Working Holiday Visa for Canadians (IEC)

Employment in Canada
| Last Updated: May 10, 2022

Table of Contents

International Experience Canada (IEC)

Maybe it’s time to pack up and begin to explore the world and all it has to offer. “International Experience Canada” (IEC) gives you the opportunity to work, travel and gain experience in one of the participating countries.

If you are trying to come to Canada under this program, see this page.

 

Index

What is International Experience Canada?

International Experience Canada, IEC, provides opportunities for young Canadians to travel and work abroad. In countries that Canada has a Youth Mobility Arrangement (YMA) with you can choose between these 3 travel and work experience programs:

  • Working Holiday: a great way to pay for your travels with temporary work.
  • Young Professional: gain professional work experience in a new country and learn about working in different cultures and work environments.
  • International Co-op Internship: a fantastic way for students to gain work experience in their field of study abroad.

All 3 programs are not available in every country that Canada has a YMA with, so you need to ensure that the country you are interested in visiting has the specific program you are seeking. Canada has treaties with 31 countries that enable cultural exchange between the two countries. You should be between the ages of 18 and 35 or 30: the maximum age may vary depending on what country you plan to travel and work in. The length of the program is usually from 12 to 24 months. A summary of each partner country’s programs and the categories available under IEC are found below. Just click on the country you want to know more about.

Australia Denmark Japan Norway Taiwan
Austria Estonia South Korea Poland Ukraine
Belgium France Latvia Slovakia United Kingdom
Chile Germany Lithuania Slovenia
Costa Rica Hong Kong Mexico Spain
Croatia Ireland Netherlands Sweden
Czech Republic Italy New Zealand Switzerland

If you are a Canadian citizen and are between the ages of 18 and 35, you are likely eligible to travel to any of these countries under the IEC.

 

Australia

You will be applying for a Working Holiday Temporary Visa – Subclass 417. Australia does not offer Young Professional or International Co-op Internships. Depending on whether you are already in Australia, or still in Canada, you have the option of applying for:

A first Working Holiday Visa if:

  1. You have NOT previously entered Australia on a Work and Holiday Temporary Visa – Subclass 462;
  2. You hold a valid Canadian passport (or a passport from one of the countries Australia has the program with; see below);
  3. You are at least 18 through 30 years old;
  4. You are a genuine visitor seeking a holiday in Australia;
  5. You have sufficient funds to support yourself for your stay (AUS$5,000);
  6. You have enough funds to buy a return or onward travel ticket once done;
  7. You will NOT be accompanied by dependent children.

A second Working Holiday Visa if:

  1. You have complied with all the conditions on your first Working Holiday Visa;
  2. Have not previously held more than 1 Working Holiday Visa;
  3. Have completed at least 3 months of specified work in regional Australia while on your first Working Holiday Visa.

You will need to submit a health examination and should purchase health insurance before travelling to Australia. Canada does not have a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia.

You may be asked to provide a police certificate from countries you have previously lived in for more than 12 months, as well as to provide biometrics.

Go here for further instructions on how to apply.

 

Austria

You have the equivalent of all 3 categories available in Austria but they are named differently. You will need to apply for a residence permit in order to live and work in Austria. The programs are:

 

Intra-and Partner-Company Training Program:

Allows workers from both countries to travel to each other’s country to receive or provide training.

  1. Licenses valid up to 4 months are issued, OR
  2. Certificates valid up to 36 weeks are issued.

You must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen between the ages of 18 and 30,
  2. Have NO criminal record,
  3. Have sufficient funds for your return flight and your stay in Austria.

 

Young Workers Exchange Program:

This provides young workers the opportunity to acquire professional experience in tourism, agriculture, and forestry. The maximum length of stay is 6 months. You must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen residing in Canada and be 18 through 30 years of age;
  2. Have no criminal record and no accompanying dependents;
  3. Be a graduate of a recognized university or post-secondary institution with a diploma or degree in:
    • Tourism,
    • Agriculture,
    • Forestry;
  4. Have sufficient funds for the return flight and for your stay.

