Canadian Immigration News

Working Holiday Visa Holders Eligible for an Extension

2 minute read
"Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced that certain Working Holiday Visa holders will be given one last chance to travel to Canada. These will be the visa holders whose travel was interrupted due to the pandemic."
Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on:  Sep 25, 2021
canoeing in a beautiful lake with a mountain view my visa source
Begin your immigration journey now
Click and fill out a free online assessment to see how we can help you. It takes less than 1 minute to fill out.
Free Assessment
Call and speak to our team, so that they can book a time with a licensed immigration professional who will answer all your questions.
Call Us Now
Author info:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced that certain Working Holiday Visa holders will be given one last chance to travel to Canada. These will be the visa holders whose travel was interrupted due to the pandemic. The Working Holiday Visa is only issued once. However, since the travel and border restrictions prevented these visa holders from traveling to Canada, the IRCC is making an exception. 

Who Will be Eligible for a Working Holiday Visa Extension?

According to the IRCC’s website, Working Holiday Visa holders with letters of introduction (LOI) that are about to expire and those who are unable to travel due to the current pandemic will be eligible for an extension. They must meet the following requirements:

  • Have an initial LOI issued between January 1, 2019, and April 30, 2020
  • Have an expiry date before December 21, 2021, on your current LOI or
  • Have an expired LOI

This policy will be valid till July 30. Applicants must apply for an extension on the IRCC’s website before December 31, 2021. The new policy will not apply to the applicants to the International Experience Canada (IEC). 

Will the Applicants Require Medical Examination Results?

Only nationals of certain designated countries are required to provide a medical examination result. However, the IRCC will contact the applicants who need to retake medical examinations. You must confirm that you have agreed to retake the examination so that your file may be reopened to submit a new request for another medical exam. Once it is done, you will get an extension on your LOI. 

You will not be required to retake the medical examination to get an LOI extension in case:

  • You already took a medical examination for your job offer under a designated occupation that is still valid
  • You have not lived in a designated country for more than 6 or more consecutive months in the past year before requesting an extension
  • You do not wish to retake medical examination by choice

How Does the IRCC Decide to Extend the LOI?

All decisions on the LOI extensions are made case to case at the discretion of the immigration official in charge. Your LOI can be extended for 12 months.

If you are already residing in Canada as a temporary resident, your request to extend your LOI will be forwarded to the International Network (IN). You must have a valid job offer under a designated occupation from an employer in Canada. You may even need to apply for an extension for your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if your extended LOI will expire after the expiration of your current TRV. 

Questions About Immigration? My Visa Source Has Answers.
My Visa Source stays updated on all immigration news and announcements across Canada and the United States, including sudden changes in government law. Our legal solutions help individuals, families, businesses and investors from North America and around the globe.
Get The Personalized Help That You Need and Deserve!
Securing personalized legal help is quick and simple. Begin with our one-minute online immigration assessment form or call us toll-free at 1-888-509-1987. Book a personal consultation to speak with an award-winning immigration lawyer either in person, over the telephone, or through a video conference. We're open 6am-9pm PST & EST, 7 days a week and are ready for in person, phone, and video consultations.
Canadian Flag
Latest Articles from Immigration Magazine