CANADA WORKING HOLIDAY VISA – REQUIREMENTS

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.

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.

The total cost of a Canada Working Holiday visa is CAD $364.75, broken down as follows:

• IEC fees: CAD $179.75
• Open work permit fee: CAD $100
• Biometrics fee: CAD $85

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.

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 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!

A Working Holiday Visa is a work permit category under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. It’s an open work permit that lets eligible international youth from partner countries work and travel in Canada, with the flexibility to change jobs and locations.

You can apply through the IRCC (Canada’s immigration department) portal after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once approved, you’ll be issued a Port of Entry Letter (POE) or Letter of Introduction (LOI), which allows you to activate and receive your official work permit upon arrival in Canada.

With Stepwest, you can combine this visa’s freedom with a guaranteed work placement at top Canadian resorts, so you start earning right away.

Eligibility depends on your country’s Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada. Generally, you must:

• Be 18-30 or 18-35, depending on your nationality
• Hold a valid passport from a country with an IEC agreement
• Provide biometrics, a police certificate, or a medical exam if required
• Meet any residency requirement that applies to your country, if any.
  

To activate your work permit upon arrival in Canada, you must:

• Show at least CAD 2,500 in proof of funds
  
• Have health and travel insurance for the full duration of your stay (12–24 months, depending on nationality)
  

Stepwest checks eligibility for your nationality and guides you through every step: from creating your IEC profile to securing a Resort job in Canada!

You can usually stay 12 to 24 months, depending on your nationality.

Many Stepwest participants spend their winter season working at ski resorts, then transition into summer hospitality jobs to keep earning. This way, a Working Holiday in Canada lets you work year-round while experiencing all four seasons!

To apply for a working holiday visa in Canada, you’ll need: 

• Valid passport
• Digital photo
• Biometrics 
• Police certificate
  Medical exam (for some roles or nationalities)

IEC will provide each applicant with a personalized checklist of required documents. Stepwest’s coordinators help you make sure every document is prepared properly so your application goes through without unnecessary delays.

You must prove you can cover initial expenses upon arrival in Canada, equivalent to at least CAD 2,500, shown in a recent bank statement issued no more than 6 days before your arrival. If you don’t have a return ticket, you’ll also need to show extra funds for onward travel.

In addition, budget for health/travel insurance, initial housing, and gear (for ski or seasonal work). Stepwest helps you plan a realistic budget so you can settle in confidently and start earning quickly.

An IEC work permit, such as a Working Holiday, cannot be extended beyond the maximum duration set by your country’s IEC agreement. However, you may have other options:

• Some countries allow a second participation in the IEC program
• You may switch to another IEC category (e.g., Young Professionals) with a job offer
• You could pursue a different immigration pathway in Canada, ideally with guidance from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)

Yes. If you hold a Working Holiday visa in Canada, you can take short courses (typically up to six months) as long as they do not lead to a degree or diploma. Examples include language classes, safety certifications, professional workshops, or industry-specific training. Many participants use this flexibility to complete short certifications or English/French courses that help them find better jobs during their stay.

If you want to study in a longer or full-time program, you must apply for a study permit.

Most Working Holiday participants in Canada find jobs in hospitality, tourism, and customer service, industries that rely heavily on seasonal staff. Ski resorts are especially popular in the winter, offering roles in lift operations, rentals, food and beverage, housekeeping, and guest services. In the summer, many resorts transform into adventure hubs, creating opportunities in hiking, biking, outdoor guiding, and lodge operations. Beyond resorts, jobs are also available in restaurants, hotels, retail, and urban hospitality venues across Canada.

With Stepwest, if you join one of our resort-based Working Holiday programs, your job and staff housing are guaranteed before you even arrive in Canada. We partner only with vetted employers, so you can step off the plane with peace of mind, start earning right away, and focus on making the most of your Canadian adventure.

Processing times for a Canadian Working Holiday visa average around 8 weeks, but they can take longer depending on your country, personal situation, and how much information the IEC program requires. Some applicants may also be asked to provide additional documentation, which can extend the timeline.

It’s best to plan several months ahead to align with hiring seasons. Most of our participants start preparing up to a year in advance. The earlier you begin, the smoother your experience will be.

At Stepwest, we guide you through all IEC requirements and program milestones so your Working Holiday visa process is stress-free, allowing you to focus on landing the right job in Canada.

To apply for a Canadian Working Holiday visa, you need to:

1. Confirm your eligibility under your country’s International Experience Canada (IEC) requirements.
   
2. Create an IEC profile and enter the candidate pool.
   
3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), then submit your work permit application and pay the government fees.
   
4. Complete biometrics, if required.
   
5. Wait for approval and receive your Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.
   
6. Present your POE Letter at the border, along with proof of funds and valid travel and health insurance, to receive your open work permit.
   

With Stepwest, you can also secure a guaranteed work placement with a Canadian resort employer before you arrive. This means you’ll land in Canada ready to start working, earning, and traveling from day one.

The IEC Working Holiday visa is straightforward to obtain once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The challenge lies in your country of citizenship. Some countries have many spots available each year, while others are capped and fill quickly due to high demand. Applying early in the IEC season and staying organized with your paperwork gives you the best chance of success.

With Stepwest, we align your visa process and job search so everything moves forward together. By joining one of our resort Working Holiday programs, your job is guaranteed before you arrive. This means you can land in Whistler, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, or Sun Peaks with peace of mind, ready to start earning and enjoying your Canadian adventure from day one.

The upfront costs of a Canadian Working Holiday typically include:

• IEC work permit fees (updated each season). For IEC 2025:
  
  • IEC Fee: CAD 179.75
  • Open Work Permit Fee: CAD 100
  • Biometrics Fee: CAD 85 (if required)
• Travel and health insurance covering the full duration of your stay, so you can receive a work permit for the maximum time your country allows.
  
• Proof of funds: at least CAD 2,500 in savings to show you can support yourself.
  
• Living costs: we also recommend budgeting for your first month of expenses before your first paycheck arrives.
  

With Stepwest, the biggest difference comes after you arrive. Our resort-based programs guarantee you a job and discounted staff housing before you land, so you don’t burn through savings while job hunting or struggling to find accommodation in Canada’s most popular destinations.

Yes. Canada is one of the best countries for a Working Holiday thanks to its vibrant cities, stunning national parks, and world-class ski resorts. It also offers fair workplace standards, strong safety, quality healthcare, and reliable transit in major centres. Consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable countries, Canada provides the perfect balance of work and travel opportunities.

With Stepwest, you can combine this lifestyle with a guaranteed job and staff housing at a leading resort in Alberta or British Columbia. That means you can skip the stress of endless research and planning, and instead focus on preparing for your adventure. We’ll make sure you arrive in Canada ready to start working, earning, and exploring from day one.

You can stay in Canada for up to 12 to 24 months, depending on your country’s agreement under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Your travel and health insurance must cover the full duration of your stay upon arrival to receive the maximum validity on your work permit, since IEC work permits cannot be extended.

Some nationalities are eligible to participate more than once, which can further extend time in Canada. Many travelers use this to plan back-to-back seasons. For example, spending the winter at a ski resort followed by a summer job in a Canadian city.