Canada Working Holiday Visa Guide

By Sarah Hemsley

Last updated: 8th June 2026

Want to explore the best of Canada while on a working holiday visa? We’ve created the ultimate Canada Working Holiday visa guide, for UK citizens, to tell you exactly where to start! Expect to learn all about visas, how to apply for one, and how the application pools work. Here’s how to kick-start your paid-work adventure in Canada 👇

What is a Canada Working Holiday Visa?

A Canada Working Holiday visa, also known as International Experience Canada (IEC), is a Canadian government programme you can participate in that allows UK Citizens aged 18 to 35 to travel and work in Canada for up to two years. This visa is ideal if you want to:

• Experience work life in Canada - whether you choose one location or multiple

• Earn money to fund your travels while exploring the country

What Can I Do on a Working Holiday Visa in Canada?

On a Canada Working Holiday visa, you get the best of both worlds - work and adventure! With your IEC Canada work permit, you’re eligible for a range of jobs across Canada. Whether you’re looking for seasonal work, flexible hours, or something in a specific industry, the choice is up to you! Casual roles in hospitality, retail, and tourism are the most popular due to decent wages and other benefits depending on the role – which might include tips or staff accommodation. Bonus!

In your free time, you can hit the slopes in Whistler, hike through the stunning Jasper National Park, explore cities like Vancouver or Toronto, and so much more! There are always exciting things to do in Canada. Plus, you’ll meet other travellers and working holidaymakers along the way and have plenty of opportunities to dive into Canada’s outdoor adventures!

Please note that childcare and healthcare fields are prohibited to those on working holiday visas (with the exception of ski/snowboard instruction and camp jobs). For more information please refer to the Government of Canada website.

Why Should I Do a Working Holiday in Canada?

Firstly, Canada is stunning. From the snowy Rocky Mountains to its endless lakes and forests, it’s a backpacker's dreamland. Imagine waking up and having it all right on your doorstep! Well, with a Canada Working Holiday visa, you can! Make the most of your days off by skiing, hiking, kayaking, or just soaking up the lush nature around you. With friendly locals and a laid-back vibe, you’ll feel right at home.

Secondly, it’s all about the experience. A working holiday in Canada means meeting people from all over the world, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and creating unforgettable memories. It’s the perfect blend of work and adventure, plus a great way to create those main-character moments.

How Long Can I Stay in Canada With a Working Holiday Visa?

You can stay in Canada for up to 24 months on a Canada Working Holiday visa if you’re a UK Citizen. This gives you plenty of time for adventure! It’s even possible to extend your participation on a second Working Holiday Visa for another 12 months.

Eligibility & Application Process

There are some requirements for applying for a Canada Working Holiday visa. A few of these include being:

• A UK Citizen with a valid UK passport

• 18-35 years old (inclusive)

• Are travelling with no dependants

• Have saved a minimum of CAN$2,500 for expenses

If you meet all the visa requirements, you can submit an application to Canada’s IEC pools. This is how Canada selects who is chosen. It is basically a collection of all the candidates. Canada’s IEC pools tend to open for application towards the end of the year or the beginning of the following year. Keep an eye on the Government of Canada website for specific dates.

After receiving your application, the Government of Canada can start sending out invitations to apply for a work permit. This is a randomised process. If you are chosen from the pools, you will be sent an invitation to apply for a work permit. You will have 10 days to accept, then a consecutive 20 days to complete your IEC work permit application for the working holiday visa category. Then just sit tight for your approval.

Please note, this can take up to 56 days after the date you submit all required documents.

Check out this step-by-step guide below on how to apply for an IEC Canada visa.

For more information on IEC’s eligibility & the application process, take a look at the official Government of Canada website.

Where to Work on a Canadian Working Holiday Visa

Canada's got it all - buzzing cities, wild scenery, and friendly laidback vibes. With decent wages and an amazing work-life balance, it's the perfect place for a working holiday while you travel!

Although there are working holiday opportunities all over Canada, most travellers find themselves drawn to the country's most popular cities, especially Vancouver and Toronto.

Why choose Vancouver? 🌲

If you choose Vancouver, you'll be surrounded by natural beauty! Seriously, it’s a dream for outdoor lovers. Your days off can be spent hiking in nearby forests & national parks, skiing snowy pistes, or paddleboarding in English Bay. Not only that, but Vancouver is known for its laid-back friendly energy. The city offers endless cool cafes, vibrant markets, and a lively bar scene.

Why choose Toronto? 🏒

If you’re more of a city person, Toronto is the place for you! As Canada's largest city, it’s packed with diverse cultures, exciting nightlife, and endless things to do. You can explore iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, relax on the Toronto Islands, or dive into the city's incredible food and arts scene. Plus, Toronto is known for its ice hockey tournaments. Go to the Hockey Hall of Fame to see the shiny Stanley Cup! If you’re craving some incredible nature, just take a short trip to Niagara Falls.

Working abroad in Canada is a dream come true, but it's not the only country you could find yourself living in.

The Australian Working Holiday Visa is especially famous, thanks to its competitive salaries and speedy response times. We can even apply for this on your behalf!

Prefer cooler weather? The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa could be perfect for your vibe with snowy mountains down in the South Island.

That’s just about everything you need to know about a working holiday in Canada. Feeling inspired to travel around the country first? Our Canada tours are the best place to begin your adventure.

The information written in this article is accurate at the time of publishing. Travellers have an individual responsibility to stay up-to-date on information before going abroad and applying for their visa. Please refer to the relevant embassy websites before travelling.