Working Holiday Visa
Are you looking for an adventurous way to work and travel overseas? Apply for a working holiday visa in Canada which gives you the opportunity to stay in amazing cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, working part-time while traveling through the breathtaking expanses of the country. The International Experience Canada (IEC) program provides young individuals with the opportunity to do all this and more.
Working Holiday Visa in Canada – IEC 2022
The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) and is available to citizens of 35 countries that have a consensual youth mobility arrangement with Canada. The Working Holiday Visa is a temporary open work permit that lasts between 12 and 24 months, depending on your country of origin.
This popular visa category is designed for adventurous young adults who want to travel while working part-time in Canada. It’s ideal for those who haven’t settled on a career path yet and are looking for gap year opportunities abroad. If you’re a travel influencer or simply love to travel, backpack, and explore new places for a few months, then the unspoiled wilderness and urban splendor of Canada await you.
The best thing about Canada’s Working Holiday Visa is that it will allow you to earn money so that you can fund your travels during your stay. This is a great way to pay off all the expenses you will incur while in Canada.
You will also gain valuable Canadian work experience to better compete in the global economy. Your career horizons will broaden by working with people who have diverse cultural backgrounds while learning new approaches to doing business, experiencing a different country, and developing your language skills.
What You Need to Know About the Working Holiday Visa
Below you will find details about the Canadian working holiday visa program, including eligibility requirements and the application process as well as the steps that are involved once you have applied. The 2022 IEC season is open and accepting applications. As part of a new COVID-19 measure, IEC participants must be fully vaccinated or have a valid job offer and be able to start working as soon as the mandatory quarantine is complete in order to enter Canada. Don’t let uncertainty stop you from applying for a Canadian working holiday visa. There is a lot of preparation you can do beforehand, and we can help you with a complete IEC Working Holiday checklist!
Who Can Apply for the Working Holiday Visa?
Take a look at the list below to see if you are a citizen of one of the qualifying countries!
| 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 | |
To discover the top 5 Working Holiday Visa destinations in Canada, visit this page.
How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa in Canada
The Canadian Working Holiday Visa is an extremely popular option and has strict quotas for each county that is filled every year. The application process is a 2-step process that consists of creating an online profile and submitting a complete application. Here are the most important initial steps:
- Step 1: Create an online profile where you’ll be asked questions based on the criteria listed below.
- Step 2: Wait for the draw to take place where you will need to receive an invitation. You need to complete your profile within 10 days of receiving this invitation.
- Step 3: Submit an application within 20 days of receiving your ITA.
You need the following to apply :
- Valid passport;
- Be a part of the 35 participating countries;
- Aged 18-35 (the cut-off is 30 for certain countries);
- $2,500 to cover initial expenses;
- Health insurance;
- Police clearance certificate;
- Round-trip ticket or sufficient funds to cover one; and
- No dependents
The Working Holiday Visa program is very popular and has a capped quota of applicants, so it’s crucial to get your application started as soon as possible. Another aspect to keep in mind is that you need to include biometric data, including electronic fingerprints at a designated venue in your home country before departure.
Where to Work in Canada on a Working Holiday?
Your job search can wait until you are physically in Canada but you can also start looking and planning remotely. Are you looking for resort-based work? Casual, part-time shift work? An internship to begin an exciting career? Or something completely different? Thinking long and hard about how you want to spend your 12-months or more in Canada, may help you establish a solid plan and an epic trip itinerary which will help you reach all of your goals to make the most of your Working Holiday! Job ideas for Working Holiday Visa holders:
- Farms and ranches that offer jobs working with horses or picking fruit from fragrant orchards;
- Ski resorts that offer instructor positions or hotel work;
- Summer camp guides and instructors; and
- Retail and delivery work
Additional IEC Programs
Young Professionals
The Young Professionals Program is aimed at secondary graduates who have studied already and are seeking employment in Canada. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain working experience in the country, paving the way for future immigration plans or simply gaining a global outlook on working life. It can also connect you with further working opportunities in Canada that might broaden your field of expertise.
The only major requirement for this type of working holiday visa is a signed letter of employment from a Canadian company. It’s up to you to organize this aspect and make sure you adhere to the other criteria (such as a valid passport) before applying to the program. If successful, you are granted a temporary working visa for 12-24 months with the option of extending depending on how long your company wishes for you to stay on as well as what documentation they can provide to motivate an extension. Industries that you are likely to find skilled work in include:
- Science
- Law
- Health
- Education
- Commerce
- Communication
International Co-op Internship
The International Co-op Internship is a wonderful program for those that are still studying at a post-secondary institution in their country of origin. You can acquire valuable overseas work experience related to your field of study. This is for students who intend to complete a work placement or internship in Canada as part of their academic curriculum. You will need to find work that is relevant to your field and makes sense in terms of furthering your skills.
The eligibility requirements are the same as those for the Canadian Working Holiday Visa except that there is less flexibility in the sense that you will need to acquire a job offer/letter of employment to process your application. This permit is generally only valid for a 12-month period as most internships will not exceed this. It’s also important that you check if your country of citizenship is participating in the internship program before applying.
