Work in Canada for two years

The visa pool The working holiday visa Canada (or IEC Canada visa) is issued by International Experience Canada – the immigration and citizenship department of the Canadian Government. There are a limited number of visas available each year, which is why you must first register your interest by entering the IEC visa pool. Names are then drawn at regular intervals until all the visas have been taken. If picked from the pool, you’ll receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ (or ITA) for your Canada visa. The pool opens in Dec/Jan each year, and usually stays open until Sep/Oct. Applying early ensures your profile is exposed to the maximum number of name draws - increasing your chances of getting a visa.

Who can apply

• Irish passport holders must be aged 18-35 (inclusive), meaning you must have received your ‘Invitation to Apply’ by your 36th birthday. For other eligible nationalities, click here.
• All applicants must have a police background check, no criminal convictions from the last five years, and attend a biometrics appointment to have photos and fingerprints taken.
• You must be able to show you have CAD $2,500 in support funds – usually in the form of bank statements.

How long for After receiving your ‘Invitation to Apply’, applying for your visa and submitting your biometrics, you’ll receive your ‘Port of Entry’ letter to work in Canada. You then have 12 months to enter Canada. Your visa allows you to work for two years, for the same or multiple employers.

How we help The IEC doesn't allow us to apply for your visa on your behalf, but we provide step-by-step guidance and webinars to ensure your application is submitted correctly. The visa costs (CAD $272) and is paid directly to the Canadian government.

Your working holiday visa Canada gives you the freedom to do casual or career work.

Typical jobs in Canada for backpackers jobs include working in tourism, hospitality, sales, labouring, childcare, retail and seasonal work in ski and summer resorts working as housekeepers, chefs, drivers, lift attendants, ski instructors and more.

The minimum wage differs per state or province, with Alberta, Ontario and British Colombia all around the CAD $15 mark. Most of our ski and summer season employers pay between $15-24 an hour, plus tips where applicable.

You can also work in industries related to your career, education or trade. Here your earning potential will be higher, with up to CAD $40 an hour for skilled workers and uncapped potential for other sectors – especially with a two-year visa to build up your experience and employability.

How we help (USIT Job only) We have a dedicated team that finds Canadian employers looking to take on working holidaymakers. They’re vetted to make sure everything is legit, and when you’ve paid in full, you’ll get access to the Job Hub where you can start applying for jobs.

We work with some of the top resorts in Canada to help you secure a 4-6 month ski season or summer job before you go. Depending on the resort, you’ll need to commit to the winter season (Nov-Mar) or summer season (May-Sep).

Almost all our seasonal employers include subsidised staff housing (around CAD $400-600 per month) and great perks such as discounted lift passes, gear hire and lessons.

If you’d rather wait until you land, your arrival support includes in-person job workshops and CV help. You’ll also have access to our Job Hub for your whole visa to apply for unlimited jobs.

The 5-day Ultimate runs weekly throughout the year and starts in either Vancouver or Toronto. Run by SWAP – our in-country partners – your arrival orientation, job workshops and sessions to sort your bank account etc will start on a Wednesday. Your first night’s accommodation will be on the Tuesday, but if you’re arriving earlier and need extra bed nights – just shout.

You can also use your four nights’ accommodations in Calgary and do your orientation and job workshops remotely.