A working holiday in Canada is an opportunity to make money while funding your travels around the Great White North. International Experience Canada’s working holiday program allows internationals between the ages of 18-35 to work and travel around Canada for up to 2 years while on a work permit. There are tons of entry level jobs you can do across Canada’s 10 providences and no limit on the length of time you can spend in one job. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Canada’s working holiday program, how to apply, what to do when you arrive in Canada, and more.
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A Working Holiday in Canada
What is a Working Holiday
A working holiday is when you visit a country for an extended period of time while working a paid job in order to fund your travels.
Canada’s Working Holiday Program
International Experience Canada (IEC) offers a working holiday program. This program allows internationals ages 18-35 to work and travel in Canada for up to 24 months while on a work permit. There is a limited number of these work permits approved each year, and applicants must apply when slots are open.
Requirements
To be eligible for Canada’s working holiday program you must be between the ages of 18-35 and hold a passport from one of the countries they have a mobility agreement with, such as; Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK, and many other European countries. You can search for your country on Canada’s eligible countries list.
You will also need proof of CAD $2,500 (roughly $1,780 USD), proof of a return ticket or funds to purchase a return ticket, and health insurance for the duration of your stay.
If you’re Not on the Eligible Countries List
If you are not from an eligible country, such as the USA, you can still work in Canada through the working holiday program. To do so, you will need to work with a recognized organization. Once accepted by one of these organizations, they will work with you to obtain your work permit through Canada’s working holiday program.
These organizations do charge third party fees. If this option does not interest you, there are 6 countries that offer working holiday visas for US citizens that you can consider.
Duration of Stay in Canada
You can work and travel in Canada for up to 24 months (2 years). Some countries are limited to 12 months.
Work you can do on a Working Holiday
You can work almost any job within the country as long as your work permit is valid. There are no time constraints on the length of time you need to work with a single employer.
Money you Can Make
In Canada, each province has their own set minimum wage. As of 2026, the lowest wage is in Alberta at $15.00/hr and the highest is Nunavut at $19.75/hr. The money you make will also depend on your specific job, how many hours you work, and how good you are at saving.
Entry and Exit Restrictions
You are able to enter and exit the country of Canada as many times as you want while your work permit is active. However, it is not the permit that allows you entry. You will need to ensure you have your temporary residence visa and/or an electronic travel authorization when you reenter the country. Even with a valid work permit, it is possible to be denied at the boarder.
How to Apply for a Working Holiday in Canada
Requirements
To be eligible for the Canada working holiday program you must be between the ages of 18-35 and hold a passport from one of the countries they have a mobility agreement with. (You can search for your country on Canada’s eligible countries list.) You also need proof of CAD $2,500 (roughly $1,780 USD), a return ticket or proof of funds to purchase a return ticket, and health insurance for the duration of your stay.
If you are Not on the Eligible Country List
If you are not from an eligible country, such as the USA, you can still work in Canada through the working holiday program. To do so, you will need to work with a recognized organization. Once accepted by one of these organizations, they will work with you to obtain your work permit through Canada’s working holiday program.
For US citizens, the two current ROs are; SWAP Working Holiday (who are in partnership with JENZA and BUNAC) and IAESTE.
Cost
It costs CAD $184.75 (about $130 USD) to apply for Canada’s working holiday program. During the application process, you will also need to pay CAD $100 (about $72 USD) for an open work permit holder fee.
These fees do not account for any medical checkups, biometrics appointments, or other document fees you may need to pay in order to apply for the program. If you are working with a recognized organization, there will be higher fees for the RO’s support.
You should also consider the following start-up costs; round-trip airfare, transportation to/from your destination, police clearance, health/travel insurance, phone/sim card, and other start up costs.
When to Apply
Invitations need to be open in order for you to apply. If you are on the eligible country list, you can check to see if invitations are open, here. If you are not on the list, you will need to reach out to a recognized organization to see if applications are open. If they are closed, you will need to wait.
How to Apply
Step 1: Create an IEC Profile
First, you must create an IEC profile on the Government of Canada’s website. On the profile you will submit your personal information and passport. If you are working with an RO, you will submit a letter of approval from them during this time.
When you submit your profile you will be entered into their pool of possible applicants.
Step 2: Accept an Invitation & Apply
If you are chosen from the pool of qualified applicants, you will then be sent an invitation to apply (ITA) for a work permit. You then have 10 days to accept and 20 days to apply. You will log back into your IEC profile to continue the application process.
On your profile, you will upload your supporting documents and further information. The documents you will need to upload are; passport, digital photos, resume/cv, police certificates, proof of residency, and medical exams. Depending on your current situation/country you may need to submit other documentation. The application process will guide you through each step.
Step 3: Biometrics Appointment
A biometrics appointment is an in person meeting where you complete a security check and submit background information. You will receive a “how to” guide on how to do this during your application process. You will have 30 days to complete your appointment and submit this information.
