Finding a job and working in Canada

What IEC participants need to know

If you’re moving to Canada on an IEC Working Holiday permit and don’t know where to start with finding a job, this guide is for you.

As is the case in most countries, it is not easy to land your ideal job in Canada. You will be competing with many other candidates, including locals who know the job market better than you and can rely on their networks.

This chapter explains the basics you should know as an IEC Working Holiday permit holder. The subsequent chapters will explore the details of job searching and employee rights.

Work authorization with the IEC Working Holiday permit

The IEC Working Holiday permit grants open authorization. This means that you can work for any employer you like, except ones falling into restricted fields listed under the “Conditions” section of your permit (if applicable).

It goes without saying, but you must respect the expiry date of your permit.

When communicating with prospective employers and asked about your work status, it is sufficient to say you have open work authorization. You have no obligation to mention “working holiday permit”, as the word “holiday” may confuse or worry uninformed employers, especially early on in the interview process.

Before you start applying

Before you start applying for jobs, we recommend that you have:

1. A Canadian phone number
2. A Canadian bank account
3. A Social Insurance Number (SIN)

These are standard things that all job seekers and workers in Canada should be ready to provide. Click on the links to learn how to obtain each one as a working holiday maker.

Applying for jobs before you arrive in Canada

A common question from eager working holiday makers is whether they can/should try to land a job before they even arrive in Canada.

The short answer is: it is possible but not easy.

The challenge comes from the fact that the employers prefer to see profiles of candidates who are already in Canada. If your CV lists a foreign phone number and a foreign address, Canadian employers may be hesitant to seriously consider you. This is especially true of industries with high churn, such as hospitality and restaurants.

You can always test the market by sending a few applications before coming to Canada, but don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back from prospective employers or if you’re told to contact them again after you arrive.

Reminder: Remember that you do not need a job offer to obtain the IEC Working Holiday permit!