Here’s how you can experience Canada’s beauty and gain valuable work experience with the Canadian Working Holiday Visa.
A few years ago, my friend Alex packed his bags and set off on an unforgettable journey to Canada with his family. A couple of years later, Saidat did the same, working as an accountant with just a backpack and a dream.
I’d laugh as they both told me how they were faring, with Alex’s day-to-day involving working from a cozy café in Winnipeg (that software dev life is something else) to Saidat’s sprawling accountant office view in the ever-so-regal Saskatchewan. Japa-ing through the school route is pretty common. But doing so with a job? Now, that may just be where the cookies are.
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the beauty and excitement of Canada while gaining valuable work experience, then there’s an option that fits the bill! It’s the Canadian Working Holiday Visa, and it could be your ticket to the opportunity of a lifetime. In this detailed overview, we’ll walk you through the application process, eligibility requirements, and insider tips to help you start your own Canadian story. Let’s get started on your next big move!
What is the Canadian Working Holiday Visa?
So, what’s the deal with the Canadian Working Holiday Visa? It’s part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, and it’s designed for young folks, especially students or recent grads, who want to get a piece of Canadian culture and get some work experience. Like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I’d call it the golden ticket to explore Canada’s iconic spots while earning some cash.
To get this visa, your home country needs to have an agreement with Canada or you need to work with a Recognized Organization (RO). These ROs help with job searches and the application process, usually for a small fee. Some of the well-known ones are:
With this visa, you get an “Open Work Permit,” meaning you can land in Canada and start job hunting. Perfect if you don’t have a job lined up but are ready to work with various employers across the country. Plus, you can stay for up to a year, giving you plenty of time to work and explore.
How to Apply for the Canadian Working Holiday Visa
The application process is thorough but straightforward. Here’s how it works:
- Create your International Experience Canada Profile:
- First, set up an account on the Government of Canada’s website using your GCKey or banking details.
- Fill out an eligibility questionnaire.
- Complete the profile forms with your personal info, passport details, travel plans, and contact info.
- You don’t need a completed resume initially, but make sure to finalize your profile within 60 days.
- Next, you’ll enter the Applicant Pool:
- Join the applicant pool for the Working Holiday Visa through the IEC Program.
- You might be eligible for more than one pool, but you can’t apply for the same category twice.
- Your profile stays active for one season or year.
- The next step in the process is to receive an Invitation to Apply:
- The Canadian government invites candidates from the pool periodically.
- You’ll have 10 days to accept or decline the invitation if selected.
- If you decline, you’ll stay in the pool for future rounds.
- Now, it’s time to apply for a Work Permit:
- Once you accept the invitation, you have 20 days to apply for the work permit.
- Fill out the necessary forms, using “A999999” for the job offer number and “Non-applicable – Working Holiday” for the employer’s address.
- You’ll need documents such as police certificates, a CV or resume, a medical exam, a passport, and a digital photo.
- Proceed to Pay your fees and submit your application:
- You’ll need to pay CAD$100 for International Experience Canada, another CAD$100 for the Open Work Permit Holder, and a CAD$85 biometrics fee if required.
- Submit your application after payment.
- Finally, receive your PoE Letter and Travel to Canada:
- Once approved, you’ll get a Port of Entry (PoE) letter.
- Make sure to carry essential documents like the PoE letter, proof of funds, health insurance, and a return ticket or funds for it.
Notes:
Processing a Canadian work visa usually takes about nine weeks. For skilled trades and workers applying through the Express Entry system, the time can vary from 21 to 47 months.
The total cost is CAD$100 for International Experience Canada, CAD$100 for the Open Work Permit Holder, and an additional CAD$85 for biometrics if needed.
For Nigerians: How to Use a Recognized Organization (RO)
Since Nigeria isn’t an IEC country, you’ll need to apply through a Recognized Organization (RO). ROs offer different services to help build your international experience and might have their own eligibility requirements. They can help with job searches and application processes, often for a fee.
When you create your IEC profile, you’ll be asked if you have a confirmation letter from an RO. You need to get this confirmation letter and upload it to your profile.
One notable RO that services people from Nigeria is IAESTE, the International Association for Exchange of Students for Technical Experience. This RO offers student and professional opportunities in technical-career-related fields for foreign national students from IEC or IAESTE member countries.
IAESTE offers the following types of Work Permits:
- Young Professionals: For career development (employer-specific work permit)
- International Co-op (Internship): For students (employer-specific work permit)
- Working Holiday: Open work permit
They typically service the age 18-35 target market
To be eligible for this RO’s services, you need to be a student or young professional who is a citizen of IEC countries, territories, or IAESTE member countries (Nigeria is one of them).
So, what are you waiting for?…
Start your application process today and get ready to create unforgettable memories. Your path to Canada is just a few steps away!
Visit the Government of Canada’s website to begin your application, and don’t forget to check out IAESTE for additional support and opportunities.
Here’s to your next big adventure!
The SimplVest Team 🚀
