Canada Working Holiday Visa Guide

Want to explore the best of Canada while on a working holiday visa? Us too! So we’ve created the ultimate Canada Working Holiday visa guide, for UK citizens, to tell you exactly where to start! Expect to learn all about visas, how to apply for one, and how the application pools work. Plus, discover our amazing working holiday packages. Here’s how to kick-start your paid-work adventure in Canada 👇

What is a Canada Working Holiday Visa?

A Canada Working Holiday visa, also known as International Experience Canada (IEC), is a Canadian government programme you can participate in that allows UK Citizens aged 18 to 35 to travel and work in Canada for up to two years. This visa is ideal if you want to:

• Experience work life in Canada - whether you choose one location or multiple

• Earn money to fund your travels while exploring the country

What Can I Do on a Working Holiday Visa in Canada?

On a Canada Working Holiday visa, you get the best of both worlds - work and adventure! With your IEC Canada work permit, you’re eligible for a range of jobs across Canada. Whether you’re looking for seasonal work, flexible hours, or something in a specific industry, the choice is up to you! Casual roles in hospitality, retail, and tourism are the most popular due to decent wages and other benefits depending on the role – which might include tips or staff accommodation. Bonus!

In your free time, you can hit the slopes in Whistler, hike through the stunning Jasper National Park, explore cities like Vancouver or Toronto, and so much more! There are always exciting things to do in Canada. Plus, you’ll meet other travellers and working holidaymakers along the way and have plenty of opportunities to dive into Canada’s outdoor adventures!

Please note that childcare and healthcare fields are prohibited to those on working holiday visas (with the exception of ski/snowboard instruction and camp jobs). For more information please refer to the Government of Canada website.

Why Should I Do a Working Holiday in Canada?

Firstly, Canada is stunning. From the snowy Rocky Mountains to its endless lakes and forests, it’s a backpacker's dreamland. Imagine waking up and having it all right on your doorstep! Well, with a Canada Working Holiday visa, you can! Make the most of your days off by skiing, hiking, kayaking, or just soaking up the lush nature around you. With friendly locals and a laid-back vibe, you’ll feel right at home.

Secondly, it’s all about the experience. A working holiday in Canada means meeting people from all over the world, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and creating unforgettable memories. It’s the perfect blend of work and adventure, plus a great way to create those main-character moments.

How Long Can I Stay in Canada With a Working Holiday Visa?

You can stay in Canada for up to 24 months on a Canada Working Holiday visa if you’re a UK Citizen. This gives you plenty of time for adventure! It’s even possible to extend your participation on a second Working Holiday Visa for another 12 months.

Eligibility & Application Process

There are some requirements for applying for a Canada Working Holiday visa. You can apply if you are:

• A UK Citizen with a valid UK passport

• 18-35 years old (inclusive)

• Are travelling with no dependants

• Have saved a minimum of CAN$2,500 for expenses

If you meet all the visa requirements, you can submit an application to Canada’s IEC pools. This is how Canada selects who is chosen. It is basically a collection of all the candidates. Canada’s IEC pools tend to open for application towards the end of the year or the beginning of the following year. Keep an eye on the Government of Canada website for specific dates.

After receiving your application, the Government of Canada can start sending out invitations to apply for a work permit. This is a randomised process. If you are chosen from the pools, you will be sent an invitation to apply for a work permit. You will have 20 days to accept and complete your IEC work permit application for the working holiday visa category. Then just sit tight for your approval.

Please note, this can take up to 56 days after the date you submit all required documents.

Check out this step-by-step guide below on how to apply for an IEC Canada visa.

 

For more information on IEC’s eligibility & the application process, contact us and one of our knowledgeable travel advisors will be able to offer guidance or take a look at the official Government of Canada website.

Work & Travel in Canada with Gap 360

Canada's got it all - buzzing cities, wild scenery, and friendly laidback vibes. With decent wages and an amazing work-life balance, it's the perfect place for a working holiday while you travel!

On our Paid Work in Canada programme, our friendly travel advisors can send you step-by-step guidance during your application process - so, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. Our in-country jobs team are also on hand throughout your stay to help with everything from:

• CV advice
• income tax assistance
• securing the right healthcare plan
• one-on-one interview practice
• job-hunting tips
• help finding accommodation

Plus, you’ll get access to our exclusive Canada-wide job database with fresh opportunities added daily - so, no stress about finding the perfect job! We’ve got your back from day one.

In your free time, meet like-minded travellers, and dive into all the included social events! Enjoy hockey games, hikes, pub nights, and even canoe trips. On this programme, Vancouver and Toronto are popular destinations to kick off your adventure, and each city has its own unique vibe.

Why choose Vancouver? 🌲

If you choose Vancouver, you'll be surrounded by natural beauty! Seriously, it’s a dream for outdoor lovers. Your days off can be spent hiking in nearby forests & national parks, skiing snowy pistes, or paddleboarding in English Bay. Not only that but Vancouver is known for its laid-back friendly energy. The city offers endless cool cafes, vibrant markets, and a lively bar scene.

Why choose Toronto? 🏒

If you’re more of a city person, Toronto is the place for you! As Canada's largest city, it’s packed with diverse cultures, exciting nightlife, and endless things to do. You can explore iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, relax on the Toronto Islands, or dive into the city's incredible food and arts scene. Plus, Toronto is known for its ice hockey tournaments. Go to the Hockey Hall of Fame to see the shiny Stanley Cup! If you’re craving some incredible nature, just take a short trip to Niagara Falls.

With either Vancouver or Toronto as your base, Canada will soon feel like home.

Book Now With a Low Deposit

We offer low deposits to make your working holiday in Canada as budget-friendly and flexible as possible. To book this programme, you are required to make a £49 deposit. It is then the traveller's responsibility to apply for the IEC working holiday visa, as no third parties can apply on behalf of a candidate. If you are not invited to apply for a work permit, your £49 deposit can be held and used for the following year or towards any other programme we offer.

Once you are granted your work permit, you can choose how to pay.

For our standard payment method, the full balance is required 12 weeks before your departure date, with your deposit subtracted from the total trip cost.

Alternatively, if you're departing within 12 months, sign up for our 0% interest payment plan with the help of a travel advisor. The remaining trip fee is divided into equal payments every month, until the month before you depart.

Please note our payment plan does not apply for trips departing within 84 days of booking, or departing more than 12 months in advance.

That’s just about everything you need to know about a working holiday in Canada. If that’s got you inspired, take a look at our Canada adventure tours to get you started on your adventure.

The information written in this article is accurate at the time of publishing. Travellers have an individual responsibility to stay up-to-date on information before going abroad and applying for their visa. Please refer to the relevant embassy websites before travelling.