You will need to pay your own way to visit the closest biometric appointment office during a pre-scheduled time. The closest appointment could be in a city that is several hours away from you. During this appointment they will verify your passport and take your fingerprints.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once you have completed your application and have uploaded all documents, double check to make sure everything is correct! Then, submit your application.
How Long it Takes
Once your application is submitted, it can take up to 7 weeks for your work permit to be proceed.
Next Steps
Once your work permit is granted, you will have up to 12 months to enter into the country. Be sure to purchase your health insurance for the length of your stay, before you enter the country. Upon entry, your work permit will be given to you by boarder staff. If you do not enter within 12 months, your work permit will become void.
If you are Rejected
If you are denied a work permit through the working holiday experience, you can reapply but will need to start from the beginning; make a new IEC profile, wait to be sent an invitation to apply, and then apply.
Choosing a Job on Working Holiday in Canada
Job Restrictions
Canada’s working holiday programs offers an open work permit. This means you are able to work almost any job without time restraints, so long as your permit is valid.
Popular Working Holiday Jobs
There are many different kinds of entry level and skilled jobs you can do on a work permit in Canada. Some of the most popular roles are in the hospitality industry. A general list of posibilites you can consider are;
- Hotels, Resorts, & Lodges: housekeeping, server, front desk, admin, or retail.
- Ski Resorts: liftie, ski instructor, car park, attendant, ski patrol, or rentals.
- Food Service: barista, bartender, server, dishwasher, cook, baker, or chef.
- Childcare: summer camp, au pair, or nanny.
- Labor & Construction: landscaping, groundskeeping, general construction, or factory work.
- Horticulture: fruit picking, tree planting, harvesting, or vineyard work
How to Choose a Job
When choosing a job, consider what your goals are for your working holiday. Are you hoping to work as much as possible to save a bunch of money and then travel for as long as you can? Is your goal to get experience in a specific industry? Do you just want an easy part-time job so that you can enjoy your holiday?
You should choose your job based on what you want your working holiday to look like.
How Long it Takes to Find a Job
In Canada, past working holiday participants say that the length of time it takes to find a job really depends on the location and the season.
If you are applying for the start of the summer or winter season, it can be easier to find a job because summer camps, ski resorts, and other seasonal businesses need new staff for their upcoming season. If you are applying in a busy city, it may take longer than it would if you were applying in a more remote location because you are competing against more applicants.
Choosing a Location in Canada
What to Consider When Choosing a Location
When deciding what city/town you want to live and work in while in Canada, you should consider the following;
- What is the entertainment in the area?
- Do you want to live in a busy city or smaller town?
- What weather do you prefer?
- What transportation is available to you? How will you around?
- What do you want your days off to look like?
- Do you want to be surrounded by other expats or be around locals?
- Are there things on your bucket list that will effect where you want to spend your time?
- What kind of housing is there?
- What is the cost of groceries in the area?
Locations to Work in Canada
Canada is broken down into 10 provinces and 3 territories. While the provinces have their own power, Canada’s territories are ruled by the federal government and have power that is delegated to them by the Parliament of Canada. Each location has their own vibrant cities and access to beautiful wild spaces. You are able to work and travel in any of these locations while on a work permit.
Provinces
- Ontario
- Quabec
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Prince Edward Island
Territories;
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
How to Find a Job on a Canada Working Holiday
Websites to Find a Working Holiday Job in Canada
The websites below offer job bulletin boards with listings from employers looking to hire for all types of work. You can apply for these jobs before or after you arrive in the country.
Recruitment Agencies
You can find and apply for jobs with help from recruitment and temporary staffing agencies, such as;
Work with a Recognized Organization
If you do not want to find a job or apply for your work permit on your own, you can work with one of Canada’s recognized organizations. They will help walk you through the steps to obtain your work permit, assist you with finding a job or directly place you in a job, and provide other support. These organization do require their own fees and are considered third party organizations. You can find them on the Government of Canada’s list of recognized organizations.
Canada Work & Travel Programs
Listed below are known companies that offer working holiday programs in Canada. To join these programs, you need to pay a program fee. Each company’s fee will differ depending on what they provide. The programs usually include one or more of the following; visa application support, accommodation, in-country support, job placement, etc…
- The Working Holiday Club
- Global Work & Travel
- JENZA (partners with BUNAC and SWAP)
- InterExchange
- USIT
- StepWest
Applying in Country
Some people state that they hesitate to hire people who have a work permit but are not yet in Canada, because a work permit does not grant you acess to the country. Therefore, it can be easier finding a job by applying through online job boards while in Canada. If you need a job in the meantime, you can sign up for a work exchange opportunity through website like Work Away and then job search while you are in Canada.
