{"id":397341,"date":"2026-02-24T08:27:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T07:27:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/?p=397341"},"modified":"2026-07-08T09:41:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T07:41:32","slug":"checklist-travel-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/checklist-travel-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Your checklist for travel to Canada on the IEC program"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Going to Canada on a <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/dossiers\/canadian-working-holiday-permit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Working Holiday<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/dossiers\/young-professionals-work-permit-canada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Young Professionals<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/dossiers\/international-co-op-internship-iec-work-permit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Co-op (Internship)<\/a> permit? Congratulations, it\u2019s going to be an amazing experience!<\/p>\n<p>Now it\u2019s time to prepare for your trip to Canada, and you have to make sure to comply with Canada\u2019s latest travel rules and restrictions. Sounds overwhelming? Don\u2019t worry, we have an easy-to-follow checklist just for you.<\/p>\n<h2>1. Buy your plane ticket<\/h2>\n<p>Once you receive your POE Letter of Introduction, you&#8217;ll have 12 months to enter Canada to activate your IEC permit.<br \/>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-dossier-article__info\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"c-dossier-article__info-wrap\">\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTravelling to Canada may sound simple enough, but we recommend that you <strong>avoid transiting through the US<\/strong> on your way to Canada. We explain why in <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/iec-flights-us-transit\/#us\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Travelling to Canada for IEC: Direct Flights vs US Transit<\/a>.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p>You can buy a round trip or one-way ticket to Canada. If you buy a one-way ticket, you will have to show an extra CA$1,000 in savings on top of the $2,500 already required. This is to prove that you have enough savings to purchase a return ticket at the end of your stay.<\/p>\n<p>Pvtistes.net partners with Canadian airlines\u2026 and you can enjoy a few perks as a member!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/aircanada\/\">Air Canada<\/a> for flights between <strong>France and Canada<\/strong>. By using our link for your purchase, 2 pieces of checked luggage are included and the tickets can be changed or cancelled. <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/aircanada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/air-transat-extra-23kg-luggage-allowance-international-experience-canada\/\">Air Transat<\/a> for flights between <strong>Europe and Canada<\/strong>. This offer gives you an extra 23\u00a0kg luggage allowance at no charge. <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/air-transat-extra-23kg-luggage-allowance-international-experience-canada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>2. Ensure your passport is valid<\/h2>\n<p>Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. If it\u2019s set to expire during your stay in Canada, you will be issued a shorter work or study permit. You\u2019ll be able to extend it after renewing your passport but it\u2019s best to avoid the unnecessary hassle and make sure you\u2019re leaving home with a valid passport.<\/p>\n<p>Read <a href=\"https:\/\/ircc.canada.ca\/english\/helpcentre\/answer.asp?qnum=861&amp;top=25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What do I do if I get a new passport after I apply for IEC?<\/a> to learn what to do with your new updated passport information.<\/p>\n<h2>3. Bring your port of entry\u00a0(POE)\u00a0letter<\/h2>\n<p>Bring your port of entry (POE) letter, which is the letter you received from IRCC stating that you\u2019ve been approved for your work or study permit.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t travel to Canada while your permit application is being processed or you may be refused entry. Wait until you receive your POE letter to travel.<\/p>\n<p>If you are going to Canada as a tourist\/visitor (for example, because you are accompanying your spouse who is going to Canada to study or work), you do not need a POE letter. Instead, you must apply for either a visa or an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/visit-canada\/eta.html\">Electronic Travel Authorization<\/a> (eTA), depending on your nationality. Check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/visit-canada\/entry-requirements-country.html\">Entry requirements by country or territory<\/a> to know which applies to you.<\/p>\n<h2>4. Buy health insurance coverage<\/h2>\n<p>Upon arriving in Canada, IEC permit holders (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op) <strong>must<\/strong> be ready to show proof of <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/whv-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">health insurance coverage<\/a> valid for the entire duration of their stay. If you only buy insurance coverage for a few months, you will be issued a shorter permit and you won\u2019t be able to extend it after buying more coverage. See the following explanation from the government of Canada (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/work-canada\/iec\/prepare-arrival.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">source<\/a>):<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cIf your insurance policy is valid for less than your expected stay, you will be issued a work permit that expires at the same time as your insurance. If this happens, you will not be able to apply to change the conditions of your work permit at a later date.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve been recommending <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/whv-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Globe WHV<\/a> travel medical insurance since 2005. They:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Meet the requirements set for by IEC.<\/li>\n<li>Offer great coverage at a competitive price.<\/li>\n<li>Issue refunds for unused months if you decide to end your stay in Canada early to return home.<\/li>\n<li>Accept medical claims online.<\/li>\n<li>Cover winter sports (among other activities too).