Top Tips Before You Go to Canada With a Working Holiday Visa
So, you may be all set in terms of documentation and you have received your ITA but there are still some specifics that you need to prepare for once in Canada. Here are some tips for you to consider before you set off to visit this vibrant nation.
- Make plans to hire a car or get familiar with the public transport system;
- Save up for expenses that arise before your first paycheck;
- Make sure you have the correct certifications for the industry you plan to work in eg. Occupational First Aid or Food Safe for the hospitality industry;
- Don’t forget to apply for your tax refund at the end of the financial year;
- Apply for travel insurance for the year;
- Get a local sim card (useful for contacting your workplace as well);
- Set up a bank account; and
- Find an affordable money-transfer app.
What Are the COVID-19 Updates for IEC?
There have been some changes in regards to the IEC requirements for foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated as well as those who are unvaccinated. Please note these changes were made active from September 2021. For the fully vaccinated: You don’t require a job offer in order to enter Canada, but you will need to provide proof of vaccination. You will also have to follow Canada’s special COVID-19 travel requirements. For the unvaccinated: You don’t need a job offer to submit your profile to the IEC working holiday category pool or to receive an invitation to apply. You will, however, need a job offer letter from a Canadian employer in order to enter Canada and activate your work permit.
FAQ 1: How do I extend my Canadian working holiday visa?
You’re able to extend your visa as a visitor, this is typically valid for six months. Please note that you need to ensure when you request an extension, that you apply for a visitor record at least 30 days before your work permit expires.
FAQ 2: How long does a Canadian working holiday visa take to process?
Once submitted your application and payment, it can take up to 8 weeks to be processed. Additional documents may be requested from you. If you’re successful, the IRCC will send a Port of Entry Letter to your account.
FAQ 3: How long is a working holiday visa valid?
The Working Holiday Visa is valid for 12 – 24 months. You can either stay for the entire duration or leave and re-enter as many times as you like during that period.
The border services will re-assess admissibility each time you enter. As the WHV is a work permit and not a visa, you may not be able to have re-entry accessibility and therefore you aren’t guaranteed re-entry. You may need a new visitor visa in order to re-enter.
FAQ 4: How many times can I apply for a WHV?
Certain countries who are part of the list of eligible countries partaking in the IEC agreements, then you may apply for a WHV permit twice. Please visit the government website to see if your country is able to do so. Make use of our services to ensure that you get a full profile assessment, choosing the correct working holiday visa program for your background. We assist you in collecting all the necessary documents for your Canadian working holiday visa and guide you through the entire application process. Apply today to join other young professionals in their journey to discover all that Canada has to offer.
Immigration FAQ’s
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:
- Provincial Nomination;
- Offer of employment;
- Core capital factors;
- Your common-law partner or spouse;
- Skill transferability;
- Previous Canadian study experience;
- Siblings in Canada; and
- French and English Ability
Provincial Nomination (600 Points)
600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Job Offers (50-600 Points)
A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.
Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)
These take into account your level of education, for example:
- Certificate;
- Diploma; or
- Degree
If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.
Language (150 Points)
Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.
Work Experience
The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.
You must:
- Meet all the requirements of the:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
- Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
- Canadian Experience Class
You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:
- You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
- You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program
You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:
- Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
- Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205
If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.
There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:
- Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
- Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The following factors affect your eligibility:
Work Experience
You must:
- Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
- Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
- Have received payment for your work;
- Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
- Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
- Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC
Language Ability
You must:
- Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
- Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
- You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
- Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply
Education
You must:
- Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
- Have completed foreign credentials; or
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC
Proof of Funds
You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:
- You are working in Canada; or
- You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Additional Factors to Be Considered
- Age;
- Valid job offers; and
- Adaptability
This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
- Meet the language requirements for English and French;
- Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
- Have work experience within the past 5 years;
- Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
- Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
- A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority
Skilled Work Experience
These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.
| Group Number | Job Description |
|---|---|
| 72 | Industrial, construction or electrical trades |
| 73 | Equipment operation and maintenance |
| 82 | Technical and supervisors in:
|
| 92 | Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor Central control operators |
| 632 | Cooks and chefs |
| 633 | Bakers and butchers |
Education
You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:
- Foreign qualifications;
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
- A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree
Language Ability
- Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
- The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
- Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.
Be assessed by the province or territory
Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.
Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.
| Job Description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:
- Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
- Have completed foreign credentials
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.
| Canadian Language Benchmark Score Needed | Job Level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have language levels need for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.
| Job description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:
- have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
- have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
- completed foreign credentials
Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in:
- the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
- the language tests
| Canadian Language Benchmark score needed | Job level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:
- Read;
- Speak;
- Listen; and
- Write
Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.
Principal Applicant
When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.
Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.
Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.
Inadmissibility
You may be inadmissible if you are:
- Considered a security risk;
- Lied about information in your application or interview;
- Have ties to organised crime;
- Can’t support yourself financially;
- Have terrible financial health;
- Committed a crime outside of Canada;
- Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
- Have a family member that is not allowed in the country
Choosing Where To Live
Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.
These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points
- Age (max 110 points);
- Education (max 150 points);
- Language proficiency (max 160 points);
- Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
- Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
- Additional Factors (max 600 points)
A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:
- A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
- A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
- A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.
If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.