 

Student Work Abroad Program (SWAP)

SWAP provides an opportunity to live and work in Austria for up to 6 months, or sometimes up to 12 months. You will be given lists of potential employers but it will be your responsibility to find work. You must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen between the ages of 18 and 30;
  2. Be a full-time post-secondary student or recent graduate;
  3. Have NO criminal record;
  4. Have sufficient funds for the return flight and for your stay;
  5. Have a working knowledge of German unless you have a pre-arranged job.

 

Belgium

You have only the Working Holiday category which is meant for Canadian citizens travelling through Belgium who are seeking temporary work to help pay for their travels and is valid for up to 12 months. You must obtain a residency permit for 1 year under which you can work on a temporary basis without having to apply for a work permit. You must:

  • Be a Canadian Citizen between 18 and 30 years of age;
  • Not be planning to work on a more permanent basis;
  • Not be a student pursuing studies in Belgium.

 

Chile

You have the option of all 3 categories in Chile with reciprocal quotas of 750 spaces on an annual basis:

  • Working Holiday: this is for Canadian citizens who wish to help pay for their travels to Chile with temporary work of up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens who want to gain work experience in Chile and further their careers. You must have a signed letter of offer or a contract of employment before applying. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian citizens enrolled at a post-secondary institution for the duration of your stay in Chile. You must be seeking or needing a work placement or an internship to fulfill academic requirements. Valid for up to 12 months.

The requirements are that you must have or be:

  1. A Canadian Citizen;
  2. 18 to 35 years of age on the date of application;
  3. A valid Passport for at least 1 year coinciding with the length of your visa;
  4. Medical Certificate stating your health is compatible with whatever job/activity you will be carrying out in Chile;
  5. Full Medical Insurance;
  6. NO criminal record;
  7. Proof of sufficient funds;
  8. A return ticket within 1 year of your arrival in Chile;
  9. 1 Recent Passport Size Photograph.

The visa application fee is US$135. You must land in Chile no later than 90 days from the date of issuance of the visa. You must submit to an interview – either at a consulate of Chile in Canada, or online – in order to complete your application. Go here for more information.

 

Costa Rica:

As with Chile, Costa Rica has a bilateral agreement on youth mobility with Canada. You have all 3 categories to choose from for a period of up to 1 year.

 

Costa Rican Working Holiday:

The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian Citizen;
  2. Have a return ticket;
  3. Have the equivalent of CAD$2,500;
  4. Have NO accompanying dependents;
  5. Have NO criminal record;
  6. Purchase full Medical Insurance in Costa Rica;
  7. Have not previously participated in Working Holidays.

You will have to apply for a visa and then obtain temporary residency once in Costa Rica. Go here for more information.

 

Costa Rican Young Professionals

The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian Citizen;
  2. Have a return ticket;
  3. Have the equivalent of CAD$2,500;
  4. Have NO accompanying dependents;
  5. Have NO criminal record;
  6. Have a pre-arranged contract of employment or work placement in Costa Rica;
  7. Purchase full Medical Insurance in Costa Rica;
  8. Have NOT participated in Young Professionals previously.

You must first apply for a visa, and then once in Costa Rica apply for temporary residence. Go here for more information.

 

Costa Rican International Co-Op (Internship)

The requirements are the same as 1 – 5 above as well as:

  1. Proof of pre-arranged internship placement in Costa Rica;
  2. Have NOT previously participated in International Co-op.

Go here for more information on the visa and temporary residency application process, which is similar to the other two programs.

 

Croatia

You have available all 3 categories:

  • Working Holiday: for Canadian citizens wishing to pay for their travels in Croatia with temporary work. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for young Canadians, especially with post-secondary degrees, to further their professional experience by working in Croatia. You must have a signed letter of offer, or a contract of employment. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian students enrolled at a post-secondary institution. Must be registered students for the duration of their stay, and want or need to complete a work placement or internship in Croatia in order to fulfill academic curriculum requirements. Valid up to 12 months.