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Students or travellers<\/strong> who don\u2019t have an IEC permit may want to check out insurance solutions from <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/travel-insurance-for-tourism-and-studying-abroad\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Globe Partner<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/customisable-travel-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Globe Traveller<\/a>, depending on budget and needs.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-dossier-article__info\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"c-dossier-article__info-wrap\">\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more details, read <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/iec-insurance-requirement-explained-2\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IEC Working Holiday Permit: the Insurance Requirement Explained<\/a>.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>5. Proof of sufficient funds<\/h2>\n<p>Depending on your permit and immigration status in Canada, you may have to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses.<\/p>\n<p><strong>IEC permit holders (Working Holiday, Young Professionals or International Co-op)<\/strong> must be able to prove that they have at least CA$2,500 in their bank account (or the equivalent amount in another currency). Your proof of funds can be a bank statement or a screenshot of your bank account. The statement or screenshot must be dated from <strong>within the last seven days<\/strong> and written in English or French (get a translation if required).<\/p>\n<p>IEC permit holders going to Canada on a one-way ticket must show proof of additional funds to prove you can afford a ticket back home at the end of your stay. An amount equivalent to what you paid for your arrival ticket should do the trick.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Students<\/strong> need to show a larger amount in savings, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/study-canada\/study-permit\/get-documents.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">depending on their province of arrival<\/a>. If you participate in an unpaid internship in Canada, you need to have enough savings to support yourself during your entire stay (around CA$1,000 per month).<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"c-dossier-article__info\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"c-dossier-article__info-wrap\">\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<strong>A couple of useful pvtistes.net <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">special offers<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/national-bank-of-canada\/\">National Bank of Canada<\/a> is offering <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/national-bank-of-canada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3\u00a0years without fees + $100 cashback<\/a> once the bank account opening process is finalized.<\/li>\n<li>Desjardins is offering <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/bank-canada-desjardins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free banking for 24 months<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2>6. Other possible documents<\/h2>\n<p>Bring copies of all supporting documents provided in your application (such as police certificates) in case a border services officer asks to see them.<\/p>\n<p>If you had a medical examination for your application, remember that you must arrive in Canada within the 12 months following your exam for the results to be valid. If you plan to arrive more than 12 months later, you will need to take another health examination and present the new results to the border services officer. Otherwise, it will be indicated on your work permit that you are not authorized to work in hospitals or with children.<\/p>\n<p>If you did not have a health examination for your application but have changed your mind since then and would like to work in healthcare or with children, you should book an appointment (with an approved physician) before your departure to Canada and present the results upon arrival.<\/p>\n<h2>7. Housing for the start of your trip<\/h2>\n<p>To find housing for the start of your trip, you may consider a hotel, an Airbnb, or a youth hostel. Don\u2019t forget <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/index.html?aid=1726952\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Booking.com<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/?source=affiliate-PHG-1101l4wnV&amp;affiliate=PHG&amp;ref_id=1011l6kMUgqU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hostelworld<\/a>. Hostelworld is especially good, as it allows you to chat with other travellers staying at your chosen hostel.<\/p>\n<p>For information on finding longer-term housing, read <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/dossiers\/finding-accommodation-in-canada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Finding accommodation in Canada<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>8. Travelling with a partner or children<\/h2>\n<h3>Working Holiday permit holder<\/h3>\n<p>The spouse or <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/common-law-partnership-canada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">common-law partner<\/a> of a Working Holiday permit holder can enter Canada with an <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/dossiers\/canada-eta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">eTA<\/a> or a visitor visa, depending on their nationality. Check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/visit-canada\/entry-requirements-country.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Entry requirements by country or territory<\/a> to know which one applies to you. Spouses and partners do not have work authorization in Canada.<\/p>\n<p>Note that spouses or common-law partners of Working Holiday permit holders may be eligible to <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/canada-spouse-common-law-partner-open-work-permit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">apply for an open work permit<\/a> if the Working Holiday permit holder finds an eligible job.<\/p>\n<h3>Young Professional or student<\/h3>\n<p>The spouse or <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/common-law-partnership-canada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">common-law partner<\/a> of a Young Professional or student can enter Canada with an <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/dossiers\/canada-eta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">eTA<\/a> or a visitor visa, depending on their nationality. Check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/visit-canada\/entry-requirements-country.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Entry requirements by country or territory<\/a> to know which applies. Spouse\/partners of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/study-canada\/work\/help-your-spouse-common-law-partner-work-canada.