Benefits of the Canadian Working Holiday Visa For Brits

Many countries offer the chance to work and travel freely for a certain time. Most of them are amazing alternatives if you ask any travel junkies out there.

But it’s tough not to see the special perks that Canada has to offer to our British wanderers.

Stay put, this isn’t another ode to the diverse beauties of the country. This article is to list the arguments that make it a no-brainer for UK travellers to seriously consider a Canadian Working Holiday Visa.

Longer Duration of Stay

Australia, Argentina, Ireland, Germany, Chile… Dreamy, right? These are probably places already on your bucket list. They even offer a Working Holiday Visa! Lasting 1 year for British travelers… And this is the case for most of the countries proposing this program.

For UK citizens, the Canadian Working Holiday Visa allows a stay of up to 3 years! 

All the adventures and experiences you’re picturing yourself having while travelling could be doubled in Canada, giving you ample time to enjoy them. A perspective that completely changes the way you would plan your trip.

Working Flexibility

You’re now planning a trip for 3 years. Certainly filled with quite some travelling, but which might require some funding.

A working holiday permit in Canada allows you to gain experience in a very wide range of industries. There are typically limited restrictions regarding work, with common exclusions being working in the sex trade and working with children without a prior medical exam. (These will vary depending on your situation. You should check your work permit for restrictions before accepting any role in Canada). 

You can also start your own business on a working holiday in Canada. 

Diverse Work Opportunities

Flexibility, freedom… Choice! Don’t we all dream of that? Canada’s Working Holiday offers UK citizens the flexibility to work for almost any employer across the vast country.

Whatever your field, you will find a fit.

Seeking corporate experience or creative pursuits? Bustling cities like Toronto,  Vancouver, or Montreal are full of opportunities from finance and tech to creative arts and media.

On the other hand, for those drawn to nature and outdoor activities, British Colombia and its famous Rockies, or Nova Scotia’s gateway to the Atlantic Ocean, are filled with options in tourism, fisheries, environmental conservation and more. 

Plus, Canada’s diverse economy means that sectors such as healthcare, education, and engineering are also accessible to those on a WHV. 

It’s an open work permit, which makes job changes easy. Exploring can also be done professionally and if you want to experiment with different roles or industries during your stay… you’re free! 

This is true flexibility. And it’s not just about earning a living; it’s about personal and professional exploration in a country known for its welcoming culture and high quality of life.

Cultural Familiarity

Unlike Japan, Chile, Argentina, South Korea or other countries offering Working Holiday Visas, Canada and the UK share some strong common history. And a common language.

This might look like a cute detail but it becomes much more important when you realize that the context of your experience abroad can easily change based on your connection with the local culture.

For many, travelling is to immerse oneself in foreign lands and cultures. For others, familiarities can help a lot with adaptation.

In or outside the workplace, cultural similarities make it much easier to navigate professional settings or social interactions.

Higher Chances of Getting a Working Holiday Visa

There has been a high demand historically for the WHV from UK citizens, with relatively limited availability, making the application process very competitive.

2024 has come with some important changes regarding accessibility to Canada via IEC for UK travellers:

• The eligibility age had expanded from 18 to 30 to 18 to 35,
• Two new streams were added! The Young Professionals and Co-op programs are now open to UK citizens, multiplying the available spots available for British newcomers to Canada.
• Participants are now able to stay up to 3 years.

Read more: Canada expands IEC for British youth