Working Holiday Program

Canada, with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and diverse culture, has become a sought-after destination for young individuals looking to embark on an adventurous journey while gaining valuable work experience. The Canadian Working Holiday Canada program, part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative, is a golden ticket for such globetrotters seeking to work and travel in Canada.

From exploring eligibility criteria to the application process, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information about the Working Holiday Visa Canada program. So, whether you're a student wishing to take a gap year or a young professional seeking international work experience, this guide will help you navigate an unforgettable Canadian adventure.

What is a Working Holiday in Canada?

The Working Holiday Canada program, a segment of the International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative, offers young individuals worldwide an opportunity to temporarily live and work in Canada. Participants can fund their travel to Canada by working part-time or full-time jobs, experiencing the Canadian lifestyle, and gaining international work experience. The duration of the working holiday is generally between one to two years, depending on the participant's country of citizenship.

Who Can Apply?

The eligibility for a Working Holiday Visa Canada program largely depends on whether your home country has signed a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada. This agreement allows Canadian and international youth to work and travel extensively in each other's countries. Here's a list of eligible countries for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program:

Eligible Countries in the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program
Australia	Austria	Belgium
Chile	Costa Rica	Croatia
Czech Republic	Denmark	Estonia
France	Germany	Greece
Hong Kong	Ireland	Italy
Japan	Korea, Rep.	Latvia
Lithuania	Luxembourg	Mexico
Netherlands	New Zealand	Norway
Poland	Portugal	San Marino
Slovakia	Slovenia	Spain
Sweden	Switzerland	Taiwan
Ukraine	United Kingdom

If your country is not listed above, you may still be eligible through a recognized organization that offers work and travel opportunities. These organizations have agreements with the Canadian government and can help you plan your experience. They are as follows:

Registered Organization	Age Range	Eligible Countries
GO International	18-35	IEC countries, USA
A-Way to Work/International Rural Exchange Canada Inc.	18-35	IEC countries only
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)	18-35	IEC countries only
Stepwest	18-35	IEC countries only
SWAP Working Holidays	18-35	IEC countries, USA
AIESEC Canada	18-35	IEC countries, Brazil, India
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE)	18-35	IEC countries,& IAESTE country partners

How Does the IEC Program Work?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program operates through a system of 'pools,' each representing a specific country and category (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op). As a candidate, you can submit your profile to one or more of these pools, depending on your eligibility.

Your profile remains in the pool(s) until:

You receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a work permit.
The pool closes for the season.
You no longer meet the criteria for the IEC program.

Every year, several rounds of invitations are conducted, and a specific number of candidates are invited to apply for a work permit. The number of invitations depends on factors like the quota for the year, the rate at which applications are processed, and the number of spots left in your country's pool.

Application Process for a Working Holiday Visa Canada

Applying for a Working Holiday Visa Canada involves a series of steps, from creating a profile to applying for a work permit. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before you start your application, you must take an eligibility test to see if you meet the minimum criteria. The test asks questions about your country of citizenship, current residence, student status (if applicable), and job offer (if any).

Once you've determined your eligibility, you must create a free online IEC profile. Remember that you have 60 days to complete and submit your profile. If you don't submit your profile within this period, you'll have to start the process from the beginning.

Step 2: Submit Your Profile and Enter the Pool

Once your profile is complete, submit it to the IEC. You'll be placed into one or more pools depending on your eligibility. Being in a pool doesn't guarantee receiving an ITA for a work permit. However, it does mean that you're in the running.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If selected from the pool, you'll receive an ITA. You then have ten days to accept this invitation and 20 days from the acceptance to apply for your work permit.

Step 4: Apply for a Work Permit

Once you've accepted the ITA, you can apply for a work permit. You'll need to gather all the necessary documents, upload them to your account, and pay the required fees. The current processing fee for the IEC Working Holiday Canada program is CAD 161.

Step 5: Receive Your Work Permit

If your application is approved, you'll receive a port of entry letter of introduction from the IRCC, which you'll need to present when you arrive in Canada.

Fees and Processing Time for Working Holiday Visa Canada

The application processing fee for the IEC Working Holiday Canada program is CAD 161. In addition to this, participants in the Working Holiday category need to pay an open work permit holder fee of CAD 100.

