Are you a Canadian between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive) dreaming of living and travelling abroad without having to drain your savings? If so, then the International Experience Canada (IEC) program is calling your name. Thanks to IEC, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa that allows you to live, work, and travel in a foreign country for anywhere from 1 to up to 4 years!
This guide walks you through what the Working Holiday Visa is, who is eligible, how to apply, and what to expect.
Table of contents
- What is IEC and the Working Holiday Visa?
- Where can Canadians go with the IEC Working Holiday Visa?
- Who Can Apply?
- How to apply for a Working Holiday Visa
- What can I do on a working holiday?
- Final Thoughts
What is IEC and the Working Holiday Visa?
IEC is an initiative created by the Canadian government with the goal of helping young Canadians more easily gain personal and professional experiences abroad. Thanks to IEC, Canadians now have access to Working Holiday Visas to more than 30 countries, which is perfect for anyone who wants to:
- Explore new cultures and landscapes
- Gain international work experience
- Immerse him or herself in a foreign language
- Make friends from all over the world
Unlike traditional work permits, Working Holiday Visas are open work permits, meaning you don’t need a pre-existing job offer to apply for it, and you can work for almost any employer you want.
Where can Canadians go with the IEC Working Holiday Visa?
The government of Canada has signed youth mobility agreements with more than 30 countries, including:
- Australia – up to 1 year*
- New Zealand – up to 23 months
- France – up to 2×12 months
- The United Kingdom – up to 2+1 years
- Japan – up to 1+1 years
- South Korea – up to 2×24 months
*Up to 3 years if you work in specified jobs.
Who can apply?
Requirements are minimal, as Working Holiday Visas were designed to be especially accessible to young adults. You just have to:
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be between 18 and 35 (or 30 for some countries)
- Hold a Canadian passport valid for the entire stay
- Be able to show proof of at least a few thousand dollars in savings, enough to support yourself at the beginning of your stay (exact amounts vary by country, details in our application guides)
- Not be accompanied by dependents
How to apply for a Working Holiday Visa
Each country issues its own Working Holiday Visas and sets its own visa application process. In general, you’ll need to:
- Gather your supporting documents
- Complete the application form
- Attend a visa appointment (if applicable)
- Await approval and prepare for departure
If you’re ready to learn more, check out our detailed application guides for each country, written from personal experience.
- 🇦🇺 Australia WHV application guide
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand WHV application guide
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom WHV application guide
- 🇫🇷 France WHV application guide
- 🇰🇷 South Korea WHV application guide
- 🇯🇵 Japan WHV application guide
What can I do on a working holiday?
You get to decide what your grand adventure looks like! For inspiration, here are some past stories:
- Jackson moved to Paris to perfect his French and even got to experience the 2024 Paris Olympics as a local.
- Pamela worked more than 10 jobs while backpacking across New Zealand.
- Camille based herself in Tokyo and made trips to other cities across Japan during her working holiday in Japan, before then returning to school.
- Aiyana went on three working holidays: to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada! In travelling solo, she’s also gained confidence in herself.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on a working holiday is more than just a gap year: it can be a life-changing experience. Whether you dream of sipping flat whites in Melbourne, exploring ancient temples in Kyoto, hiking through the fjords of New Zealand, or discovering hidden corners of Europe, a Working Holiday Visa opens the door to cultural discovery, personal growth, and unforgettable memories.
Canada’s wide network of WHV agreements offers you the freedom to work and travel in over 30 countries. You can build your international CV, improve your language skills, and create friendships that span continents, all while living your own adventure.
But the key to making the most of this opportunity lies in preparation, flexibility, and an open mind. Do your research, plan your budget, stay curious, and most of all, dare to step outside your comfort zone.
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