Before you Arrive in Canada
How Much Money to Bring
You need to have proof of CAD $2,500 (roughly $1,780 USD) to obtain your visa and enter the country. This amount will get you started while you find a job. Consider the following start up costs; arrival accommodation/rent, transportation, food, cookware, phone plane, laundry, utilities (if not included), and entertainment. It’s also good to have emergency funds in case you need to book a plane ticket home for any reason.
Booking Your Flight
Upon arrival in Canada, you will need to show proof of a plane ticket out of the country or proof of enough funds to buy a return ticket. Therefor, you do not need to book a departure flight unless you know when you need to leave the country.
Health Insurance
Heath insurance is mandatory to work in Canada and must provide coverage for the duration of your stay within the country. Your work permit will be issued for as long as your health insurance lasts and you will not be able to extend that time at a later date.
It’s up to you regarding what health insurance you choose, but it must cover medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation. Remember; health insurance is NOT the same as tavel insurance.
Accommodation
Booking some sort of accommodation before you arrive will ensure you have a place to go when you land and can serve as a home base while you are looking for a more permanent location. Many people choose to stay in a hostel while looking for a more permanent accommodation.
Arriving in Canada on a Working Holiday
Arriving in Canada
When you arrive, you will be asked to show your passport, point of entry letter (POE), proof of health insurance, proof of funds, a plane ticket out of Canada (or proof of funds enough to purchase one), and copies of the documents you provided on your work permit application. If admitted entry, the boarder officer will give you your work permit.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
To legally work in Canada, file for taxes, and access government benefits, you need a social insurance number (SIN). You can apply for free on the GVC website. If you apply online it takes about 5 business days to process. Once complete, you can log into your account and print out the document or request it be delivered via snail mail.
Phone Number / SIM Card
To get a Canadian phone number you will need to buy a SIM card. All phones need to be unlocked in order to install a SIM card. It’s easiest to unlock your phone while still in your home country. You can unlock your phone by calling your mobile provider.
You can buy a virtual SIM card or a physical SIM card. There are tons to choose from so be sure to do your research on what one is best.
Banking
In order to get paid, you will need to set up a bank account. To open a bank account, you will need to provide your passport, work permit, and Canadian address. If you want to open a savings account, you will also need your SIN number. It’s an easy process and once you choose a bank you can set up an appointment or just walk in.
When choosing a bank, consider it’s location in relation to where you want to live and work. If you plan on traveling around the country, it is best to stick with the popular banks that have multiple branches around the country. The largest banks in Canada are; the Bank of Montreal, Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Royal Bank of Canada, and Toronto-Dominion Bank.
Finding Housing
There are short and long-term housing options if you are on a working holiday.
- Hostel
- Hostel’s offer shared or single rooms and are great options if you are looking to connect with other travelers and are trying to save money.
- You can find hostel option by using the website hostel world.
- Airbnb or Hotels
- There are many different types of fully furnished airbnbs and they usually come with necessities such as laundry and cookwear.
- You can find options on the Airbnb website.
- You can also book a hotel, or long term stay with sites like, Booking.com.
- Shared Accomodation
- You can connect with others to search for housing and roommates.
- Find these opportunities through sites such as; Roomies, Roomster, or REIT Roomshare.
- House Sitting
- House sitting is considered a job in Canada, and you do need a work permit to do so.
- Working as a house sitter means room and board is included.
- Join platforms like; Trusted House Sitters or House Sitters Canada.
- Included Housing
- You can find a job with housing included.
- Most of these jobs will be summer camp work, au pair work, or at ski resorts.
- If you work with a work and travel program, they will place you in a job and assit with accomodation.
- Renting
- You can rent a room, apartment, or house while on a work permit in Canada.
- You can find rentals by using websites like; Rentals.ca, Kijiji, or Rentals faster.
- Check out Facebook groups like Working Holiday Canada.
Drivers License
While you can drive on your personal driver’s license (depending on your home country) for a short period of time, you should apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to legally drive in Canada. You can apply for an IDP through the Canadian Automobile Association.
When Your Working Holiday Ends
Extending Your Work Permit
You can not extend your working holiday/work permit. However, as long as you meet the proper requirements, you can participate a second time by applying again via the same way you applied the first time.
Doing a Different Working Holiday VISA
If you had your fill of Canada but want to continue your working holiday, you can do a Working Holiday in Australia, or in New Zealand. If you are from the USA, you can also consider one of these working holiday’s for US Citizens.
Taxes When Arriving Home
You will need to file a Canada tax return for each year you worked. Your employer will provide you with a T4 slip (the documentation that states your income earned and taxes that were deducted). You will be able to use this slip to file your taxes, but this process may vary depending on your specific situation. You can reach out to a tax specialist, or learn more on the Government of Canada’s website.
Going Back to Canada
When your working holiday ends, you are able to enter Canada again on any other legal visa.
Conclusion
A working holiday in Canada is a great way to fund your travels around the country. Hopefully this post was able to provide you with everything you need to know about a working holiday in Canada. Have you been on a working holiday? What was your experience like? Please let me know in the comments below.
