Visas
With 35+ years’ experience helping travellers make the move to Canada, we know a thing or two about the blurry world of working holiday visas. We guide you through the process, ensuring everything is submitted correctly.
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Canada working holiday visa Applications now open for 2024
IEC VISA. The Canada IEC visa pools for 2024 opened on the 11th Dec 2023. Book now with a deposit for Canada '24!
RO LETTER. BUNAC is given a quota of Recognised Organisation (RO) places each year, which usually sell out in minutes. (Think Glasto, minus the mud). To make it as fair as possible, getting an RO works on a ballot system where names are anonymously drawn. The first round of invites will be drawn on the 8 January, so for the chance to get an RO Letter, you must register for the RO ballot now. If your name is drawn, you’ll then have seven days to pay your program fee.
Working holiday (IEC) visa
To work in Canada, you need a work permit from International Experience Canada (the IEC) - the immigration and citizenship department of the Canadian Government. A limited number of are available each year, so unfortunately you can’t apply year-round. When you apply, your name gets put into a pool and if you’re successful, you’ll be invited to officially apply for your visa. The pool usually opens at the end of the year or the beginning of the following year. Bookings can be made all year round and we will keep you up to date with visa pool opening and closing dates. However, we recommend booking early in the year for the best chance of securing a visa.
Aged 18-35, depending on your nationality. See the table below. |
Visa cost: CAD $272, Biometrics appointment cost: $85, Support funds required: $2,500 (American citizens don’t require support funds). | |
All nationalities must have no criminal convictions in the past five years. |
Duration: 12-24 months, depending on your nationality. See the table below. |
Which nationalities and ages can apply for a Canada working holiday (IEC) visa?
American
18-35 years old
Australian
18-35 years old, repeat participation allowed on RO program
British
18-35 years old.
German
18-35 years old
Irish
18-35 years old, repeat participation allowed on RO program
New Zealand
18-35 years old, repeat participation allowed
IEC visa FAQs
What is the IEC?
International Experience Canada (the IEC) are the immigration and citizenship department of the Canadian Government. They are responsible for issuing the work permit that allows you to work in Canada.
When should I apply for the IEC visa?
The annual opening date for the IEC visa selection pool can vary each year and depends on your nationality. The IEC visa pools for 2024 opened on the 11th December and are expected to close around September/October 24.
What does 'entering the pool' mean?
To be in with a chance of getting an IEC visa, you must submit your application into a pool of candidates. People will be chosen at random to accept an ‘Invitation to Apply’ for the visa once your job offer form has been submitted. You can then officially apply for the visa within a specified time frame. Don't worry too much about the process, that’s what we’re here for. We’ll walk you through it step-by-step once you’re on the Work Canada program.
What is an ‘Invitation to Apply’?
An Invitation to Apply is the document you need before starting your work permit application.
What is the duration of my visa?
Your visa duration will depend on your nationality.
American – up to 12 months
Australian – up to 24 months
British – up to 24 months
German – up to 12 months
Irish – up to 24 months
New Zealand – up to 23 months
For all other nationalities please contact us for information.
COST AND INCLUSIONS
Recognised Organisation (RO) Letter
Thebenefit of the RO Letter is repeat participation beyond what you can do outside of the regular IEC stream, and the length of time you get a visa for.For example, if you’re about to turn 35 or 36, you can now apply on your own for asecond12-month visa. But by the time it expires, you will have aged out of the program and won’t be able to apply with the help of an RO, which would give you 24-months instead of 12 if you applied for your secondparticipation directly with the IEC. Check out this blog for more scenarios on how to use the IEC and RO visas to maximise your time in Canada, or use ’Ask a question’ to speak to a Canada expert.
Must be a UK, Australia or New Zealand passport holder aged 18-35. |
Visa cost: CAD $272, biometrics appointment cost: $85, support funds required: $2,500. | |
Must have no criminal convictions in the past five years. |
Duration: 12-24 months. |
Recognised Organisation (RO) FAQs
How can I get an RO letter?
