Good news: Canada and Ireland have a long-standing agreement that allows Irish citizens to live and work in Canada for up to two years.
Even better, Ireland typically receives a large visa quota each year, which means your chances of getting invited are strong compared to other countries.
This visa gives you the freedom to explore Canada’s three coastlines, diverse landscapes, Canada’s incredible outdoors, and at the same time, gain international work experience, and fund your travels along the way.
Year-round
6-24 Months
From $1390
The Canada Working Holiday Visa is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, managed by the Canadian government.
If you are approved, you will receive an open work permit, which means:
When you arrive in Canada, a border officer will issue your official work permit based on your visa approval.
If you have considered an Australian Working Holiday, you are familiar with the idea of working while you travel. Canada offers a similar experience, but with one key advantage: No “specified work” requirement.
In Australia, you often need to complete regional or farm work to extend your stay. In Canada, Irish citizens can receive up to two years from the start, without needing to complete any mandatory work requirements. That means more flexibility and more time to focus on the experience you actually want.
Quick answer:
Irish citizens can participate in IEC up to 2 times.
Full breakdown:
To apply, you must meet the requirements listed below. These are non-negotiable; missing one can result in being denied entry at the border.
“Absolutely fantastic. Thank you guys so much for all the help and support through my work permit application. If I could give more stars I would! ”— Lauren: Working Holiday 2023-24
Because the Canada Working Holiday visa is so popular, most countries have more applicants than spots available.
To manage this, the Canadian government uses a pool system:
Invitations are sent out in multiple rounds, helping manage demand.
Here’s the good news for Irish citizens:
Ireland typically does not fill its full quota, meaning your chances of receiving an invitation are much higher compared to other countries. You will still go through the same process, but the odds are in your favor!
Remember: If you apply early in the year, the chances of receiving an Invitation to apply are quite good, compared to other countries.
To apply, you must be:
When you arrive, you must prove you have at least: CAD $2,500 (~€1,900). This shows immigration officers that you can support yourself while settling in.
Most working holiday jobs (especially in resorts) pay at or above minimum wage, with opportunities to earn more depending on the role.
Wages vary by province, but here’s a general idea:
| Province | Minimum Wage (CAD/hour) |
|---|---|
| Alberta | $15.00 |
| British Columbia | $18.25 |
How you will get paid:
Have a question about our Working Holiday Programs for Irish citizens?
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Short answer: No. As an Irish citizen: You can only get one Working Holiday Visa in your lifetime. However: If you have dual citizenship, you may be able to apply again using another passport, if that country has an IEC agreement with Canada.
If you hold both Irish and UK citizenship, you have a major advantage.
You can:
Even better:
But:
Remember: If you are applying through the UK, apply as early as possible.
This is where many people get caught out. Even though Irish citizens get 2 IEC participations, the rules are strict. So, you will need to choose carefully based on your goals.
You will need to provide a police certificate:
Important: Certificates must be less than 6 months old.
To enter Canada, you must have health insurance covering your entire stay.
*This is non-negotiable. If you arrive with only partial coverage (e.g., 6 months):
Irish applicants must provide biometrics after applying for their work permit.
Biometrics cannot be completed in advance, only after being requested by IRCC. To complete them, you can do them in:
Deadline: Must be completed within 30 days of request.
“I love winter sports so spending my working holiday in Whistler has been such a good decision. I am also working for a very good hotel here, so I get to make money to then enjoy my time in Canada. 100% recommend!”— Luke: 2023-24 Working Holiday
If you are aiming for a resort job in Canada, timing is everything.
Popular destinations include:
These follow two main hiring seasons:
| Season | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Summer | Until February |
| Winter | Until May |
The earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing your preferred location and getting your ideal role. If you miss one season, don’t panic, you can start in summer, and stay on for winter.
Doing this alone is possible, but it is also where people make mistakes.
With Stepwest, our team helps you avoid that by offering:
Bottom line: less guesswork, fewer delays, and a smoother landing in Canada!
There are quite a few (EU Countries, Japan, Australia…) that you could apply for a working holiday visa, but we will focus on Canada as it is one of the most popular destinations for young irish.
Yes, the easiest permit is the Working Holiday visa under IEC, so if you qualify for it, this is the best bet!