Go here for more information.

 

Czech Republic

All 3 categories are available for those wishing to travel to the Czech Republic:

  • Working Holiday: for Canadian citizens wishing to pay for their travels in the Czech Republic with temporary work. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for young Canadians, especially with post-secondary degrees, to further their professional experience by working in the Czech Republic. You must have a signed letter of offer, or a contract of employment. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian students enrolled at a post-secondary institution. Must be registered students for the duration of their stay, and want or need to complete a work placement or internship in the Czech Republic in order to fulfil academic curriculum requirements. Valid up to 12 months.

Applications must be submitted to the Czech embassy in Ottawa only, in person or by mail.

Find the Czech Embassy

The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian Citizen;
  2. Be 18 to 35 years of age on the date of application;
  3. Have a valid passport with an expiry date at least 3 months later than the end of your stay in the Czech Republic;
  4. 2 identical photographs 35 x 45 mm;
  5. A return ticket;
  6. Proof of sufficient funds (CAD$4,000);
  7. Declaration that you will purchase Medical Insurance;
  8. Declaration of your intention to remain within the Czech Republic and to obtain temporary work;
  9. A self-addressed stamped or courier envelope.

Go here to download the application form and go here for further information.

 

Denmark:

You only have the following category available:

 

Danish Working Holiday

For Canadian citizens who wish to travel in Denmark and help pay for their travels with temporary paid employment. Valid for up to 12 months. The following requirements mean that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. 18 to 35 years of age;
  3. You may work full-time or part-time for a maximum of 6 months of your 12 month visit to Denmark;
  4. The main purpose of your visit must be for holidays and not for work;
  5. Go here for your application form;
  6. Go here for a document check list. It includes:
    • Completed WH1 application form;
    • Passport;
    • Proof of sufficient funds DKK 15,000 (CAD$2,700);
    • Return ticket or an additional CAD$1,000 to pay for one;
    • Proof of travel medical insurance & full Medical insurance;
    • Provincial Health Card;
    • Proof of fees CAD$275.

 

Estonia:

You have all 3 categories available:

  • Working Holidays: valid up to 12 months;
  • Young Professionals: valid up to 12 months;
  • International Co-op (Internship): valid up to 12 months.

The following requirements must be met:

  1. Be legally admissible to Estonia;
  2. Be a Canadian citizen;
  3. Hold a valid passport;
  4. Have NO accompanying dependents;
  5. Have proof of funds (CAD$2,500);
  6. Purchase full Medical Insurance for duration of stay before arriving;
  7. Provide:
    • A pre-arranged employment contract, OR
    • Proof of being registered student at post-secondary institution, OR
    • Proof of intent to travel in Estonia and work to help pay for the travels;
  8. Pay applicable fees.

 

France:

  • Working Holidays: 3D Visa – valid up to 12 months, but you can apply for supplementary visit periods for up to a total of 36 months;
  • Young Professionals: 3A Visa – valid up to 12 months, but you can apply for supplementary visit periods for up to a total of 36 months;
  • International Co-op (Internship): 3B Visa and/or 3C Visa valid up to 36 months, whether in one continuous period or in several periods.

To apply for a further period and extension of your visa, contact the local prefecture in your area of residency in France. Go here for further information. The requirements are as follows:

  1. A valid Canadian passport with an expiry date at least 6 months later than the end of your visit;
  2. Be between 18 and 35 years of age on the date of application;
  3. Have proof of sufficient funds;
  4. Pay all applicable fees;
  5. Produce all requested documents;
  6. Proof of Medical Insurance especially for Working Holiday and Young Professionals who may not be eligible for medical coverage under French social security laws.
  7. For Young Professionals: an employment contract, professional credentials, and any necessary authorization to pursue their profession in France.