The RO works on a ballot system, where names are anonymously drawn. The first round of invites will be drawn on the 8th January '24, so for the chance to get an RO Letter, you must register for the RO ballow now. If your name is drawn, you'll then have seven days to pay your program fee.
Why does BUNAC have access to ‘Recognised Organisation’ letters?
BUNAC are partnered with SWAP, an organisation that has been allocated RO Letters. This means that BUNAC can provide a limited number of applicants with a RO Letter who ordinarily would not meet the criteria of the IEC work permit program. Eligible applicants must be:
- Age 31-35 years old
How much is the RO program?
There are two program options to choose from:
- Work Canada Recognised Organisation Essential
- Work Canada Recognised Organisation Ultimate
Click here for the current costs and inclusions.
Please note that the amount must be paid upfront and in full. This cost covers the support program and the RO Letter. It does not include the cost of the visa itself, the ACRO Police Check, Support Funds and Biometrics Appointment. For a full breakdown of other costs please see our Work Canada Cost and inclusions page.
Why is the RO program more expensive than the regular Work Canada program?
The Work Canada RO program is more expensive than the standard Work Canada program because of the additional fees associated with the RO Letter issuing process.
COST AND INCLUSIONS
Young Professionals visa Canada
Are you looking for international career experience, or have you already been to Canada on an IEC visa? Swap your office for a mountain view with BUNAC’s Work Canada Young Professionals program.
Must be a UK or US passport holder and aged 18-35. |
IEC Participation fee: CAD $161, Employer Compliance Fee (paid for by employer): $230. |
Must have a job offer for an employer in Canada. |
Duration: 12-24 months, depending on your nationality. See the below FAQs for more. |
All nationalities must have no criminal convictions in the past five years. |
Young Professionals visa FAQs
When do I need to apply?
Our pre-registartion for an RO letter closed on January 132023. If you would like to join the waitlist, you can do so by following this LINK.
How long can I work in Canada on the Young Professionals visa?
UK passport holders can participate for up to a maximum of 24 months; however, most employers generally offer employment contracts for around 12 months. US passport holders can participate for up to 12 months.
What type of work qualifies for the visa?
Your job offer must be classified as a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. This is broken down into Training, Education, Experience and Responsibility (TEER) categories and your job must fall within TEER categories 0, 1, 2 or 3. For more information on TEER categories see here
Does my job offer need to be related to my degree?
No, your job offer does not need to be directly related to your studies. It does need to be classified as a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category level 0, 1, 2 or 3. Contact the team to check if your job offer is suitable.
Can I complete my placement year in Canada on the Young Professional program?
Yes, you can complete the program as part of a placement year providing your specific university can confirm the job offer qualifies.
Why do I need to apply through BUNAC to participate?
The Young Professionals visa is only available through Recognised Organisations (ROs) of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). BUNAC works with SWAP Working Holidays to provide you with the correct documents and authorising letter needed to apply to the Young Professionals scheme with the Canadian Government.
I've already had an IEC working holiday visa, can I apply for a Young Professionals visa?
Yes, but you would need to have secured a job offer with a Canadian employer and meet the other visa eligibility requirements to benefit from returning to Canada to work for up to 24 months on the Young Professionals visa.
COST AND INCLUSIONS
Confused by Canada visas?
Arrange a 1-to-1 video call with our BUNAC Work Canada team to run through your options or check out our FAQs.
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Missed out on Canada visa?
If you’re desperate to hit the snow but missed out on applying for the IEC visa pool or have already done a Canada working holiday, check if you’re eligible for a working holiday in New Zealand or working holiday in Japan. Like the Ultimate Canada, our Ultimate Japan program even hooks you up with a pre-arranged ski season job in Niseko – home to the lightest and freshest powder in the world. Pow!
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