Working Holiday Visa Canada: Requirements and How to Apply For It

Ready for an exciting journey? The Working Holiday Visa Canada awaits your golden opportunity! Moreover, say goodbye to conventional permits, as this one grants you the freedom to travel and work full-time for an entire year!

Accompany us in this guide where we reveal the strategies for obtaining a Working Holiday Visa Canada. We’re deciphering its requirements and application process for your Canadian adventure!

What is the Working Holiday visa Canada?

The Working Holiday Visa Canada is a unique opportunity for young foreigners, providing them with the chance to reside in Canada for one year. Upon acquisition, you gain the legal right to study and work during your stay.

This visa brings forth numerous advantages. Here, we outline the main reasons why the working holiday visa Canada is so appealing:

• Allows a stay of up to 12 months in Canada (with the possibility of extension in some cases) — ample time to explore Canada’s key tourist destinations!
• Work full-time without any pesky hour limits, unlike other visas for Canada!
• Enjoy the freedom to enter and exit the country—ideal for those vacation getaways.
• Study for up to 6 months without hitting pause on your work journey! It’s a prime opportunity to enroll in an English course. You will also enhance fluency, and elevate your job prospects.

Requirements to obtain a Working Holiday Visa Canada

At this point, you must be eager to know if you meet the requirements to apply for the Working Holiday Visa Canada. Well, below we explain them to you so that you have no doubts:

1. Age to apply for a visa

At the time of application, you must be between 18 and 35 years old. If you are older or younger, you are not eligible for this visa.

2. Nationality

Not all countries have a bilateral agreement with Canada to qualify for the Working Holiday visa. You can check if your nationality is eligible on this page.

3. Passport

When applying for a Working Holiday Visa Canada, make sure your passport is valid. It should not be withdrawn or expire during the application process or your stay.

4. Family information

When going for a Working Holiday Visa Canada, remember not to bring along kids or dependents. Getting a de facto or partner visa is a no-go. Yet, your family can apply separately for a tourist, student, or work visa.

5. Curriculum Vitae

Highlighting your family is crucial, but don’t overlook discussing your studies, skills, and work experience for a Working Holiday Visa Canada. The authorities require a copy in English of your resume, so be sure to include it.

6. Economic capacity

Show you have sufficient funds for living in Canada for three months (2500 CAD*) and the return flight cost. A bank statement, not older than one week, is a strong way to prove this.

*Prices are for reference only and may vary.

7. Medical certificate

For roles involving children, hospitals, or if you’ve stayed over 6 months in specific countries, a medical certificate from the Canadian Immigration Department is mandatory. The doctor sends the information directly, so no translation is necessary after the examination.

8. Criminal Record

Usually, they do not ask for a criminal record to grant this type of Canadian visa. But if you have lived outside your country for more than 6 months, you will most likely be asked for it. So we recommend you to have it ready.

9. Medical Insurance

Canada operates a private healthcare system. However, medical expenses, including consultations, medications, and hospital services, can be high-priced. For your safety, the Canadian government mandates medical insurance for a Working Holiday Visa Canada. It must be valid throughout your stay, covering:

• Medical care.
• Hospitalization.
• Repatriation.

10. Biometric data

Your biometric data, such as your photo and fingerprints, usually come into play after you’ve applied. Subsequently, after uploading documents and paying fees, authorities notify you within 24 hours about the office and time for submitting biometrics. You’ve got 30 days from the notification to get it done.

11. Pay fees

Wait for the invite to join the Working Holiday Visa Canada. After that, pay the general fee of 172 CAD*, an additional 100 CAD* for the work permit, and 85 CAD* for biometric data.

*Prices are for reference only and may vary.

12. Unleashing passion with the Working Holiday Visa Canada

Fuel your wanderlust, uncover amazing destinations, and embrace study opportunities in Canada. Additionally, land your dream job and connect with new faces – all for an unforgettable adventure!

This final condition isn’t mandated by the Canadian government but by us. Live the adventure of your lifetime!

Call for applications for the Working Holiday Visa Canada in 2024

Every year, the requirements and deadlines for this visa can change.

However, the scoop is that invitations for the Working Holiday Visa Canada kick off in the second week of January 2024, that means that they are open now. So, get ahead—make your profile and jump in!

Take into account that the deadlines and the number of places vary according to your nationality. For instance:

• Netherlands: they have a quota of 430 visas.
• Norway: they have a quota of 135 visas.
• Luxembourg: they have a quota of 80 visas.

You can check the deadlines and the number of places for your nationality here.

As long as you submit your profile before the date of the last round of invitations for your country, you may receive an Invitation to Apply for a work permit.

Application for the Working Holiday Visa Canada

In earlier sections, we highlighted that spots for the Working Holiday Visa Canada are limited. Here’s the kicker: they’re allocated by a lottery.

Yep, you heard it right, a lottery.

With heaps of applications, the Canadian government uses this system to dish out these visas. Therefore, scroll down for the step-by-step on applying for the 2024 Working Holiday Visa Canada.

First step: get the code to start the application process

Verify your eligibility on the Canadian government website and get a code with which you can register to apply for the visa.

Second step: create your profile and enter the sweepstakes

Once you have registered, you will be included in the pool of candidates. The immigration authorities will check that you meet the requirements and, if applicable, they will send you an invitation to apply (ITA). Remember to keep an eye on your profile and email regularly!

Third step: waiting for the invitation

Upon receiving the ITA, you’ve got 10 days to accept it. After that, you’ve got 20 days from acceptance to submit all the required documents. Keep an eye on the deadline and time to avoid any time change mishaps!