Yes! Irish citizens aged 18 to 35 with a valid passport and sufficient savings of $2,500 CAD or more can apply for a working holiday visa in Canada. They must also have health insurance for the entire stay and either a round-trip ticket or proof of financial means to purchase one at the end of the working holiday.
You can work in Canada temporarily but you need a work permit, only the passport is not enough. Many Irish citizens move to Canada every year under the Working Holiday visa as there is an agreement between Ireland and Canada for Irish between 18 and 35 years old. If you match the requirements from Canada, you could work in Canada.
Up to 24 months – Irish citizens participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday program can typically stay in Canada for up to 2 years. The work permit duration will be connected to the duration of your insurance. If you bring an insurance valid for less time, your work permit will be shorter!
Yes, as an Irish citizen, you can work in Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, specifically the Working Holiday Visa category. This program allows young people from participating countries, including Ireland, to live and work in Canada temporarily.
Yes! Irish citizens aged 18 to 35 with a valid passport and sufficient savings of $2,500 CAD or more can apply for a working holiday visa in Canada. They must also have health insurance for the entire stay and either a round-trip ticket or proof of financial means to purchase one at the end of the working holiday.
Maximum 8 weeks from the moment you complete Biometrics. The processing time for a work visa for Canada from Ireland varies, but we offer assistance to streamline and simplify the process, making it more manageable and less stressful.
The duration of a maximum of 2 years and the age limit, you will be only eligible for it if you have an irish passport and you are under 36 years old!
As long as you don’t travel to Canada to activate your working holiday visa, you are good and it will not count as a participation, which means that you could apply again in the future as long as you apply before your 36th birthday! This is a new regulation that has been in place after the pandemic, to help all those participants that after being approved could never travel to Canada. Now, you will not lose your chance! As this is only a once in a lifetime type of visa!
Yes, Irish passport holders aged 18 to 35 can work in Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Under the Working Holiday Visa category, they receive an open work permit valid for up to two years, allowing them to work for almost any employer. This flexibility makes it easy to take on seasonal jobs in ski resorts, summer resorts, or national parks while exploring Canada
Irish citizens aged 18 to 35 are eligible to apply for a Working Holiday in Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. To qualify, you must hold a valid Irish passport, show proof of at least CAD $2,500 in savings, and have health insurance covering your entire stay. You’ll also need either a return flight or sufficient funds to buy one, along with a clean police certificate. Once approved, youwill receive your open work permit upon arrival in Canada.
Yes, it is generally easy for Irish citizens to get a Working Holiday Visa for Canada, provided they meet the age requirement of 18-35. Each year, International Experience Canada (IEC) offers more Working Holiday places to Irish applicants than there are candidates, so spots rarely run out. The process still requires paperwork, biometrics, and supporting documents, which can feel overwhelming. That’s why many participants choose our programs. We provide step-by-step guidance and guarantee both your job and staff housing before you depart for Canada, giving you peace of mind to focus on your adventure.
Irish citizens can find a wide range of seasonal jobs at Canada’s leading resorts through the Working Holiday Visa. Common roles include food and beverage, guest services, retail, housekeeping, lift operations, and culinary positions. These opportunities run year-round, so you can work a summer season and stay on for winter.
At ski resorts, seasonal jobs include ski valet, lift attendant, and Resort Maintenance – Snow Removal, while summer resort jobs range from golf course support to spa attendant. All of our resort roles come with staff accommodation, helping you save money and make the most of your Working Holiday in Canada.
Irish citizens should apply early for seasonal resort jobs in Canada. Summer hiring usually takes place between December and February for roles starting in May or June. Winter hiring for ski resort jobs typically runs from March to July for start dates between September and November.
Because popular resorts in the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia fill positions quickly, applying early is essential. Through our programs, we guarantee both your job and staff housing before you leave Ireland, so you can arrive with peace of mind and focus on your Working Holiday adventure.
When you arrive in Canada on a Working Holiday, there are a few essentials to set up: open a Canadian bank account, get your Social Insurance Number (SIN), and arrange a local phone plan. You’ll also need to organize everything to move into staff housing, including the mandatory items required on arrival, but don’t worry, we guide you through what to bring so you’re fully prepared. We also help with transport to your resort, so you can settle in smoothly.
Rent for staff housing is deducted directly from your paycheque, making budgeting easier and helping you save money during your Working Holiday in Canada. However, it’s important to arrive with some savings to cover your initial expenses.