 

Germany

You have available all 3 categories:

  • Working Holidays: for those who wish to travel in Germany for tourism purposes and supplement their financial resources with temporary work. Valid for 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for those who wish to obtain further training under a contract of employment and increase their knowledge of German culture and language. Valid for 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for post-secondary students who wish to do occupational activity during summer vacations or internships for training or academic requirements. Valid for 12 months.

The requirements are:

  1. A Citizen of Canada;
  2. Have a valid Passport that expires at least 3 months after the end of your stay;
  3. Be a resident of Canada;
  4. Have NO accompanying family members;
  5. Be between 18 and 35 years of age;
  6. Have Travel Medical Insurance for at least €30,000 (CAD$50,000) before applying;
  7. Proof of ties to Canada (name, address, phone numbers of 2 relatives or friends);
  8. Proof of accommodation in Germany;
  9. Flight and other travel reservations.

Go here for further information and to download forms. You must apply through the German consulate in Toronto or Vancouver and can only apply no earlier 3 months before your trip.

 

Greece:

All 3 categories are available:

  • Working Holiday: for those who wish to travel and holiday in Greece and use temporary work to supplement their funds. Valid for 12 months.
  • Young Professional: for graduates of post-secondary institutions seeking work experience abroad under a pre-arranged contract of employment. Valid for 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for registered post-secondary students who wish to fulfill part of their academic requirements with practical training related to their field of study. Valid for 12 months.

The requirements are:

  1. Canadian Citizen;
  2. Between the ages of 18 and 35 years;
  3. Have a valid Canadian Passport;
  4. Pay the applicable fee of 100 Euros;
  5. No criminal record;
  6. Have a Medical Fitness Certificate;
  7. Have full Travel Medical Insurance for entire length of stay;
  8. Have 2 recent passport-sized colour photos;
  9. Have one of the following:
    • Employment contract, OR
    • Proof of status as registered students AND a pre-arranged contract for practical training, OR
    • Confirmation of intention to travel and holiday and only obtain temporary employment.

Go here for more information on how to apply at the Greek consulate in Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver.

 

Hong Kong:

The only category on offer is:

 

Hong Kong Working Holiday

For those who wish to visit Hong Kong and find temporary paid employment to help pay for their stay. The annual quota is 100. Valid for 12 months.

The requirements are:

  1. Have a valid Canadian passport;
  2. Be a resident of Canada;
  3. Have holidaying in Hong Kong as your primary intention;
  4. Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years;
  5. Have sufficient funds HK$15,000 (CAD$2,400);
  6. Have Medical Care Insurance, including repatriation and liability;
  7. NOT work for the same employer for more than 3 months;
  8. Have a return ticket or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one.

Go here for further information on how to apply.

 

Ireland

All 3 categories are available:

  • Working Holiday: for Canadians who wish to travel in Ireland and find temporary paid employment. Valid for up to 24 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates, who wish to further gain work experience in Ireland. The employment should be related to their degree and/or professional experience. Valid for up to 24 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for registered post-secondary students who wish to complete a work placement or internship in Ireland. Valid for up to 12 months.
  1. Canadian citizenship;
  2. Can reside in Canada or Ireland or abroad. If already a resident of Ireland, you will have to leave the country and re-enter on your Working Holiday Visa, or your International Co-op Internship Visa.
  3. A valid Canadian passport with an expiry date at least 3 months after the date of entry to Ireland.
  4. Proof of Medical Insurance for at least 12 months, along with a signed and dated Insurance Declaration.
  5. 2 passport-sized photos.
  6. Bank letter showing sufficient funds of CAD$2,500.
  7. Payment of CAD$150 fee along with CAD $60 for courier of CAD$15 for registered post return mail.
  8. For Co-op students a letter from a post-secondary institution confirming you are a registered student for the entire duration of your stay, and that your work placement or internship meets the academic requirements of your curriculum.

For more information on how to apply, go here.

 

Italy

Only one category is available:

 

Italian Working Holiday

For Canadians wishing to travel in Italy and find temporary paid employment for up to 6 months. Valid for 12 months. 1000 spots available.

