Last Updated on March 29, 2022 by Visa Journal
Do you desire a visa that lets you explore another country and still work part-time there? If yes, then this visa arrangement is yours. The Working Holiday visa gives you temporary work permission. You can therefore legally travel, get employed and earn money while in the country issuing the visa.
A working holiday visa is therefore unique. Of course, you get to travel to your destination country. But also, it permits you to get an open job there. The job enables you to pay for travel expenses, and also still gaining memories and experience for your resume. Ideal, isn’t it?
Eligibility Criteria:
There are certain limits to the people who can get this visa. This opportunity is only for Canadian citizens who are between the age of 18 years to 35 years. If you fall within this age bracket, go ahead and get a working holiday visa for your destination country.
Each destination country has its eligibility criteria. These criteria need you to show that you’re;
- A Canadian Citizen.
- Have a valid Passport.
- You are between 18-35 years old.
- Have savings that are equal to CAD$ 2,500 as support funds.
- Valid Health Insurance
- Police Clearance Certificate
- No Dependents
- You have not taken a working holiday visa for that destination country before. (You are supposed to get only one working holiday visa for each country in a lifetime).
Eligible Countries:
Most Canadian citizens do not know that are many countries offering Working Holiday Visa. These countries include Australia, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine and the UK.
Application for a working holiday visa to these countries requires you to apply with the government of that country. Every country’s application requirements is different. Below are the Government requirements to apply for a work holiday visa for Australia, the UK and New Zealand.
· Australia.
There is a mutual agreement between Australia and Canada. This has made the Working Holiday Visa to Australia a distinct reality. This is for those who are between 18 to 35 years for Canadians.
There is a standard fee of $450 AUD to apply for a working holiday visa to Australia. The least amount that you should have as funds is AUD 5,000 in your account. The visa programs last one year. An extension of 1 year is also possible. Provided you spend three months doing specified work in regional Australia.
Check out this Global Goose website to get a guide on your Australian working holiday visa.
· New Zealand.
Around the world, few nations can match New Zealand as the best place to seek a working holiday visa. If you agree, then know you are eligible if you are between 18 and 35 years. Plus, you get the allowance to travel and work there for up to 23 months.
The financial rule to get this visa is that you should have at least NZD 4,200. These are the initial support funds that support you during your stay. You should also have a return ticket, or you should have enough funds to buy one. There is a standard fee of NZD 245. This is the one time fee for processing your visa application.
Check out the New Zealand Immigration website for more details on this visa application.
· United Kingdom.
Most Canadians will go for this option. Why? Because the UK is a splendid choice for travel enthusiasts who still want to work abroad. There is no language barrier for Canadians in the UK. What more? The UK boasts of having many available job opportunities. Aside from this, you get to experience the great cities in the UK like Manchester, the heart of London, and Liverpool.
The UK and Canada have a strong bilateral agreement. This relation enables Canadians to get this visa with relative ease. It is also called the Youth Mobility Program. You should first ensure that you meet the following rules. You should be between 18 and 30 years. You must pay an initial fee of $315. Your bank account should also have $ 2,530 as savings.
The UK Border Agency website gives the details on how to get started with the working holiday visa to the UK
How can you get a Working Holiday Visa?
- The IRCC gives notice at least five days before each country starts to invite people. Make sure you always stay updated about this notice. If the application time ends, then the pool for that season also ends.
- Create your personalized profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Make sure you do this as early as possible.
- Wait for the draws. Draws are a sequence where selected candidates are invited to apply for a work permit. They happen at regular intervals until the slots for the year get filled.
Validity Period:
The visa lasts between 12-24 months. You are the one who sets the time limit of your stay. However, the maximum length of stay is 24 months then it expires. If you are eligible for this Visa, please contact the nearest Consulate or Embassy of the country that you want to travel to.
Check out the Canadian Working Holiday Visa (IEC) 2021 to know how to get started.
Related Articles: UK Working Holiday Visa, Working Holiday Visa For Australia, New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, Canadian Citizenship Requirements Overview