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Experience the thrill of working and traveling in Canada! Learn about the Working Holiday Visa, eligibility, Recognized Organizations, application steps, and benefits.
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 globetrotters seeking to work and travel in Canada.
From exploring eligibility criteria to the step-by-step application process, this comprehensive guide provides you with all the necessary information about the Working Holiday Visa Canada program. Whether you're taking a gap year or seeking international career experience, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable Canadian journey.
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 by working part-time or full-time jobs, experiencing the Canadian lifestyle, and gaining international work experience.
Eligibility for a Working Holiday Visa Canada program largely depends on whether your home country has signed a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada. Here is the official list of eligible countries:
If your country is not listed above, you may still be eligible through a Recognized Organization (RO) approved by the Canadian government. These organizations assist international youth in planning their working holiday experience:
| 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 |
| IAESTE Canada | 18-35 | IEC countries & IAESTE partner countries |
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program operates through a system of 'pools' representing specific countries and categories (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op). You submit a profile to enter the relevant pool.
Invitation rounds take place regularly throughout the season until country quotas are filled.
Take the online eligibility quiz and create your free IEC profile. You have 60 days to complete and submit your profile once started.
Submit your profile to enter your country’s IEC candidate pool. Being in the pool puts you in line for upcoming invitation rounds.
If selected in an invitation round, you receive an ITA. You have 10 days to accept the ITA and 20 days after acceptance to complete your application.
Upload required documents (passport, CV, police certificates, medicals if required) and pay the $161 IEC fee + $100 open work permit fee.
Upon approval, receive your Port-of-Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction from IRCC. Present this letter to CBSA upon landing to receive your physical Open Work Permit.
Immerse yourself in English or French-speaking workplaces across Canada to achieve native fluency.
Experience Canadian life, make lifelong international friends, and gain authentic work culture experience.
Work anywhere in Canada—from ski resorts in Banff and Whistler to tech hubs in Vancouver and Toronto.
Accumulate Canadian work experience to qualify for Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class - CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
Connect with our Canadian immigration experts to evaluate your IEC eligibility, pool entry, or PR strategy.
Evaluate country eligibility, pool chances, and RO streams with an RCIC.