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Have a valid passport;
  3. Be between the ages of 18 to 35 years;
  4. Have sufficient funds €2,400 (CAD$3,300);
  5. Be able to purchase Health and Work Insurance once in Italy;
  6. Have no criminal record;
  7. Confirm intention of travelling in Italy and only working temporarily.

Go here for further information.

 

Japan

You only have one available category:

 

Japanese Working Holiday

For those wishing to holiday in Japan and to work only as an incidental aspect of their trip and on a temporary basis only. You may not work at the following places of work when on a Working Holiday Visa:

  • Bars;
  • Cabarets;
  • Nightclubs;
  • Or any workplace “affecting public morals.”

The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Be currently residing in Canada;
  3. Be between 18 and 30 years of age on the date of application;
  4. Possess sufficient funds to support yourself, including medical expenses: CAD$2,500, or CAD$3,500 for a married couple;
  5. Possess a valid Canadian passport and a return ticket;
  6. Have no criminal record;
  7. Have an original physician’s note stating that you are in good health;
  8. Have never before obtained a Japanese Working Holiday Visa;
  9. Have a detailed itinerary of your stay in Japan;
  10. You are advised to obtain Medical Insurance as you will likely not qualify for employer-based insurance;
  11. You should obtain a Statement of Earnings in English while in Japan and contact Canada Revenue Agency for more information.

Go here for more information.

 

Korea (South)

You have available only one category:

 

Korean Working Holiday

This is for those wishing to travel and work in Korea on a temporary basis. You may enter or leave Korea as many times as you wish during your maximum 12 month stay on a Working Holiday Visa. You are also permitted to study at a private educational institution (Hakwon) during your stay. There are 4,000 spots available.

The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Hold a valid passport;
  3. Be between 18 and 30 years of age;
  4. Be going to Korea for the purpose of a holiday;
  5. Not have previously taken part in the Working Holiday Visa;
  6. Have proof of sufficient funds KRW 3,000,000 (CAD$3,300);
  7. Have a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one;
  8. Have Health Insurance;
  9. Submit travel plans;
  10. Have no criminal record;
  11. Meet the health criteria to travel and work in Korea.

For more information on how to apply, go here.

 

Latvia

All 3 categories are available:

  • Working Holiday: for those who wish to travel and use temporary paid employment to help fund their stay. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates who wish to further their careers by gaining work experience in Latvia. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian registered post-secondary students who wish or need a work placement or internship to fulfill academic requirements. Valid for up to 12 months.

The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Be between 18 and 35 years of age;
  3. Have a valid Canadian passport with an expiry date at least 3 months later than the end of your stay;
  4. Produce a Health Certificate stating that you do not have active tuberculosis
  5. Have one of the following:
    • Submission indicating your intention of holidaying in Latvia and working on a temporary basis to help fund your travels, OR
    • A pre-arranged employment agreement, OR
    • Previous or current registration in a Canadian post-secondary institution.
  6. Receipt confirming payment of State Fee of CAD$145 and Consular Fee of CAD$100.
  7. Prepaid envelope with return address if submitted by mail.

Go here for further information.

 

Lithuania

All 3 categories are available:

  • Working Holiday: for those who wish to travel to Lithuania and use temporary paid employment to help fund their stay. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates who wish to further their careers by gaining work experience in Lithuania. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian registered post-secondary students who wish or need a work placement or internship to fulfill academic requirements. Valid for up to 12 months.

The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Be between 18 and 35 years of age on the date your application is submitted;
  3. Have a valid passport;
  4. Have a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one;
  5. Have NO accompanying dependents;
  6. Have proof of sufficient funds: for Young Professionals and International Co-op participants this is 2,400 Litas (CAD$1,000). For Working Holiday participants this is 4,800 Litas (CAD$2,000).
  7. Have full Medical Insurance for your entire stay;
  8. Pay all fees;
  9. Provide one of the following:
    • Proof of registration at a post-secondary institution, OR
    • Pre-arranged employment contract, OR
    • Proof of participation in a work placement or internship, OR
    • Proof of intention to travel and work only occasionally.

