Working Holiday (IEC) Visa Canada
To work in Canada you need a work permit from ‘International Experience Canada’ (the IEC) who are the immigration and citizenship department of the Canadian Government. A limited number of work permits are available each year so it’s important to apply early and ensure your application is accurate, for your best chance of being allocated one.
The 2022 IEC pools are now open. Book now for 2022 and get prepped for your Working Holiday in Canada.
Recognized Organisation (RO) programme
The RO programme will open on the 16th February 2022 at 10am UK time. Bookings can only be made online - click here to book.
| Nationality & age | Visa Status | Visa duration |
| American - 18-35 years old | IEC pools now open for 2022. | Up to 12 months |
| Australian - 18-35 years old | IEC pools now open for 2022. | Up to 24 months |
| British - 18-30 years old (31- 35 years old – eligible for BUNAC Recognized Organisation programme – see below) | IEC pools now open for 2022. | Up to 24 months |
| German - 18-35 years old | IEC pools now open for 2022. | Up to 12 months |
| Irish - 18-35 years old | IEC pools now open for 2022. | Up to 24 months |
| New Zealand - 18-35 years old | IEC pools now open for 2022. | Up to 23 months |
If you hold a passport of another nationality, please head to the International Experience Canada.
All nationalities: Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years
Visa costs
- Visa cost - $253 CAD
- Biometrics appointment cost $85 CAD
- Support Funds required $2500 CAD (Americans don't need support funds)
How can BUNAC help?
BUNAC are the experts on all things Canada. With over 35 years’ experience helping young people to work in Canada, we will guide you through the visa process to make it as simple as possible. The following visa support is included as part of both the Essentials and Ultimate programs:
- Step-by-step visa guidelines on your personal BUNAC online account, allowing you to submit your visa application correctly first time
- Access to an exclusive Work Canada Facebook group, allowing you to meet like-minded travellers before you depart
- Email alerts throughout the IEC season guiding you through each step
Please note that the IEC visa application is made directly through the Canadian High Commission. Take a look at the other pre-departure and in-country inclusions on the Essentials and Ultimate programs.
FAQs- IEC Visa
What is the IEC?
International Experience Canada (the IEC) are the immigration and citizenship department of the Canadian Government. They are responsible for issuing the Work Permit which allows you to work in Canada.
When should I apply?
The annual opening date for the IEC visa selection pool can vary each year and depends on your nationality. Check the table above to see if visa applications are open for your country for 2022. You can enter the IEC pool as soon as it opens and BUNAC will notify you when they open if you are booked on the programme.
What does 'entering the pool' mean?
In order to be in with a chance of obtaining an IEC visa, you must submit your application to a pool of candidates looking to do the same. Once you submit your job offer form the IEC then choose candidates at random to accept an 'Invitation to Apply' for the visa and to submit a full application within a specified time frame. Don't worry too much about the process - we will walk you through it step-by-step once you are on the Work Canada program.
What is an invitation to apply?
An Invitation to apply is the document you need before starting your work permit application.
RO (recognized organization) programme
The RO (recognized organization) letter is an exclusive visa programme for those not eligible for the regular IEC Working Holiday visa. This programme is open to.
- UK Passport holders aged between 31 –35 years old
- A returning IEC participant that has already done their regular IEC Working Holiday visa
The 2022 allocation of RO letters will go on sale on the 16th February 2022 at 10am UK time. Bookings can only be made online - click here to book.
FAQs- RO (Recognized Organization) Letter
How can I get an RO letter?
The 2022 allocation of RO letters will open for sale on the 16th February 2022.
Why does BUNAC have access to “Recognized Organization" letters?
BUNAC are partnered with SWAP, an organization that has been allocated "RO Letters" ("Recognized Organization" letters). This means that BUNAC can provide a limited number of applicants with a RO Letter who ordinarily would not meet the criteria of the IEC Work permit program.
- Age 31-35 years old
or - A returning IEC participant that has already done their regular IEC Working Holiday visa
How much is the RO programme?
There are two programme options to choose from
- Work Canada Recognised Organization Essentials - £800 / €949 / AUD 1,509 / NZD 1,550 / USD 1,099
- Work Canada Recognised Organization Ultimate - £970 / €1,169 / AUD 1,839 / NZD 1,959 / USD 1,329
These include the same inclusions as our normal Work Canada Essentials and Work Canada Ultimate programs, plus the RO Letter which allows you to have an IEC Pool Nomination. Please note that the amount must be paid upfront and in full - we will not take deposits. As with our regular Work Canada programs this cost covers the support program, and the RO Letter. This price does not include the cost of the visa itself, the ACRO Police Check, Support Funds and Biometrics Appointment. For a full breakdown of other costs please see our Work Canada Costs.
Why is the RO programme more expensive than the regular Work Canada program?
The Work Canada RO programme is more expensive than the standard Work Canada program. This is because of the additional fees associated with the RO Letter issuing process.