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">certain study permit holders<\/a> can apply for an open work permit online.<\/p>\n<h3>Travelling with children<\/h3>\n<p>Remember that children need their own <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/dossiers\/canada-eta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">eTA<\/a> or visitor visa (depending on their nationality).<\/p>\n<p>Grade 1 can start at 5 or 6 years old, so <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/dossiers\/working-holiday-visa-canada-couple-kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">parents should check<\/a> with their specific province or territory after they have settled in. Children who must attend school will be authorized to study without a study permit if they have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/study-canada\/study-permit\/prepare\/minor-children\/need-permit.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">visitor record<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>9. Cash, cards, and money transfers<\/h2>\n<p>You can consider mix of strategies:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bring your bank card(s) from home. With modern security features, credit or debit cards should work without risk of being blocked for use abroad.<\/li>\n<li>Bring some Canadian dollars in cash by visiting your bank or a currency exchange bureau. Alternatively, you could also just bring some cash in your home currency and then exchange it once in Canada. However, try to avoid unfavourable exchange rates at places catering to tourists, such as airports.<\/li>\n<li>Upon arrival (or even before, if you have already opened a Canadian bank account), you can consider sending a money transfer through <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/wise-free-transfer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wise<\/a>. Readers of pvtistes.net can get a first transfer with <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/wise-free-transfer\/\">Wise<\/a> without any fees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>10. Check out our Working Holiday in Canada resources<\/h2>\n<p>First, stay up to date with all things Canada on our website, using our dedicated <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/whv\/canada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">destination Canada page<\/a> and our <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/library-of-resources\/?filter-search-for=&#038;filter-country=canada-en&#038;filter-type=&#038;filter-cat=&#038;filter-order=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">useful tips and advice page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Second, join us on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/workingholiday_pvtistes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/whvpvtistes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a> and our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/759093654515311\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dedicated IEC forum<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, download our super comprehensive and useful PDF guide, with 300 pages full of tips and advice to get ready for Canada. It has been downloaded (digital) or purchased (paper) by more than 150,000 of you! <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/guides\/canada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download PDF<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>11. Improve your language skills in Canada<\/h2>\n<p>As Canada is a bilingual country, it might be important to improve your language skills (English, French, or something else!). Take a look at the following special offers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Online courses by <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/promo-20-off-babbel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Babbel (20% off)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>English classes in Toronto or Vancouver with the <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/promo-language-classes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Language Academy of Canada (30% off)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>English or French classes in Montreal with <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/promo-language-classes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Atpal Languages (up to 10% off)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Online classes with <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/promo-language-classes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Global Lingua (10% off)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>12. Get a Canadian eSIM<\/h2>\n<p>On the day of departure, you can set up a Canadian phone number with <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/fizz\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Fizz<\/a>, a cost-effective Canadian operator. <\/p>\n<p>Since they offer eSIMS, you can do so online and there\u2019s no need to wait for a physical SIM card! You can activate it directly on your phone and have internet access as soon as you step off the plane in Canada.<\/p>\n<p>With the promo code <em>PVTZZ<\/em>, you\u2019ll receive a $25 welcome bonus, 4 x 5GB of free data on your mobile plan, and one month of home internet free. <a href=\"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/bonsplans\/fizz\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Going to Canada on a Working Holiday, Young Professionals or International Co-op (Internship) permit? Congratulations, it\u2019s going to be an amazing experience! Now it\u2019s time to prepare for your trip to Canada, and you have to make sure to comply with Canada\u2019s latest travel rules and restrictions. Sounds overwhelming? Don\u2019t worry, we have an easy-to-follow [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":388743,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[906],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-397341","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-prepare-your-trip","pays-canada-en"],"acf":[],"comments_count":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/397341","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=397341"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/397341\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":459162,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/397341\/revisions\/459162"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/388743"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=397341"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=397341"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=397341"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}