Go here for further information.

 

Mexico

All 3 categories are available:

  • Working Holiday: for those who wish to travel to Mexico and use temporary paid employment to help fund their stay. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates who wish to further their careers by gaining work experience in Mexico. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian registered post-secondary students who wish or need a work placement or internship in Mexico to fulfill academic requirements. Valid for up to 12 months.

Canadians do not require a visa to travel to Mexico. Go here for more information.

 

Netherlands

There are 2 categories available and both require a residence permit:

  • Working Holiday: for Canadian citizens who intend to travel to the Netherlands and find temporary paid employment without need of a work permit to help fund their travels. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates who wish to gain work experience in the Netherlands. Valid for up to 12 months.

The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Have a valid passport;
  3. Are not a risk to public order or national security;
  4. Be between the ages of 18 and 31 years;
  5. Have a return ticket or sufficient means to buy a return ticket;
  6. Have not previously stayed in the Netherlands illegally;
  7. Have not provided false or misleading information or withheld information on previous applications to visit Netherlands;
  8. Have not previously held a Dutch residence permit for exchange purposes.

Go here for more information.

 

New Zealand

The only category available in New Zealand is:

 

New Zealand Working Holiday

For Canadian citizens who intend to travel to New Zealand and find temporary employment to help pay for their travels. You must choose on your application whether to apply for a 12 month stay or a 23 month stay. There are no quotas on Canadians under this category. You may only apply for a 23 month stay if you apply on or after April 1, 2015. If you are currently on a 12 month visa, you may apply to have it extended to cover the remaining months (23 – 12 = 11 for example) by applying while in New Zealand at an Immigration New Zealand office. If you are 35 years old, you should consider applying for the 23 month visa, as you will no longer be eligible to re-apply when your 12 month visa expires.

You should meet the following requirements:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Have a valid passport with an expiry date at least 3 months later than your planned departure from New Zealand;
  3. Be at least 18 and not more than 35 years old;
  4. Have a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one;
  5. Have at least NZ$4,200 (CAD$3,500);
  6. Meet Health requirements:
    • If applying for a 12 month visa NO Medical Certificate is necessary unless you have spent time in a non-low-risk TB country. Go here for more information.
    • If applying for a 23 month visa you must have a Medical Certificate.
  7. Meet Character requirements: go here for more information. If you want to extend your stay beyond 23 months and work permanently, for example, you will need a police certificate.
  8. Not have been issued a visa previously for a Working Holiday.
  9. If already in New Zealand, have a valid temporary visa.
  10. You may enrol in study and/or training courses for up to 6 months while on the Working Holiday.
  11. You will need an IRD (Inland Revenue) number so your employer can deduct taxes. Go here for more information.

Go here for more information on how to apply.

 

Norway

You have all 3 categories available:

  • Working Holiday: for those who wish to travel to Norway and use temporary paid employment to help fund their stay. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates who wish to further their careers by gaining work experience in Norway. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian registered post-secondary students who wish or need a work placement or internship to fulfill academic requirements. Valid for up to 12 months.

The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Be 18 to 35 years of age;
  3. Have a valid Canadian passport;
  4. Have sufficient funds to support yourself at the beginning of your stay;
  5. Have full Medical and Liability Insurance for the duration of your stay;
  6. Obtain a Residence/Work Permit from the Danish embassy in Ottawa.
  7. If planning on staying more than 12 months, you may apply to renew your visa but only for a maximum total stay of 24 months.

Go here for more information.

 

Poland

You have all 3 categories available:

  • Working Holiday: for those who wish to travel to Poland and use temporary paid employment to help fund their stay. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates who wish to further their careers by gaining work experience in Poland. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian registered post-secondary students who wish or need a work placement or internship to fulfill academic requirements. Valid for up to 12 months.

