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: 2,735 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 Irish citizens, so you must apply on a valid Irish 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.
- Ireland 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.
Length and stay
24-month stay.
Repeat participation
Working Holiday once only (a second time is via International Co-op, which requires being a student).
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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