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.
Canada working holiday visa Applications now open for 2024
IEC VISA. The Canada IEC visa pools for 2024 opened on the 11th Dec 2023. Book now with a deposit for Canada '24!
RO LETTER. BUNAC is given a quota of Recognised Organisation (RO) places each year, which usually sell out in minutes. (Think Glasto, minus the mud). To make it as fair as possible, getting an RO works on a ballot system where names are anonymously drawn. The first round of invites will be drawn on the 8 January, so for the chance to get an RO Letter, you must register for the RO ballot now. If your name is drawn, you’ll then have seven days to pay your program fee.
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. |
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Visa cost: CAD $272, 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. |
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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?
18-35 years old
18-35 years old, repeat participation allowed on RO program
18-35 years old.
18-35 years old
18-35 years old, repeat participation allowed on RO program
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?
Recognised Organisation (RO) Letter
The benefit of the RO Letter is repeat participation beyond what you can do outside of the regular IEC stream, and the length of time you get a visa for. For example, if you’re about to turn 35 or 36, you can now apply on your own for a second 12-month visa. But by the time it expires, you will have aged out of the program and won’t be able to apply with the help of an RO, which would give you 24-months instead of 12 if you applied for your second participation directly with the IEC. Check out this blog for more scenarios on how to use the IEC and RO visas to maximise your time in Canada, or use ’Ask a question’ to speak to a Canada expert.
Must be a UK, Australia or New Zealand passport holder aged 18-35. |
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Visa cost: CAD $272, biometrics appointment cost: $85, support funds required: $2,500. |
Must have no criminal convictions in the past five years. |
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Duration: 12-24 months. |
Recognised Organisation (RO) FAQs
How can I get an RO letter?
The RO works on a ballot system, where names are anonymously drawn. The first round of invites will be drawn on the 8th January '24, so for the chance to get an RO Letter, you must register for the RO ballow now. If your name is drawn, you'll then have seven days to pay your program fee.
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?
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. |
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IEC Participation fee: CAD $161, Employer Compliance Fee (paid for by employer): $230. |
Must have a job offer for an employer in Canada. |
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Duration: 12-24 months, depending on your nationality. See the below FAQs for more. |
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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?
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.