Visa snapshot
Verified on 17 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
- Proof of funds (IEC standard)
Extensions
- Further stay
- Available, conditions apply
Quota or ballot
- Allocation
- WH pool open 2026
- No ballot
Reciprocal healthcare
- Agreement in place
- No
- Private health insurance needed
On this page
Eligibility at a glance
- Passport: This route is for Slovak citizens, so you must apply on a valid Slovak passport.
- Age: You must be aged 18 to 35 when you apply, not when you travel.
- Funds: Proof of funds (IEC standard)
- Health: Must meet Canadian health requirements
Eligibility and conditions
Who can apply
Open work permit. WH category confirmed for this nationality.
- 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.
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).
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the Canadian Government's official visa portal. Processing typically takes 2-8 weeks.
Apply Now →Get ready for Canada
Sort out the essentials before you arrive, from banking and mobile data to flights, accommodation and insurance.
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Essential setup
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.
Mobile and connectivity
Set up a local number or eSIM in Canada for data and calls. The major networks have the widest coverage; budget MVNOs run on the same towers for less.
Plan and book your trip
Useful tools for arranging your insurance, flights and first accommodation.
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Skyscanner
Compare flights to Canada from hundreds of airlines.
Hostelworld
Book your first nights in Canada. Hostels and budget stays.
Your first-week checklist
The practical order of things for your first days. What to sort and where to go next.