Can Spanish citizens work and travel in Canada? Yes. Through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, eligible Spanish citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for a Working Holiday work permit that allows them to live and work in Canada for up to 12 months.
Whether you’re planning a gap year, looking to gain international work experience, or simply want to explore Canada while earning money, this guide covers the requirements, costs, application steps, and what to expect throughout the process.
Year-round
5-12 Months
From $1,390
Eligibility for the working holiday visa Canada entails meeting certain criteria:
Spain has a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, allowing eligible Spanish citizens aged 18 to 35 to apply for a Working Holiday work permit. The permit lets you live and work in Canada for up to 12 months while gaining international work experience and exploring the country.
Spanish citizens may participate in IEC twice, but the second participation must be in a different category and eligibility depends on current IEC rules. You cannot receive two Working Holiday permits. Instead, you can combine two of the following programs:
After your first IEC work permit expires, you must wait at least three months before applying for a second participation under a different eligible IEC category.
Each year, Canada also sets an annual quota for Working Holiday applicants from Spain. Once all invitations have been issued, applicants must wait until the next IEC season to apply. Because quotas, eligibility rules, and invitation rounds can change each year, it’s important to check the latest information before submitting your application.
No. You do not need to be fluent in English to apply for a Canada Working Holiday Visa. The International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday program does not require applicants to submit an English language test as part of the application process.
However, having conversational English skills can make your job search and daily life in Canada easier. English skills can help you apply for jobs, communicate with employers and coworkers, complete everyday tasks, and build connections while living abroad.
Many Spanish citizens use their Working Holiday experience as an opportunity to improve their English through daily conversations, workplace experience, and immersion in Canadian culture.
Applying for a Canada Working Holiday Visa through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program involves both government fees and, if applicable, program support fees from a Recognized Organization like Stepwest.
The current government fees are:
| Fee | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| IEC Participation Fee | CAD $184.75 |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee | CAD $100.00 |
| Biometrics Fee (if required) | CAD $85.00 |
| Total Government Fees | CAD $369.75 |
If you choose our Working Holiday Program, the fee is CAD $1,390 and includes support throughout your Working Holiday preparation and arrival process.
Your biometrics are generally valid for 10 years, so you may not need to provide them again if you apply for another Canadian visa or permit within that validity period and IRCC can reuse your previous biometrics.
Are you ready to take the plunge and embark on a Canadian working holiday adventure? Our programs offer an affordable and enriching way to experience all that Canada has to offer while gaining valuable international work experience and practicing your English. Reach out to our team today to have all your questions answered and start planning your Canadian adventure!
Canada beckons with its stunning collection of outdoor activities. You can get involved in everything from hiking and mountain biking, to Kayaking, camping, and more!
Forge lasting friendships and immerse yourself in Canadian culture while earning a competitive wage (CAD$15/hour upwards). You'll get to ebrace communal living, explore stunning landscapes, and do it all with amazing people!
Encounter Canada's diverse wildlife—from black bears and moose to wolves and grizzlies (from a safe distance, of course)!
Envision spending your winter amidst the breathtaking mountain landscapes of Canada’s premier ski resorts!
Our Ski Resort Working Holiday program guarantees employment, staff housing or accommodation, visa assistance, and more. Moreover, a ski resort working holiday is a truly fantastic way to embrace Canada. We are connected with many of the top ski resorts Canada has to offer, with a great diversity of employment options.
Please bear in mind that applications for the 2027/2028 Winter Ski Season should be submitted before 31 May 2027, when applications close!
If you’re someone who prefers the sunshine, our Summer Resort Working Holiday Program matches you with fulfilling summer jobs and ensures a seamless transition to life in Canada’s scenic locales. In fact, there are all sorts of positions you can work on a summer working holiday! Plus, the sunny weather opens the door to a world of exciting activities. Dive into turquoise lakes, conquer mountains, and soak in the beauty of Canadian summers!
If you’re looking to start planning your Canada Summer Resort Working Holiday then consider applying as early as Summer 2026 for the 2027 Summer season. Applications close in March for summer 2027.
Wages for summer resort jobs depend on the province, employer, and position. Most seasonal hospitality and tourism jobs in Canada pay approximately CAD $16–$22 per hour. Actual wages depend on the province, employer, role, and experience level.depend on the province, employer, role, and experience level.
Employees are usually paid bi-weekly in Canada. If accommodation is provided by your employer, the cost may be deducted directly from your paycheque, depending on the employer’s payment arrangement.
Working a summer season in Canada allows you to earn income, explore the country during your time off, and build valuable international work experience while living in a resort community.
If you want to spend a winter season working at a Canadian ski resort, or you want to enjoy a summer resort job, or maybe get additional support before arriving through our Working Holiday packages, our team can help you take the next step with confidence.
Stepwest is a Recognized Organization (RO) under International Experience Canada by the Government of Canada. We have years of experience supporting Working Holiday participants as they prepare to live and work in Canada.
Start preparing today and take the first step toward living and working in Canada. ¡Bienvenidos a Canadá!
If you’re ready to take the plunge and start planning your Canada Summer / Winter Resort Working Holiday Program then get in touch with a member of our team now and we will get back to you ASAP!
Biometrics can be completed from anywhere in the world, so don’t worry if you’re currently travelling and don’t have them yet! It is also worth keeping in mind, however, that in Spain, biometrics can ONLY be done in Madrid. If you live anywhere else, Barcelona, Cadiz, Lugo, etc., you’ll need to plan a trip to Madrid to sort them out. Check out our post on Canada’s biometrics requirement for working holiday visa applications.
The important thing to note here is the difference between a visa and a work permit. Spanish citizens must have a valid eTA (electronic travel authorization) to fly to Canada, but in order to work in Canada, you must have a work permit. Your work permit is your Working Holiday visa (IEC).
The eTA allows you to board a plane to Canada and enter the country for up to 6 months as a visitor. Additionally, please note that this does not allow you to work in Canada. The Working Holiday, however, will allow you to work in Canada and to stay in the country for up to 12 months
Yes, as long as you can prove that you still have a mailing address in Spain.
Example: You are a Spanish citizen doing an Erasmus exchange in Germany, as long as you can show Canada and provide your Spanish address where you call home and you have your permanent residence, you will be fine!
No. Unfortunately, Canada requires that Spanish citizens must prove they have a permanent residency in Spain. To do this, you must provide a mailing address in Spain. Additionally, your resume must show that you have lived in Spain before.
No, a Police Certificate from Spain is not necessary for Spanish citizens.
However, if you have lived in any other country for 6 months or more, you will need to present a police certificate from the country you have been staying in.
There are no specific requirements for the approval of your working holiday permit application. However, upon arrival in Canada, it is necessary to demonstrate possession of at least CAD 2,500 (€1,800 approx.). With this in mind, it’s reassuring to note that you are not restricted to presenting funds solely in Canadian dollars; you can provide a bank statement from your home country in euros.
Only once – As Spanish citizen you can get a Working Holiday permit under the regular IEC agreement (International Experience Canada) only once, but you might still be eligible for a Second Participation under a different work permit category, like the Young Professional. Please note that Spain has a 3 months discountenance requirement between IEC permits.
You could participate under the Working Holiday work permit category again going through a Recognized Organization.
As early as IEC season opens as working holiday spots are very limited for Spain. Typically, we advise applying as soon as the IEC season opens for the year, usually between December and January.
For instance, during the IEC 2026 season, invitations to apply (ITA) began on January 19th, 2026. You can check the current availability of spots at this link.
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!