CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) offers young people from around the world the opportunity to work in Canada for up to two years, in any Canadian province and for any Canadian employer. The Working Holiday Program does not require a job offer to qualify.
Foreign workers, students and other individuals from certain countries who meet the requirements may apply for this working holiday visa. Canada designed this program for visiting youth seeking Canadian work experience. If you are between the ages of 18 and 35 and are interested in working abroad, consider the working holiday visa!
NOTE: Applicants from some countries will not be able to apply if you are over the age of 30. Check the table below to see if your country participates in this program.
The working holiday visa is relatively easy to obtain. As long as the applicant meets the minimum age requirement, can provide proof of citizenship and residence in their country of origin and does not have any medical or criminal issues causing inadmissibility, the applicant is eligible.
This type of work permit will not allow you to work in certain fields such as healthcare or with children because in most cases, a medical exam is not required. The government processing fees for this and all Canadian work permits are $150 CAD. The length of validity will vary based on your country of citizenship. Refer to the table below to find out if you meet the requirements for a working holiday visa, Canada offers tremendous opportunities for young travellers.
NOTE: Almost all of these programs have limits on the number of work permits issued each year, so act fast & apply now!
If you are from any of the following countries and fall within the listed age range, you are eligible for the Working Holiday Visa:
| Country of origin | Age Requirement | Country of origin | Age Requirement |
| Australia | 18 to 30 | Korea, Rep. | 18 to 30 |
| Belgium | 18 to 30 | Latvia | 18 to 35 |
| Chile | 18 to 30 | Lithuania | 18 to 35 |
| Czech Republic | 18 to 35 | Mexico | 18 to 29 |
| Costa Rica | 18 to 35 | Netherlands | 18 to 30 |
| Croatia | 18 to 35 | New Zealand | 18 to 35 |
| Denmark | 18 to 35 | Norway | 18 to 35 |
| Estonia | 18 to 35 | Poland | 18 to 35 |
| France | 18 to 35 | Slovakia | 18 to 35 |
| Germany | 18 to 35 | Slovenia | 18 to 35 |
| Greece | 18 to 35 | Spain | 18 to 35 |
| Hong Kong | 18 to 30 | Sweden | 18 to 30 |
| Ireland | 18 to 35 | Taiwan | 18 to 35 |
| Italy | 18 to 35 | Ukraine | 18 to 35 |
| Japan | 18 to 30 | United Kingdom | 18 to 30 |
If you are from a country not on this list, it is possible that Canada will establish a partnership for youth work and travel in the future. Be sure to check back regularly!
For more information on obtaining a Working Holiday Visa, please fill out our assessment form.
FWCanada is a Montreal-based immigration law firm that provides professional legal services on Canadian immigration. For more tips and updates on Canadian immigration follow FWCanada on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.