The current application processing time is approximately six weeks, provided all documents are submitted on time and correctly. It's worth noting that processing times can vary, and applying well before your intended travel date is always best.

Benefits of a Working Holiday in Canada

Embarking on a working holiday in Canada comes with a plethora of benefits:

Improve Language Skills: If you're looking to improve your English or French skills, there's no better way than by immersing yourself in a country where the language is spoken.
Cultural Exchange: Living and working in Canada allows you to experience Canadian culture first-hand and interact with locals, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Canadian way of life.
Travel Opportunities: With a working holiday visa, you're not restricted to one location. You can travel and work anywhere in Canada, allowing you to explore the country's stunning landscapes and vibrant cities.
Potential Pathway to Permanent Residency: The international work experience and language skills you gain through a working holiday can make you eligible for permanent residency in Canada through programs like the Canadian Experience Class.

A working holiday in Canada is an incredible opportunity to enhance your skills, gain international work experience, and explore Canada's diverse landscapes and cultures. This guide provides the necessary information to navigate the Working Holiday Visa Canada program. So, if you're ready for an adventure-filled work and travel experience in Canada, start planning your Canadian journey today!

FAQs

Can I Extend my Stay in Canada Beyond my Working Holiday Visa?

Yes, extending your stay in Canada is possible. However, this would require you to apply for a different type of visa or permit, such as a student visa if you plan to study in Canada, or a different work permit if you have a job offer from a Canadian employer.

Can I Apply for the Working Holiday Canada Program if my Country Isn't on the List of Eligible Countries?

If your country doesn't have a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada, you may still be eligible for the program through a recognized organization. These organizations have agreements with Canada and can assist you in planning your working holiday experience.

Top FAQ's

How do I apply for a Canadian Visa?

The first step to find out which programs you qualify for. The next step is to make sure that you have all the necessary supporting documentation then complete and submit your visa application. The best way is to apply online as sending an application by courier or mail could be costly and take a very long time.

How much is Canada’s visa fees?

This depends on the visa as well as how many dependents you will bring with you to Canada. If you use a representative or consultant you may have to pay additional fees.

Where can I get biometrics for a Canadian Visa?

You can get your biometrics done at any visa application centre in your country. You’ll need to make an appointment and make sure that you check the guidelines, specifically regarding your photo identification, such as letting temporary injuries heal, not wearing light colors or head gear, for example.

What are the requirements for a Canada visa?

Each Candian visa and immigration program has its own set of requirements for eligibility as well as a successful visa application, however you will need to be considered admissible to Canada.

How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada?

This depends on your chosen visa program, how many dependents are accompanying you to Canada, (as this dictates how much funds you will need to have) as well as whether or not you decide to use representation to apply for your visa. You will also need to take into consideration the affordability of the province or territory you choose to live in.

What is the easiest way to immigrate to Canada?

There is no real easy way to immigrate to Canada but some programs are easier than others. The Express Entry system is probably the easiest and most popular way to move to Canada but there are quicker and easier ways such as the BC PNP which has visa processing times of 2-3 months. Saskatchewan’s International Skilled Worker Stream is also relatively easier to apply to because it doesn’t require local work experience or a job offer in Canada.

What is the maximum age to immigrate to Canada?

There is no age limit when it comes to Canadian immigration but the older you are when you apply the less PR points you will get. This basically means that your chances of getting a visa are lower when you’re older. The optimal age range to move to Canada is between 20 and 29 years old. Once you are 45 years old you cannot claim any PR points.

Can I move to Canada without a job?

Yes. There are various programs including some of those under the Express Entry System, that don’t need a job offer in Canada to qualify for, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

How much PR points are needed to immigrate to Canada?

The number of permanent residency (PR) points you need will depend on the Express Entry draw CRS cut-off score. This is because every 2 weeks cut-off scores are allocated based on the average score of the applicants currently in the draw. Therefore if other applicants in your draw pool have very low scores you may only need about 400 CRS points to get an invitation to apply for permanent residency. A good score would be to have between 450 and 550 CRS points in a normal draw and at least 750 and up for a provincial nomination draw.

How difficult is it to immigrate to Canada?

This depends on your individual situation and needs. Candian immigration can become very complicated and there is often a lot that many don’t know, that only trained professionals are aware of. Using an immigration professional may cost more financially, but will save you in time and possibly money should your visa get rejected or delayed for any reason.