Visa snapshot
Verified on 10 June 2026Work and study
- Work rights
- Open work permit: work for most employers anywhere in Canada (jobs in health services, child care, primary/secondary education, eldercare require a medical exam).
- Study rights
- Individual courses up to 6 months; longer study needs a study permit
Funds and health
- Funds required
- CAD 2,500 (bank statement issued within 1 week of departure; covers first 3 months) + round-trip ticket or funds for departure ticket
- Levy or extra cost
- Open work permit holder fee CAD 100 + biometrics CAD 85 if required (typical total CAD 284.75-369.75)
Extensions
- Further stay
- Available, conditions apply
Quota or ballot
- Allocation
- 2026 allocation: 5,670 places (pool-based, regular invitation rounds; often oversubscribed)
- No ballot
Reciprocal healthcare
- Agreement in place
- No
- Private health insurance needed
On this page
Eligibility at a glance
- Passport: This route is for Australian citizens, so you must apply on a valid Australian passport.
- Age: You must be aged 18 to 35 when you apply, not when you travel.
- Funds: CAD 2,500 (bank statement issued within 1 week of departure; covers first 3 months) + round-trip ticket or funds for departure ticket
- Health: Must meet Canadian health requirements
Eligibility and conditions
Who can apply
Passport valid for full stay (permit cannot outlast passport). Health insurance (medical + hospitalisation + repatriation) mandatory for entire stay - permit shortened to insurance validity, no later change possible. Not inadmissible. No dependants accompanying.
- Australia passport holder
- Aged 18 to 35 at time of application
- Sufficient funds: CAD 2,500 (bank statement issued within 1 week of departure; covers first 3 months) + round-trip ticket or funds for departure ticket
General conditions
Pool + Invitation to Apply (ITA) system with rounds of invitations - NOT first-come. One IEC permit per season. Health insurance (medical care + hospitalisation + repatriation) mandatory for full stay - permit shortened to insurance validity. Round-trip ticket or funds for departure. Participation counts only once you arrive and the permit is issued.
Repeat participation
Working Holiday once only (a second IEC participation is via International Co-op only).
Length and stay
24-month stay.
Extensions
Second visa extension
No in-country extension of WH permit. Some countries allow a 2nd participation (UK: 2nd of 12mo; Japan: 2nd of 12mo since 1 Apr 2025; Korea: 2nd of 24mo; Germany: 2nd in a different category; AU/NZ/IE/FR: WH once).
Important application rules
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the Canadian Government's official visa portal. Processing typically takes 2-8 weeks.
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Essential setup
Banking
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