Working Holiday Visa

Adventure Awaits: Work, Travel, and Explore with a Working Holiday Visa!

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Working Holiday Visa

A Working Holiday Visa under International Experience Canada (IEC) allows young adults, typically between the ages of 18 to 35, to live, work, and travel in Canada for up to two years. This visa offers the flexibility to work for any employer while exploring Canada’s diverse culture and landscapes.

who Can Apply for a Working Holiday Visa?

To apply for a Working Holiday Visa under International Experience Canada (IEC), you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship

You must be a citizen of one of the 35 countries listed below that have a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada. These agreements enable young people from partner nations to live and work in Canada for up to 2 years.

Age

Applicants generally need to be between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive), though the age limit is 30 for some countries.

Passport Validity

You must have a valid passport from your home country, and it should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada.

No Dependents

You cannot bring dependents, such as children, with you on this visa. If you plan to travel with family, they would need to apply for their visas separately.

Financial Proof

You must show proof of at least CAD 2,500 to cover your initial expenses in Canada, such as accommodation and living costs, before finding a job.

Health Insurance

You are required to have health insurance that covers your entire stay in Canada. You may be asked to show proof of this when you enter the country.

Working Holiday Visa Countries

Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France

Germany
Greece
Hong Kong SAR
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Netherlands
New Zealand

Norway
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Korea
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Taiwan
United Kingdom

How the Working Holiday Visa Works

Here’s a simplified 5-step process for applying for a Working Holiday Visa through International Experience Canada (IEC)

Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet the specific requirements for the working holiday visa, including age limits, citizenship, and any other conditions related to your home country.

Create a Profile

Create and submit an online profile on the IEC website. This profile will help determine your eligibility and place you in the IEC working holiday pool to be considered for an invitation to apply.

Receive Invitation

If selected from the IEC Working Holiday pool, you will receive an invitation to apply for a work permit. Once you receive this invitation, you have 10 days to accept it. This step involves waiting for the invitation based on your profile and the availability of spots. Be sure to keep an eye on your account so you don’t miss this crucial deadline.

Submit Application

Follow the instructions to submit a detailed visa application. You’ll have 20 days to apply online for a work permit from the day and time you accept the invitation. This includes providing the required documents, such as proof of funds, and meeting health and character requirements.

Get Approved and Travel

Once your application is approved and your biometrics are in order, you’ll receive your work permit. You can then make travel arrangements and head to Canada to start your working holiday. If you need to provide new biometrics, you’ll receive instructions after submitting your application and paying the fees. For existing biometrics you can use the Check Status Tool.

The Working Holiday visa application can be overwhelming with its numerous steps and document requirements. Let Cantrust Visa simplify the process for you by handling your paperwork, managing your application, and getting you ready for your Canadian adventure. Focus on your travel plans while we take care of the details.

working Holiday Visa FAQs

How much is a Working Holiday Visa and how long does it take?

The cost of a Working Holiday Visa under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program is CAD $172. Additionally, you may need to pay for biometrics, which costs CAD $85. As for the processing time, it can vary, but it typically takes around 6 weeks after submitting a complete application.

At Cantrust Visa, we offer a streamlined Working Holiday Visa application service for USD $500. This fee covers assistance with the entire process, ensuring your application is timely and accurate, giving you peace of mind as you prepare for your adventure in Canada.

Are there other work and travel options under IEC?

Yes, there are other work and travel options under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. The Working Holiday Visa is just one of three categories available.

Young Professionals

This category is ideal for those who have a job offer in Canada that contributes to their professional development. Unlike the Working Holiday Visa, this category is employer-specific, meaning you must work for the same employer in the same location during your stay. It’s a great way to gain professional work experience in your field while living in Canada.

International Co-op (Internship)

The International Co-op category is designed for students who need to complete a work placement or internship in Canada as part of their studies. Like the Young Professionals category, this is also employer-specific and offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in your area of study while immersing yourself in Canadian culture.

Each of these categories provides a unique way to live and work in Canada, offering valuable experiences whether you’re looking to explore the country or advance your career.

Are there opportunities under IEC for Citizens of non-partner nations?

Yes, there are opportunities under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program for citizens of non-partner nations, although the options are more limited.

If you’re a citizen of a non-partner country, you can still participate in the IEC program by using a recognized organization (RO) that facilitates participation for non-partner country citizens.

These organizations can help you apply for a Working Holiday Visa, Young Professionals Visa, or International Co-op Visa, depending on your eligibility. They assist with the application process, job placements, and other logistical support, making it easier to experience working and traveling in Canada even if your country doesn’t have a direct agreement with IEC.

How many times can I participate in a Working Holiday Visa program?

You can participate in the Working Holiday Visa program through International Experience Canada (IEC) more than once, but this depends on your nationality and the agreements between Canada and your home country.

Typically, you’re allowed to participate twice, but each time must be in a different category, such as Working Holiday and Young Professionals or International Co-op. Each stay can last up to two years, depending on the specific category.

However, the rules and eligibility criteria vary by country, so it’s important to check the specific details for your country on the IEC website or consult with the relevant authorities before applying.

How can my family members come to Canada if I am approved via IEC?

If you’re approved to come to Canada via the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, your family members cannot accompany you under your IEC status. However, they can apply separately to work, visit, or study in Canada. Each application will be considered individually.

Work in Canada

Your family members have two options if they want to work in Canada:

Apply Separately for IEC: They can submit their own profile to the IEC program, provided they meet the requirements. If invited, they can apply for their own work permit under IEC.
Apply for a Work Permit Outside of IEC: After you’re approved as an IEC participant, your family members might be eligible to apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for most employers in Canada. They could also apply for an employer-specific work permit, which ties them to a particular job with a specific employer.

For dependent children, ensure they meet the minimum age requirements to work in the province or territory where they plan to work, as well as any job-specific regulations.

Visit or Study in Canada

If your family members prefer to visit or study, they can apply for the appropriate visa or permit:

Visit Canada: Most people need either a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. The type of document required depends on their passport or travel document. Visitors can usually stay for up to 6 months.
Study in Canada: If they wish to study for more than 6 months, they will need a study permit to enroll in a designated learning institution in Canada.

Each family member must apply separately, and their eligibility will be assessed based on their individual applications.

Can I leave Canada while on a Working Holiday?

Yes, you can leave Canada while on a Working Holiday, but there are important considerations. If you leave Canada while your work permit is still valid and return to continue working, a border services officer will re-assess your admissibility each time you re-enter. If you are still admissible, you will be allowed to re-enter Canada with your original work permit.

However, note that the work permit states “This does not authorize re-entry.” This means the permit allows you to work in Canada only after you have been legally admitted. It is not a visa or passport that guarantees entry or re-entry to Canada.

Can I extend a working holiday visa or change employers?

Under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, you generally cannot extend a Working Holiday Visa. The visa is issued for a fixed period, typically up to 12 or 24 months, depending on your nationality and specific program rules.

However, you can change employers while on a Working Holiday Visa. Your permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, provided you comply with the conditions of your visa and any provincial or territorial labor laws.

If you want to extend your stay or switch to a different category under IEC, you would need to apply for a new visa or permit, depending on your eligibility and the specific rules of your home country’s agreement with Canada.

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