Canadian IEC (Working Holiday) Program now open

Posted on August 13, 2024 | Last Updated on September 30, 2024

Are you looking for adventure in 2024? Does that include a working holiday in Canada?

There is great news for those wishing to apply for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. It was officially announced that the program is to increase capacity by 20% for the upcoming season. New applications for the visa will be accepted for processing from 9 January 2023. Almost 90,000 people from 36 participating countries will be able to work and travel in Canada.

Keep reading if you’d like to find out everything you need to know about applying for an IEC visa.

What is the IEC visa?

The IEC visa, or also known as “The Canada Working Holiday Visa”, grants temporary work permits to young people from more than 30 countries. This allows them to legally live, work and experience all that Canada has to offer.  Depending on your citizenship, the permits are valid for 12 or 24 months.

You must be between the ages of 18 and 30 to be eligible for this visa (or 35 for some nationalities).

Some countries only allow you to participate in the Working Holiday category once. However, Iif you meet the requirements, you are allowed to take part in IEC once again under the International Co-op category.

The IEC is divided into three categories: The International Co-op category, The Young Professionals category, and The Working Holiday category. You may be eligible for more than 1 pool.

How to apply for Working Holiday Visa Canada?

The first step in securing a visa is to submit an IEC profile.

You will then be added to a Canada IEC pool once this is complete. The next step after being added to the Canada Working Holiday Visa pool is that you will receive an invitation to apply, you will have exactly 10 days to accept it, followed by 20 days to submit your work permit application.

You will also be required to upload several documents to your account. These include:

• Bank statement
• CV/resume
• Passport
• Digital photo
• Medical exams (if applicable)
• Police certificate

More information on the Canada IEC visa application process can be found in our detailed guide.

Am I eligible for the IEC Canada program?

To be eligible for a Canadian working holiday visa, many participants must meet several criteria:

• You must have a valid passport throughout your stay in Canada
• Your work permit in Canada cannot be valid for more than the length of your passport if you are between the ages of 18 and 35. (inclusive)
• Have at least CAN $2,500 to assist with your expenditures in Canada
• Have health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay. When you enter Canada, you may be required to show proof of this insurance.
• Not be prohibited from entering Canada
• Have a round-trip ticket prior to departure or demonstrate that you will have the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket at the end of your approved stay in Canada
• Pay the relevant fees
• Not be accompanied by dependents

While your dependents are not permitted to come with you, they may apply to visit, study, or work in Canada.

Quotas for the 2023 IEC Canada program countries

The table below shows the Canada Working Holiday Visa countries and number of people that will be on the IEC program for 2023.

*TBA = to be announced.

*Note: Mexico and Ukraine are not accepting applicants.

What kind of job can I accept with the Working Holiday Visa?

Thankfully, with the Canada Working Holiday Visa, you have a wide range of options and don’t have to stick to one sector! Many participants of the program work in hospitality as there is a strong likelihood of shorter contracts and seasonal employment.

The Working Holiday Canada Visa is the perfect visa if you want to see all that Canada has to offer while working, and then return home! Sound good? Then apply below!

What’s the easiest way to apply for the Canadian Working Holiday Visa?

Applying for a visa for the first time can be quite stressful and overwhelming. At Visa First we make the process as simple and achievable as possible.

All you have to do is fill out our online form and provide us with the necessary documentation, and we’ll do the rest – we’ll even increase your chances of success!

Apply online for your IEC Working Holiday Visa with Visa First – the one-stop shop for all your visa needs!