HomeCanadaBy nationalityIcelandic citizens

Canada Working Holiday Visa
for Icelandic citizens

Visa snapshot

Government verified · 17 June 2026

Age

18-30

At application

Initial stay

up to 12 mo

From grant

Max stay

up to 12 mo

With extensions

Visa fee

$184.75

CAD

Funds required: Proof of funds (IEC standard)
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
Extensions: Available, conditions apply
Reciprocal healthcare: No; Private health insurance needed
Quota / ballot: WH pool open 2026; No ballot
Health & insurance: Must meet Canadian health requirements; Health and insurance details →

Government sourceSource: canada.ca · Verified 17 June 2026 · How we verify →

The detail

Eligibility & conditions

Who can apply

Open work permit. WH category confirmed for this nationality.

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.

Second year 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).

Application

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Make sure you meet all requirements including the age limit of 18-30 and hold a valid Icelandic passport.

Gather your documents

You will need your passport, a recent photo, health insurance details, and proof of sufficient funds.

Apply online

Submit your application through the official government portal. The fee is $184.75 and is non-refundable.

Wait for a decision

Processing typically takes 2-8 weeks. Most applications are decided within days.

Ready to apply?

Apply on the official government portal

Applications are submitted through the Canadian Government's official visa portal. Processing typically takes 2-8 weeks.

Apply Now →

You will be taken to the official Canadian Government website.

Before you go

Get set up for Canada

Banking

Open a local account soon after you arrive in Canada so you can get paid and skip foreign-card fees. Most banks let you start the application online before you land.