, or simply experiencing life abroad, the Working Holiday Visa makes it possible. Through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, you can travel across Canada while earning money along the way, giving you the freedom to truly experience the country, not just visit it.
In this guide, we will break down exactly how it works, who is eligible, and how you can get started.
Year-round
6-24 Months
From $1,390
The Canada-UK agreement is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which allows young UK nationals to live and work in Canada temporarily.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age limit | 18 to 35 years old |
| Work permit duration | Up to 36 months |
| Participation limit | Up to 2 times |
| Minimum funds | CAD $2,500 |
| Work permit type | Open (Working Holiday) or employer-specific |
Under the Canada-UK Youth Mobility Agreement, eligible UK citizens can participate in International Experience Canada (IEC) up to two times, for a combined total of 36 months in Canada:
This means eligible UK citizens may spend up to three years living, working, and travelling in Canada through the IEC program.
There are three types of IEC work permits available, depending on your goals:
To qualify for a Working Holiday visa in Canada, you must:
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!
UK citizens apply through the International Experience Canada (IEC) pool system, where eligible candidates are randomly selected to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a work permit. Entering the pool early and preparing your documents in advance can help ensure you are ready to apply as soon as an invitation is received.
| Fee Type | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| IEC application fee | $184.75* |
| Open work permit fee | $100* |
| Biometrics fee | $85* |
| Total | ~$369.75 CAD* |
* Please note that IEC participation fees are determined by the Government of Canada and are subject to change each season.
Earnings in Canada will depend on your job, location, and experience, but here’s what most UK participants can expect.
Most Working Holiday jobs (especially in hospitality and resorts) pay between $15 and $22 CAD per hour, with opportunities to earn more through tips or overtime.
In Canada, employees are typically paid:
If you are working in a resort position that includes staff accommodation:
For full-time roles (around 35-40 hours/week), many participants earn approximately: $2,200 – $3,200 CAD per month (before tax). This will vary depending on:
For most participants, yes. A typical wage in Canada is generally enough to:
Your ability to save money will depend on your lifestyle, spending habits, and location. However, many participants are able to break even or save a modest amount during their stay, particularly when working in positions that include affordable staff accommodation.
If you are planning to work in a ski resort or seasonal destination, timing is key. Popular Resort destinations in Alberta or British Columbia hire in advance for summer and winter seasons.
| Season | Apply By |
|---|---|
| Summer 2027 | Oct 2026 – March 2027 |
| Winter 2027 | Oct 2026 – May 2027 |
The earlier you apply:
If you miss one season, do not worry! Many participants start in summer and stay for winter.
“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
To apply for a Working Holiday visa, you will need to prepare several key documents.
UK citizens applying for a Canadian work permit will need to provide a Police Certificate issued by ACRO Criminal Records Office.
Because obtaining a police certificate can take time, we strongly recommend applying for it as early as possible in your IEC application process. Waiting until you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) may create unnecessary stress, especially if processing times are longer than expected.
Having your ACRO Police Certificate ready in advance can help you submit a complete application more quickly and avoid delays. For Canada, an ACRO Police Certificate is generally considered valid for 6 months from the date of issue, so it is important to time your application appropriately.
Remember to apply early. This document can delay your application if it is not ready.
After submitting your IEC work permit application, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL). You must complete your biometrics within 30 days from that date:
UK Location London (VFS Global)
66 Wilson Street, London, EC2A 2BT.
Important: Appointments are required; no walk-ins are allowed. And if needed, biometrics can also be completed at VFS centers in other countries.
You have the information, now it is about making it happen!
From ski seasons in the mountains to summer jobs in some of Canada’s best locations, this is the kind of experience people talk about for years after.
The key is starting early and having a clear plan. If you want help getting set up, securing a job, and avoiding the usual trial-and-error, we are here to guide you through it.
6 - 24 Months
CAD $1,390
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
$1,390
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.
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.
Learn everything you need to know to work in Canada during Summer 2027 and how you extend your stay to enjoy the Winter Season 2027/2028 - Enjoy all the advantages of coming early for a Summer Working Holiday.
Discover why choosing Stepwest for your Canadian Working Holiday beats going solo. Simplify your IEC visa process, secure jobs, and find support. Start your adventure today!
Discover how to maximize your Canadian adventure after a Canada Summer Camp experience. Learn about planning a Working Holiday in Canada with Stepwest, from securing your IEC visa to finding resort jobs in Wester Canada, we're here to help!