Departure preparation for your working holiday (the full guide)

1. Plane ticket

If the plane ticket is not requested as part of your WHV application, we recommend that you wait until your WHV is approved before buying it.

2. Passport

You must have a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay. Depending on the destination, your passport may need to be valid for several months after the end of your stay.

If you get a new passport after your WHV was issued, contact the relevant services, as your WHV is usually linked to the passport you submitted with your application.

3. Visa, authorisation, or port of entry (POE) letter

Whether it’s called a visa, an authorisation, or a POE letter depends on your destination. But the point is to bring the document(s) evidencing your status as a working holiday maker with an approved WHV. It’s always wise to print a copy if you were issued a digital version.

If the visa is just a sticker in your passport or electronically linked to your passport, then you’re good to go.

4. WHV insurance

For some destinations, you must provide proof of insurance as part of your visa application or upon arrival. Have your insurance documents handy when going through immigration.

Please note! The duration of your insurance contract will affect the duration of your work permit, especially for working holidays in Canada. You must have insurance coverage for the full duration of your intended stay. If not, you will be issued a shorter WHV and you won’t be able to extend it, even if you buy additional insurance coverage.

5. Proof of funds

All WHV destinations require proof of funds—you have to show that you can support yourself for the first few weeks or months while looking for a job.

The amount and when the proof is required (during the application process or upon arrival) depend on the destination. Find out how much is needed for your destination country and what kind of proof is accepted (screenshot of bank account, bank statement, letter from your bank printed on letterhead paper, etc.).

Keep in mind that the proof of funds required are far from enough to fully fund a one- or two-year working holiday.

6. Additional entry requirements

You may have to complete additional steps for your destination country or bring additional supporting documents. If you aren’t sure of the requirements, check your destination rules using our WHV destination search tool.

Good luck and enjoy the adventure!