How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa in Canada
The Canadian Working Holiday Visa 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.
You will need to create an online profile as soon as possible to ensure a spot. You will be asked questions based on criteria, then you will wait for the draw to take place where you will receive an invitation. You need to complete your profile within 10 days of receiving this invitation. Then you will submit an application within 20 days of receiving your ITA.
To apply, you need a valid passport, be part of the 35 participating countries, be between the ages 18-35 (the cut-off is 30 for some countries), have CAD$2,500 to cover initial expenses, have health insurance, a police clearance certificate, a round-trip ticket, and no dependents.
What is a Canada Working Holiday Visa (WHV)?
The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is part of International Experience Canada (IEC) and is available to citizens of 35 countries that have a consensual youth mobility arrangement with Canada.
This visa category is designed for young adults who want to travel while working part-time in Canada.
Canada's Working Holiday Visa allows 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.
What Does the Working Holiday Visa Authorize?
The Working Holiday Visa authorizes young adults from 35 countries to travel and work part-time in Canada, gaining valuable work and life experience.
Who Can Apply for the Working Holiday Visa?
Young adults from 35 countries between the ages of 18-35 (30 in some countries) who are eligible and fill out the application on time can apply for the Working Holiday Visa.
Eligibility and Criteria for Working Holiday Visas
The eligibility for Working Holiday Visas requires you to have a valid passport, be part of the 35 participating countries, be between the ages 18-35 (the cut-off is 30 for some countries), have CAD$2,500 to cover initial expenses, have health insurance, a police clearance certificate, a round-trip ticket, and no dependents.
Employment Conditions
Based on a Working Holiday work permit, you are allowed to perform (un)remunerated internships. Furthermore, you may work for more than one employer, and you can study in Canada for up to six months. Of course, you are not obligated to work this entire period. You can also choose to travel through Canada based on this visa.
Part-time hours in Canada are defined as up to 20 hours per week.
Studying and Training Courses
Based on a Working Holiday work permit, you are allowed to perform (un)remunerated internships. Furthermore, you may work for more than one employer, and you can study in Canada for up to six months. Of course, you are not obligated to work this entire period. You can also choose to travel through Canada based on this visa.
If you are looking for more studying opportunities under IEC, the International Co-op work permit is specifically set up for students wishing to do their internship in Canada. This means that you must be studying when applying for this visa, and your internship should be directly linked to your field of studies.
Which Countries Are Eligible for Working Holiday Visa Canada?
The 35 countries eligible for Working Holiday Visa Canada are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
How to Obtain a Working Holiday Visa for Canada
Young adults from 35 countries between the ages of 18-35 (30 in some countries) who are eligible and fill out the application on time can obtain a Working Holiday Visa for Canada.
Applying for a Working Holiday Visa for Canada
You will need to create an online profile as soon as possible to ensure a spot. You will be asked questions based on criteria, then you will wait for the draw to take place where you will receive an invitation. You need to complete your profile within 10 days of receiving this invitation. Then you will submit an application within 20 days of receiving your ITA.
To apply, you need a valid passport, be part of the 35 participating countries, be between the ages 18-35 (the cut-off is 30 for some countries), have CAD$2,500 to cover initial expenses, have health insurance, a police clearance certificate, a round-trip ticket, and no dependents.
Where to Work in Canada on a Working Holiday?
Since Working Holiday Visa is an open work permit, you are free to work for any employer in Canada. During the summer months, there is a lot of requirements for temporary staff at the large outdoor resorts for summer activities. Example, summer camp guides and instructors.
In the winter, Ski resorts are a mecca of activities and offer instructor positions or hotel work.
Or during fall, there is massive harvesting going on in farms and ranches in regions like Ontario which have heavy fruit growing industries.
How Long Does a Canadian Working Holiday Visa Take to Process?
The Canadian Working Holiday Visa can take up to 8-12 weeks to file an application. Once the visa is given to you by Citizenship Immigration Canada, you have only 12 months to travel to Canada and then activate your working holiday visa.
How Long Is a Working Holiday Visa Valid?
The Working Holiday Visa is a temporary open work permit that lasts between 12 and 24 months, depending on your country of origin.
