Eligibility

To apply for a Canadian Working Holiday Visa, you must meet certain eligibility conditions. These may change slightly depending on your home country, but the general rules are:

• You must be a citizen of a country that has an agreement with Canada under the IEC program.

• Your age usually must be between 18 and 35 years (some countries have a maximum of 30 years).

• You must have a valid passport for the duration of your stay.

• You need a clear police record and good health.

• You cannot bring dependents (children or spouse) on this visa.

   

Requirements

Apart from being eligible, you must also meet the requirements during the application:

• Proof of funds: You need to show you have enough money (around CAD $2,500) to cover your expenses when you arrive.

• Health insurance: You must buy health insurance for your entire stay in Canada. Without it, you may not be allowed to enter.

• Return ticket: You should either have a return flight booked or enough money to buy one later.

• Biometrics: Fingerprints and a photo are required at a visa center.

• No criminal history: A police certificate is often requested.

   

Cost & Visa Fees

Applying for a Working Holiday Visa has some costs:

• IEC participation fee: CAD $172* (approx.).

• Work permit fee: CAD $100*.

• Biometrics fee: CAD $85*.

In total, you can expect to spend around CAD $350–$400 in government fees. Extra costs may include medical exams, health insurance, and travel expenses.