You can travel to Poland for up to 90 days without a visa. You do not need a work permit for temporary employment periods of up to 90 days within a 6 month stay in Poland. Go here for more information on visa requirements.

 

Slovakia

All 3 categories are available:

  • Working Holiday: for those who wish to travel to Slovakia and use temporary paid employment to help fund their stay. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates who wish to further their careers by gaining work experience in Slovakia. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian registered post-secondary students who wish or need a work placement or internship to fulfill academic requirements. Valid for up to 12 months.

The requirements are that you:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Be a Resident of Canada;
  3. Have a valid Canadian Passport with an expiry date after your expected departure;
  4. Be 18 to 35 years old;
  5. Obtain your Temporary Work Stay of Youth from the Slovakian Embassy in Ottawa;
  6. Have a return ticket;
  7. Have sufficient funds of €1,785 (CAD$2,500);
  8. Have Travel Health Insurance previously purchased for minimum coverage of €30,000 (CAD$41,400);
  9. Have a prepaid courier envelope if applying by mail or CAD$15 for the registered mail fee;
  10. Have one of the following:
    • Pre-arranged contract of employment on signed company letterhead, OR
    • Proof of registration at a post-secondary institution in Canada, OR
    • Confirmation in writing of intention to stay within Slovakia while travelling on your Work Holiday and pursuing temporary employment only to fund your travels.

You will receive written confirmation, in Slovak, from the Slovakian Embassy stating to any Slovak employer that you do not need a work permit for the period of your Working Holiday Visa. Go here for further information.

 

Slovenia

You have all 3 categories available:

  • Working Holiday: for Canadian citizens who wish to travel to Slovenia and use temporary paid employment to help fund their stay. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates who wish to further their careers by gaining work experience in Slovenia. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian registered post-secondary students who wish or need a work placement or internship to fulfill academic requirements. Valid for up to 12 months.

Canadians are allowed to use the Youth Mobility Agreement a maximum of 2 times, as long as each time is in a separate category. In general, the requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Be 18 through 35 years of age;
  3. Have a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one;
  4. Have proof of funds necessary for expenses involved at the start of your stay;
  5. Have NO accompanying dependents;
  6. Agree to purchase full Medical Insurance for your entire stay;
  7. Provide one of the following:
    • A pre-arranged contract of employment, OR
    • Proof of registration in a post-secondary Canadian institution and proof of work placement or internship in Slovenia, OR
    • Confirmation of intention to travel in Slovenia and seek temporary work to help pay for the travels;
  8. Pay application fees of CAD$206.

For more information, go here.

 

Spain

All 3 categories are available:

  • Working Holiday: for Canadian citizens who wish to travel to Spain and use temporary paid employment to help fund their stay. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates who wish to further their careers by gaining work experience in Spain. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian registered post-secondary students who wish or need a work placement or internship to fulfill academic requirements. Valid for up to 12 months.

The quota is for 1000 places per year. Go here for further information.

 

Sweden

All 3 categories are available:

  • Working Holiday: for Canadian citizens who wish to travel to Spain and use temporary paid employment to help fund their stay. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates who wish to further their careers by gaining work experience in Spain. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian registered post-secondary students who wish or need a work placement or internship to fulfill academic requirements. Valid for up to 12 months.

The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years;
  3. Have full Medical Insurance;
  4. Have sufficient funds:
    • CAD$2,300 if you have a return ticket,
    • CAD$3,000 if you do not have a return ticket;
  5. Have NO accompanying dependents;
  6. You can apply twice to the program, under different categories each time.

Go here for more information on how to apply. Applying online is faster. You can also apply through the embassy or through a consulate.

 

Switzerland

There are 2 categories available:

  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially those with post-secondary education, who wish to further their careers by gaining work experience in Switzerland. Up to 18 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian citizens who are registered students in a post-secondary institution and wish or need to obtain a work placement or internship in Switzerland. Up to 18 months.

