CANADA WORKING HOLIDAY VISA

What is International Experience Canada (IEC)?

Canada has a bilateral youth mobility agreement with approximately 35 countries, allowing international youth to live, work and travel in Canada for 12 – 24 months (depending on your nationality). This program is called International Experience Canada (IEC) and includes Working Holiday permits, otherwise referred to as the Working Holiday visa in Canada. Each country has different visa requirements for Canada.

Working Holiday Visa Requirements

In order to apply for the Canada Working Holiday visa, you will need to be able to provide the following:

  • Valid passport from an International Experience Canada (IEC) country. Check to see if your country is participating below.
  • Be  between the ages of 18- 35 (30 for certain countries)

To participate in our programs you must have at least an intermediate English language level and be available for at least four months, up to 24 months (only for some countries).

Participating Countries in the IEC Working Holiday Permit Program

Check to see if your country is participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program and if the Working Holiday permit category is available.

If your country isn’t on the list, fear not as you might still be eligible to enter Canada on one of our other programs. See our FAQs for more information.

Andorra Flag

Andorra

Age

18-30

Max. Stay

12 months

Australia Flag

Australia

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

24 months

Austria Flag

Austria

Age

18-30

Max. Stay

12 months

Belgium Flag

Belgium*

Age

18-30

Max. Stay

12 months

Chile Flag

Chile

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Costa Rica Flag

Costa Rica

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Croatia Flag

Croatia

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Czechia Flag

Czechia*

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Denmark Flag

Denmark*

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Estonia Flag

Estonia

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

France Flag

France

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

24 months

Germany Flag

Germany

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Greece Flag

Greece

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Hong Kong Flag

Hong Kong*

Age

18-30

Max. Stay

12 months

Ireland Flag

Ireland

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

24 months

Italy Flag

Italy*

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

6 months

Japan Flag

Japan*

Age

18-30

Max. Stay

12 months

Latvia Flag

Latvia*

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Lithuania Flag

Lithuania

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Luxembourg Flag

Luxembourg

Age

18-30

Max. Stay

12 months

Netherlands Flag

Netherlands*

Age

18-30

Max. Stay

12 months

New Zealand Flag

New Zealand

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

23 months

Norway Flag

Norway*

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Poland Flag

Poland

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Portugal Flag

Portugal

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

24 months

San Marino Flag

San Marino*

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Slovakia Flag

Slovakia*

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Slovenia Flag

Slovenia

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

South Korea Flag

South Korea*

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Spain Flag

Spain*

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

Sweden Flag

Sweden*

Age

18-30

Max. Stay

12 months

Taiwan Flag

Taiwan

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

12 months

United Kingdom Flag

United Kingdom

Age

18-35

Max. Stay

24 months

Please Note*

Some countries have a “Residence Requirement”, which means you must be resident in your country of citizenship at the time of application. Check to see if your country is included and the individual Working Holiday visa requirements.

Let's Get Started

Now that you’ve checked the Working Holiday visa requirements for Canada and confirmed you’re eligible, it’s time to start planning. There’s a reason the early bird catches the worm. You may apply at any time of the year, however, the earlier you start planning, the better. If you are considering applying to one of our Resort Working Holiday Programs, the latest we typically accept applications are as follows:

Summer 2024: Until February 2024.
Winter 2024: Until May 2024.

Get in touch to start planning your adventures in Canada.

FAQs

How do I apply for a Canada Working Holiday visa?

Each country has a “pool” where all candidates can create a profile to take part in the rounds of invitations. If you are selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), which will allow you to get a Working Holiday permit.

How hard is it to get the IEC Working Holiday visa for Canada?

Some IEC countries can have more applicants than others, making it easier for those countries to get a working holiday visa (like Australia, which has an unlimited number of visas available!). In order to maximize your chances, we recommend entering the pool as soon as possible. If you get your work permit approved early, you will have a year to activate it – so there’s no need to rush your plans.

How much does the Canada Working Holiday visa cost?

The total cost of a Canada Working Holiday visa is CAD $341, broken down as follows:

  • IEC fees: CAD $172
  • Open work permit fee: CAD $100
  • Biometrics fee: CAD $85

How long does it take to get a Canadian Working Holiday visa?

Processing times can vary, but it will be an average of eight weeks from the moment that you submit your work permit application. However, we recommend you start planning at least 6 months in advance. This is because you will need to put your name in the IEC visa pool, gather your required documents, wait for your invitation to apply (ITA), submit your application, complete your biometrics and so on. But don’t worry, we’ll help you with all of that. Get in touch to learn more.

How do I activate my Canada Working Holiday visa?

Upon your arrival into Canada, you will need to have the following:

  • Valid insurance for the complete duration of your stay
  • Proof of funds of at least CAD$2,500, no older than 7 days before your trip
  • Flight to return to your home country or extra funds to pay for that flight

If I do not meet the Working Holiday visa requirements, can I still come to Canada?

If your country is not listed above, or you do not meet the Working Holiday visa requirements, but you are still interested in coming to Canada then please take a look at our Study and Work programs in Canada. Our Business and Hospitality programs are available to candidates from all countries and combine a period of study with an equal period of full-time work experience. Participants have a choice when it comes to program length and discipline with programs ranging from 12 – 24 months.

Check out some testimonials from participants who have successfully completed one of our Study and Work programs, visit our blog or contact Stepwest for more information!