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Working Holiday

Travel and work in Canada for up to one year

“I can say it was an unforgettable experience. I can highly recommend it. It's a way to see more of this beautiful country of Canada.” - Cecile Villiger, Working Holiday in Canada

If you’re a citizen of the United Kingdom and are between the ages of 18 and 30, your next life’s adventure could take you just about anywhere! Why not travel and work in Canada through International Experience Canada (IEC)?

Travel and work holidays are a great way to:

  • tour Canada;
  • experience Canadian culture; and,
  • meet both English-speaking and French-speaking people.

The work portion of your trip lets you earn money while in Canada so that you can fund your travels during your extended stay. Although you may not make enough for savings, you could have enough for side trips and accommodations while you’re in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for the Working Holiday Category

The Working Holiday category is designed for citizens of the United Kingdom, who intend to travel in Canada and who wish to find temporary paid employment to help pay for their stay(maximum 12 months).

To be eligible for the Working Holiday category you must:

  1. be between the ages of 18 and 30 inclusive at the time your application is received;
  2. be a citizen of the United Kingdom;
  3. be holding a UK passport with British citizenship that remains valid throughout the period of stay in Canada. UK passport holders without British right of abode will not be permitted to apply. When the work permit is issued in Canada, it will not be longer than the validity of the passport; 
  4. be in possession of a departure ticket leaving Canada at the end of your authorized period of stay or sufficient financial resources to purchase such a ticket;
  5. have the equivalent of C$2,500. to help cover expenses at the beginning of your stay, for the first 3 months of the stay;
  6. accept to purchase, prior to entering Canada, insurance for medical and health-care, including hospitalization and repatriation, for the duration of your stay – you may have to present evidence of this insurance when you enter Canada;
  7. pay a participation fee when requested.

Admissibility (for work permit)

Every person who enters Canada as a temporary resident (visitor, worker or student) must meet general requirements for temporary entry as set out in Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations.

At any time during the processing of your application, Citizenship and Immigration Canada may request additional information or documents to determine your admissibility.  N.B. It is likely this will increase the time it takes to process your application.

Imagine working at a pub in Halifax, a cafe in Winnipeg, or at a ski resort in Banff... The possibilities are limitless!

The United Kingdom has two Working Holiday options:

Independent Travel in Canada

Have your dream year-long holiday in Canada already mapped out?

  • Start the application process.
  • Make travel and accommodation arrangements, and buy health-care insurance (once you have received your Letter of Introduction)

Please note:  International Experience Canada does not help with financing, travel plans or your job search.

Travel in Canada through a Recognized Organization

  • Contact one of our recognized organizations  (These are non-governmental organizations that charge a fee for their services. They may offer their services in English only, in French only, or in both official languages).
  • Start the application process.
  • Make travel and accommodation arrangements and buy health-care insurance (once you have received your Letter of Introduction)

Still have questions? Check our FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions.

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Date Modified:
2013-03-07