The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Be 18 through 35 years of age;
  3. Provide your permanent address in Canada;
  4. Provide one of the following:
    • Proof of having completed a 2-year training program, OR
    • Proof of being a registered student at a post-secondary institution, OR
    • Proof of having completed your secondary studies;
  5. Register within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland at the local Cantonal authorities;
  6. Undergraduate students may take up a trainee position with no salary if you can prove you have sufficient funds for your stay;
  7. Employment must be in the field in which the applicant has received training;
  8. Have an employment contract before applying;
  9. Pay the CAD$102 fee.

Go here for more information.

 

Taiwan

All 3 categories are available:

  • Working Holiday: for Canadian citizens who wish to travel to Taiwan and use temporary paid employment to help fund their stay. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates who wish to further their careers by gaining work experience in Taiwan. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian registered post-secondary students who wish or need a work placement or internship to fulfill academic requirements. Valid for up to 12 months.

There are 1000 spaces available. The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Be a resident of Canada;
  3. Be between the ages of 18 and 35 years;
  4. Family members of Youth Mobility visa holders should not apply for visas as family dependents;
  5. Provide one of the following:
    • Have a pre-arranged internship or work placement in Taiwan, OR
    • Be a registered student at a post-secondary institution with a pre-arranged internship or work placement, OR
    • Intend to travel in Taiwan and work temporarily to supplement your funds;
  6. Have a valid Canadian passport;
  7. Have a Curriculum Vitae and an outline of your Youth Mobility program;
  8. Have a return ticket or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one;
  9. Have at least CAD$2,500 funds;
  10. Pay the visa fee of CAD$ 118.

Go here for further information.

 

Ukraine

All 3 categories are available:

  • Working Holiday: for Canadian citizens who wish to travel to the Ukraine and use temporary paid employment to help fund their stay. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • Young Professionals: for Canadian citizens, especially post-secondary graduates who wish to further their careers by gaining work experience in the Ukraine. Valid for up to 12 months.
  • International Co-op (Internship): for Canadian registered post-secondary students who wish or need a work placement or internship to fulfill academic requirements. Valid for up to 12 months.

The requirements are that you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen;
  2. Be 18 through 35 years of age on the date of your application;
  3. Have a return ticket and Canadian passport;
  4. Have sufficient funds of CAD$2,500;
  5. Pay all applicable fees;
  6. Purchase full Medical Insurance for your entire stay;
  7. Be able to provide, if necessary, one of the following:
    • Proof of a job contract for career related work in Ukraine, OR
    • Proof of registered student status at a post-secondary institution, and contract for internship, or “production training”, related to field of study, OR
    • Proof of intention to travel and work temporarily to fund your trip.

Please go here for further information.

 

The United Kingdom

Only 1 category is available:

 

UK Working Holiday

For those Canadian citizens intending to travel in the UK and work on a temporary basis to fund their travels. Valid for up to 24 months.

You are able to do the following under a Tier5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa:

  1. Study, but for certain courses you will need an Academic Approval Technology Scheme Certificate;
  2. Work in most types of jobs;
  3. Be self-employed and set up a company as long as:
    • Your premises are rented;
    • Your equipment isn’t worth more than £5,000 (CAD$9,700);
    • You don’t have any employees.

You are NOT able to the following on a Tier5 Visa:

  1. Work as a professional sports person, doctor, or dentist in training unless you have UK professional qualifications;
  2. Extend your stay;
  3. Get public funds;
  4. Bring in family members on your application – they must apply separately.

The requirements are that you must

  1. Be a Canadian citizen and loyal subject to her Royal Majesty;
  2. Be from 18 to 30 years of age – if you turn 31 while in the UK you may remain until your Tier5 Visa expires;
  3. Have NO dependent children travelling with you;
  4. Have NO financially dependent children;
  5. Have Bank Statements proving sufficient funds of £1,890 (CAD$3,600);
  6. Have a valid Canadian passport.

 

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