Work in Canada

Visas

With 35+ years’ experience helping travellers make the move to Canada, we know a thing or two about the blurry world of working holiday visas. We guide you through the process, ensuring everything is submitted correctly.

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2023 Canada visa update Get your skates on!

IEC VISA. Word is the Canada IEC visa pools will close this September. So if you want to have your Canada working holiday visa ready to head out for summer '24, this is the last chance to enter the visa pools and apply. Otherwise, you'll need to wait for the 2024 IEC visa pools to open for next year - usually in January.

RO letter. We're given a quota of Recognised Organisation (RO) places each year, which usually sell out in minutes. (Think Glasto, minus the mud). The RO allocation is now full for 2023, but check back in early January 2024 for next year's allocation. You can join the waitlist if you still want to get ahead of the curve for the allocation next year. See FAQs below for more details.

Working holiday (IEC) visa

To work in Canada, you need a work permit from International Experience Canada (the IEC) - the immigration and citizenship department of the Canadian Government. A limited number of are available each year, so unfortunately you can’t apply year-round. When you apply, your name gets put into a pool and if you’re successful, you’ll be invited to officially apply for your visa. The pool usually opens at the end of the year or the beginning of the following year. Bookings can be made all year round and we will keep you up to date with visa pool opening and closing dates. However, we recommend booking early in the year for the best chance of securing a visa. 

Aged 18-35, depending on your nationality. See the table below.

 

Visa cost: CAD $261, Biometrics appointment cost: $85, Support funds required: $2,500 (American citizens don’t require support funds).

All nationalities must have no criminal convictions in the past five years.

 

Duration: 12-24 months, depending on your nationality. See the table below.

 

Which nationalities and ages can apply for a Canada working holiday (IEC) visa?

American

18-35 years old

Australian

18-35 years old, repeat participation allowed on RO program

British

18-30 years old (35 years old from 2024).  

German

18-35 years old 

Irish

18-35 years old, repeat participation allowed on RO program

New Zealand

18-35 years old, repeat participation allowed 

IEC visa FAQs

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 that allows you to work in Canada.

When should I apply for the IEC visa?

What does 'entering the pool' mean?

What is an ‘Invitation to Apply’?

What is the duration of my visa?

COST AND INCLUSIONS

(UK passport holders only) Recognised Organisation (RO) Letter

Think you’re too old to live and work in Canada? Brits, we’ve got you. 

 

Must be a UK passport holder aged 31-35 and who has not participated in an IEC program previously. 

 

Visa cost: CAD $261, biometrics appointment cost: $85, support funds required: $2,500.

Must have no criminal convictions in the past five years.

 

Duration: 12-24 months.

Recognised Organisation (RO) FAQs

How can I get an RO letter?

Our pre-registartion for an RO letter closed on January 13th 2023. If you would like to join the waitlist, you can do so by following this LINK. 

 

 

Why does BUNAC have access to ‘Recognised Organisation’ letters?

How much is the RO program?

Why is the RO program more expensive than the regular Work Canada program?

COST AND INCLUSIONS

Young Professionals visa Canada

Are you looking for international career experience, or have you already been to Canada on an IEC visa? Swap your office for a mountain view with BUNAC’s Work Canada Young Professionals program.

Must be a UK or US passport holder and aged 18-35.

 

IEC Participation fee: CAD $161, Employer Compliance Fee (paid for by employer): $230.

Must have a job offer for an employer in Canada.

 

Duration: 12-24 months, depending on your nationality. See the below FAQs for more. 

 

All nationalities must have no criminal convictions in the past five years.

Young Professionals visa FAQs

When do I need to apply?

Our pre-registartion for an RO letter closed on January 13 2023. If you would like to join the waitlist, you can do so by following this LINK.  

 

How long can I work in Canada on the Young Professionals visa?

What type of work qualifies for the visa?

Does my job offer need to be related to my degree?

Can I complete my placement year in Canada on the Young Professional program?

Why do I need to apply through BUNAC to participate?

I've already had an IEC working holiday visa, can I apply for a Young Professionals visa?

COST AND INCLUSIONS
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Confused by Canada visas?

Arrange a 1-to-1 video call with our BUNAC Work Canada team to run through your options or check out our FAQs.

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Missed out on Canada visa?

If you’re desperate to hit the snow but missed out on applying for the IEC visa pool or have already done a Canada working holiday, check if you’re eligible for a working holiday in New Zealand or working holiday in Japan. Like the Ultimate Canada, our Ultimate Japan program even hooks you up with a pre-arranged ski season job in Niseko – home to the lightest and freshest powder in the world. Pow!

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