Good luck!

Studying English with a Working Holiday visa Canada

If you’re fortunate enough to secure this visa, enhance it with an English course. As a result, the better your English, the easier job hunting becomes, and the higher your salary.

Studying English abroad has perks: your learning accelerates with daily practice. Furthermore, you can acquire an international certificate. Plus, your professional profile receives a significant boost.

Not sure where to go? Hence, explore some of the best Canadian cities to learn a new language.

Vancouver Vibes: Experience the Cool of Modern City Living

Living in Vancouver is an unparalleled experience, marked by constant tech innovation and eco-friendly policies. Moreover, did you know it’s almost like a city within a forest?

In this Canadian city, there’s space for everyone. Explore various entertainment options: beaches, parks, museums—all in one place!

Toronto Unlocked: Dive into Business English Mastery

Toronto is the financial hub among Canadian cities. It’s your best bet for learning English to reach your career goals. Living in Toronto guarantees an utterly amazing experience.

Montreal Unleashed: Experience the Buzz of a Cultural Melting Pot

For those studying English in Canada and keen on learning French, Montreal is your go-to. The city is packed with plans, with food, music, culture, and art taking the spotlight.

It’s the perfect setup to make new friends!

Renew your Working Holiday Visa Canada

After spending some time in Canada, a unique sentiment begins to blossom—an attachment, joy, and passion.

Consequently, this sentiment makes you hesitant to conclude your experience there, particularly as you establish a presence in the city, cultivate a circle of friends, and step into the Canadian job market.

But why cut it short when your visa is ticking down?

Hence, here’s the good news! You have the option to extend your Working Holiday Visa Canada for an additional year with the Young Professional Visa. It provides an opportunity to lengthen your stay and continue accumulating valuable experience.

This avenue is a fantastic way to enhance your skills in the global economy. Additionally, the requirements to obtain it are quite straightforward:

• Have a job offer contributing to your professional development.
• Work for the same employer during your year of stay.

What if I don’t get a Working Holiday Visa Canada?

Unable to secure this visa due to not meeting requirements or missing out on the lottery? No worries. Alternatives exist to live the Canadian dream. Here are three options worth checking out.

1. Student Visa

The student visa is the most popular option. As its name suggests, the purpose of this visa is to study in Canada. In addition, it allows you to work while studying: 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during vacations.

However, to obtain this benefit, you must enroll in a vocational course or a university education program.

These are the advantages of the student visa over the Working Holiday Visa Canada:

• There is no limit to the number of places.
• The processing process is faster and simpler.
• You can easily renew it if you decide to advance in your studies.

At GrowPro, we can help you to process your Student Visa. Select one of our experiences and fill out a form to receive more information.

2. Employer-specific Work Permit

This visa specifically caters to skilled professionals and comes into play when a Canadian company decides to hire you. Nevertheless, let’s be real—it’s no walk in the park, especially since the company must justify the vacancy to the government.

Now, let’s dive into some tips for landing a job in Canada. First and foremost, showcase your English proficiency; being bilingual significantly boosts your hiring odds by up to 40%. Additionally, explore job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, Jobs in Canada, or Kijiji.

To further enhance your prospects, boost your networking game. Attend job fairs and professional meet-ups in your field of interest.

3. Try again next year

The third option, waiting until next year, may not be the best choice as things can change in the blink of an eye. For instance:

• Your situation might change.
• Visa requirements may shift.
• The number of spots offered by Canada can fluctuate.

In a nutshell, if you’re eager to study and work in Canada, plenty of options are available. Don’t let missing out on the Working Holiday visa be an excuse. Dive into the adventure; it’ll be one of your best experiences.

What jobs can I get with the Working Holiday Visa Canada?

Securing a job in Canada with a Working Holiday visa is a breeze. This visa grants you an open work permit, allowing you to work with any employer not on the “ineligible list.”

As you aim to travel and work, consider landing an unskilled job like:

• Barista.
• Waiter.
• Kitchen assistant.
• Cleaner.

With the enticing jobs we’re unveiling, you can pocket approximately 520 to 670 CAD per week. Moreover, in certain roles, tips can sweeten the deal, making it a pretty good offer, right?

Generally, jobs available with the Canada Working Holiday visa don’t demand extensive work experience. However, some do call for an intermediate English level, so factor that in before sending your resume.

How to get a job in Canada?

When working in Canada with a Working Holiday Visa Canada, keep these key things in mind:

• Stay flexible and keep a positive attitude. Some jobs for young people don’t need high qualifications, and they’re easy to land. Keep an open mind.
• Craft a strong resume. In Canada, photos on resumes aren’t standard; if relevant, include an updated portfolio and a cover letter.
• Stay informed about the minimum wage in Canada. Currently, it’s 16.65 CAD per hour at the federal level.
• Use all available means to find a job in Canada. Go old-school with handing out resumes, sign up on job sites and boards, explore Facebook groups for foreigners in Canada, and seek recommendations from friends and contacts you make there.

Planning on studying in Canada? At GrowPro, we can process your Student Visa!

Ready to dive into the Canadian learning scene? Well, look no further! At GrowPro, we’ve got your back, expertly guiding you through the maze of student visas and travel requirements for your Canadian adventure.

Embark on our experiences in Canada and take a giant leap into programs shaping your professional profile, whether it’s in the realms of tourism or business.

Eager for more details? Just drop your info in the form of your preferred experience! We’ll swoop in with free advice, providing the inside scoop on alternative routes to your Canadian dreams.

Don’t wait any longer, future grower!