Work Holiday Visa FAQ
The working holiday visa is an initiative of the Canadian government, in
association with various participating countries, which allows young people to
travel and work whilst abroad. More information can be found at the
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website.
What is a working holiday visa?
Working holiday visas were designed for Canadian citizens who want to travel
abroad and supplement their stay with a temporary job. Such visas attract a lot
of students and young professionals who use their time abroad to gain relevant
international work experience in fields relating to their area of employment or
study.
How do I qualify for a Working Holiday Visa?
You must be a Canadian citizen living in Canada aged between 18 and 35. Each
country participating in the working holiday visa program also sets its own
eligibility criteria; many only extend working holiday visas to those aged 18 to
30.
Which countries participate in the working holiday visa scheme?
The following countries take part in the program: Australia, Belgium, Chile,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy,
Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the UK. Austria and
Switzerland have working holiday visas for young professionals and students in
co-op education programs.
How do I apply for a working holiday visa?
You must apply to the immigration authority of the country you wish to visit.
You can find links to the relevant visa offices on the
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website.
Do I need a passport to get my working holiday visa?
Yes. You must have a Canadian passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
and one blank page for your visa stamp.
How long does a working holiday visa allow me to stay?
The length of time you can stay in a country varies between program participants
e.g. Australia allows stays of up to 12 months, whilst the UK allows Canadian
citizens to stay up to 2 years. Please see the program for the
country you wish to visit.
Do I have to be a student to get a working holiday visa?
No. You must be a Canadian citizen who meets the age requirements of the country
you wish to visit. You do not have to be a student or professional worker to
apply.
Do I need to arrange work in the country before I apply for my visa?
That depends on the country you intend to visit. Some allow you to look for work
when you arrive; others demand that you have work arranged before you leave. You
should double check the requirements with the country you intend to visit before
making arrangements as each country applies its own visa rules to the program.
How much does it cost to get a working holiday visa?
Costs for the visa vary from country to country e.g. the cost for the visa for
Latvia is CDN $230, whereas the visa costs in Chile are USD $440. Additionally,
travel to the country you choose will affect the price as will accommodation and
the cost of living and the rate of exchange you get for your Canadian dollars.
Do I need a job in Canada before I apply for a working holiday visa?
No, but many of the participating countries require you to prove that you have
sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. The amount required
varies from country to country. You must produce valid bank statements to
confirm your financial status.
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