How Much Should I Budget for My Working Holiday Adventure in Canada?

Wondering how much you should budget for your Working Holiday to Canada? It’s a legitimate question with no one-size-fits-all answer—as you’ve probably heard before, it depends on where you go, what you want to do and what your expectations are.

Canada does require all Working Holiday holders to have “proof of sufficient funds.” As of 2023, it’s CAD2,500 and yes, you may have to provide a recent bank statement when activating your Working Holiday permit. Will this minimum amount be enough? To buy a van and embark on a 12-month cross-country road trip, definitely not. To survive in Toronto for a few weeks as you’re looking for a job, maybe. Oh, and did you budget for your pre-trip expenses? Many travellers overlook that part.

We don’t mind tough questions, so we rounded up a list of expenses all travellers face before the trip and right after landing. This should help you figure out your own budget!

Common expenses before your trip to Canada

Passport application or renewal fees

Processing fees vary from one country to another but this is something to budget for, along with passport pictures and travel expenses to the nearest passport office.

It’s wise to submit your application or renewal as early as possible because it can take much longer than you think to get this precious travel document.

Working Holiday permit fees

Submitting your profile to the pool is free but you will have to pay the Working Holiday permit fee if your profile is drawn and if you accept the Invitation to apply.

As of 2023, the fee for a Working Holiday to Canada is CAD357. It’s actually a total of three separate fees—the International Experience Canada (IEC) fee of CAD172, the open permit holder fee of CAD100 and the biometrics fee of CAD85.

Travel arrangements for biometrics

The CAD85 biometrics fee is included in the total Working Holiday permit fee. However, chances are the nearest visa application centre (VAC) isn’t right next door. In fact, you may have to travel out of the country to have your biometrics collected.

Check out the list of VACs here and budget accordingly for a short trip to get it done.

Medical exam fee

Not all Working Holiday applicants are required to take a medical exam. In fact, you will only have to complete this step if you stated you want to work with children, in healthcare or as a caregiver in Canada, if you recently lived in one or more countries Canada designated as having risk factors for tuberculosis, if you have a physical or mental condition requiring ongoing treatment in Canada or if you or someone in your family has or had TB.

But if you do have to take a medical exam, budget accordingly. Fees vary from one physician to another and from one country to another. For example, applicants living in Sydney, Australia, may be charged up to AUD600. These are out-of-pocket expenses because this kind of medical exam isn’t typically covered by national or private healthcare plans. 

You may also have to travel to take your medical exam because you will have to go see a “panel physician” approved by the Government of Canada. 

Police certificate fees

If you lived abroad for six months or more on a Working Holiday permit or another type of visa, you may be required to submit a police certificate from that country during your Working Holiday permit application.

Fees vary from one country to another—for example, the required document is delivered free of charge in New Zealand but it will cost you $7 to get a Police Criminal Record Certificate from Taiwan.

If the document issued isn’t in English or French, you will have to provide a certified translation. Translators typically charge per word—expect to pay $50 to $100 per document.

For more info, read How to Get Police Certificates for Your IEC Permit to Canada.

Luggage (backpack or suitcase)

Backpackers, digital nomads and families alike will all need a sturdy backpack or suitcase to discover Canada. If you already have the perfect luggage solution, great. If not, take a moment to read Packing for Canada 101 and budget for the right luggage.

Miscellaneous “I’m going on an adventure” fees

If you’re planning to sell your car before the big trip, you may have to bring it to a mechanic and get a few small issues fixed.

If you were renting a place, you may have to break the lease, pay for storage, rent a truck to move out, and pay termination fees (for utilities, phone plan, etc.).

Plane ticket to Canada

Ready to go? Now you need a plane ticket! Airfare will probably dent your budget so compare dates, companies and prices carefully.

If you’re buying a one-way ticket to Canada, you will need to show that you have enough money (on top of the mandatory CAD2,500 proof of funds) to buy your return ticket at the end of your Working Holiday adventure. Ideally, you should have at least what you paid for your one-way ticket.

Insurance coverage

All Working Holiday permit holders must show proof of insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay. Note that you will be issued a Working Holiday permit that matches the length of your insurance coverage—if you only buy coverage for six months, you will be issued a six-month Working Holiday permit. 

So if you want to enjoy a 12-month Working Holiday adventure, buy coverage for 12 months!

Trip to the airport

You may have to take the bus, the train or a plane to get to the airport. At the very least, you may have to take a special airport shuttle (typically pricier than other public transportation options) or even call a ride-share service.

Weigh your luggage before the trip and adjust accordingly because you could be charged extra at the airport! Check your ticket for terms and conditions. 

Initial expenses once in Canada

How expensive is life in Canada? It depends on your plans—are you going to travel around the country or settle in a city and find a job? Are you aiming for a big city like Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver or are you more into smaller communities? 

The key word is “research.” Research options before your trip and budget accordingly. Check out supermarket flyers online, housing ads, car prices, insurance coverage, etc. This information is at your fingertip—just browse online or ask on the forum!

Regardless of your plans, this is what you will likely spend money on when you arrive in Canada.

Housing for the first few days or weeks

Chances are you will spend the first few nights in a hostel, an Airbnb or a hotel. This will give you the chance to recover from jet lag, explore the city and review more permanent housing options.

Once you find an apartment or a house, you will have to pay the first and last month of rent (and possibly buy furniture!)

Read Finding accommodation in Canada for an informative overview.

A car

Buying a car in Canada can be a wise decision considering the size of the country (and the weather…). However, the vehicle itself, plus registration and insurance will set you back a few thousand, at least. Plan accordingly, freedom has a price!

Winter gear

It’s often pointless and occasionally more expensive to bring warm winter gear from home—you’ll find everything you need in Canada and your purchases will be adapted to local weather conditions. However, you will have to budget for a winter jacket, boots, gloves, a hat and more.

And if you’re planning to play in the snow or on the ice, skis, skates or hockey gear will come at a price!

Ultimately, do research before your trip and adapt either your budget or your plans. Canada isn’t a cheap destination and it’s important to have enough money for the beginning of your adventure to avoid unnecessary stress and a potentially underwhelming experience.