A Guide To Working Holidays In Canada For Citizens of Chile

This guide covers everything you need to know, from applying for your work permit to what happens at the border and beyond.

• If you need a primer on the IEC program and what the working holiday visa is, check out this guide before reading the rest of this page.

Key Takeaways

• Chilean youth can receive an open work permit under the working holiday program. This allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada, including self-employment.
• The application process is relatively simple and quick – once you receive your invitation.
• You must have valid IEC-eligible health insurance for your entire stay in Canada, as it’s a mandatory requirement at the border.
• Chileans can generally participate in the working holiday program twice, for up to 12 months.

How Long Can Chileans Stay in Canada on a Working Holiday Visa?

Chilean participants can stay in Canada for up to 12 months at a time through the International Experience Canada (IEC) programs. It’s possible for Chileans to participate in IEC twice in any category. What this means is that you can complete one working holiday program participation, and then apply again under any category (ie. working holiday OR young professionals OR international co-op).

Whether you’re looking to complete your first participation or you need to get in the pool for your second, a Moving2Canada account can help. We provide real-time updates on your chances of receiving an invitation, as well as helpful tips for your IEC program participation to run smoothly.

Register for free here

How to Apply for a Canadian Working Holiday Visa as a Chilean

Eligibility

These are the eligibility criteria for Chilean citizens looking to complete a working holiday visa in Canada:

• Citizenship & Passport: Must be a Chilean citizen with a valid passport.
• Age: 18 to 35 years old.
• Financial Proof: At least CAD 2,500 to cover initial expenses.
• Health Insurance: Must have valid IEC-eligible health insurance for the entire stay.
• Admissibility: Must not be inadmissible to Canada. No dependents can accompany you.

Unsure if you’re eligible? Take our immigration quiz.

Steps To Apply For International Experience Canada As A Chilean

Here’s a quick overview of the steps you’ll need to complete to apply for the IEC program as a citizen of Chile:

1. Create an IEC Profile

Visit the official IRCC website, create a profile, and select the Working Holiday Visa category (or consider whether you’re eligible for another category if the odds of receiving an invitation are low for the working holiday program).

Note: You can only submit one profile. You can’t submit more to get a better shot at receiving an invitation. You also can’t submit multiple profiles targeting different programs (ie. working holiday and young professional) at the same time.

2. Enter the Pool

Once your profile is complete, you’ll be entered into a pool of candidates.

3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Note that invitations to apply are sent randomly via a lottery system. While your odds improve if you’re in the pool early in the IEC season (because you participate in more invitation lotteries), you aren’t guaranteed to receive an invitation. If selected, you’ll receive an ITA and must submit a formal application within the required timeline – 10 days to accept the invitation to apply and then another 20 days to submit your application.

4. Prepare Your Application

Gather documents like your passport, proof of funds, and police certificates. You may also need to provide biometrics. It’s usually best to prepare these documents in advance, because the timelines for submission are tight (at best 30 days).

5. Submit Application & Pay Fees

Complete the application, attach the required documents, and pay the applicable fees.

If you’re a visual learner, check out our video guide to applying for Canada’s IEC: 

After You Apply:– Receiving Your Port of Entry Invitation

If your application is successful, IRCC will send you a Port of Entry letter. Note: This is not your work permit. 

You receive your work permit for your working holiday (or other IEC program) when you arrive in Canada, at the Canadian border.

Typically, you will get off the plane and head to immigration. Then have an arrival interview with a border official. During this interview, you will provide the agent with a copy of your passport, Port of Entry letter, proof of funds, proof of IEC-eligible health insurance, a ticket for your departure from Canada (or additional funds for a ticket), and copies of the documents you submitted with your work permit application.

IEC Health Insurance For Chilean Citizens

Insurance is a mandatory entry requirement to receive your work permit, but it’s not recommended that you purchase your IEC-eligible health insurance until you have confirmed your plans to travel to Canada, including dates and flights.

Remember: an IEC health insurance policy is not the same as travel insurance. Your working holiday in Canada will require a specific type of IEC-eligible insurance. More on the specifics here, if you’re interested.

We have partnered with BestQuote for IEC-eligible health insurance for Chilean citizens. BestQuote, in our opinion, offer IEC budget-friendly policies that are IEC-eligible and offer good value. They also each have a stellar reputation, with 4.7 (out of 5) on TrustPilot in True Traveller’s case (on Aug 20, 2024) and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating for Best Quote.

BestQuote Travel Insurance

Best Quote Travel Insurance is a full-service Canadian travel insurance broker offering the widest selection of travel insurance plans for visitors to Canada. Available plans may include health coverage and coverage related to pre-existing medical conditions. Plans are available before or after leaving home. Get your quote from BestQuote today!

Best Quote Travel Insurance is available to travellers currently in:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada
• The UK
• Europe
• The rest of the world.

IEC Permit Tips For Chilean Citizens Doing A Working Holiday in Canada

A free Moving2Canada account can help

Your free Moving2Canada account contains tons of helpful checklists, video how-tos, guides, and resources to help your move to Canada run as smoothly as possible.

This account shares real-time information about the state of the IEC candidate pool and your odds of receiving an invitation in the next round. It also has a checklist of items you need to complete to receive your IEC permit, and more information about each step in the process.

Basically, a free Moving2Canada account will tell you what you need to know when you need to know it. It’s convenient, relevant, and did we mention that it’s totally free?

Do not overlook health insurance requirements

You need to have IEC-specific insurance that meets the exact requirements. These are set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and they are non-negotiable. If you don’t meet the requirements, you won’t get your work permit. Period. 

Save More Than The Minimum Fund Requirement

The minimum funds requirement for an IEC work permit is $2,500. And it’s not enough for you to buy a reliable van – nor will it get you much more than one month’s rent and living costs in many places. In other words, the minimum amount won’t take you very far.

By saving more than the minimum, you’ll be able to settle in without immediately worrying about finding a job to cover basic living expenses. This can help reduce stress and allow you to explore Canada before diving into work.

Ask online communities for help

This IEC Forum on Facebook has an extensive collection of frequently asked questions. Feel free to ask your own questions to tap into the collective experience of others in the same boat.

Prepare for your job search

Young workers and newcomers to Canada can have a tougher time finding work in Canada’s job market — especially when the labour market is tight.

But, while there may be challenges, there’s also plenty you can do before you land in Canada to start your job search, like checking out our jobs board.

Other Entry Pathways For Chilean Citizens

There are other pathways for Chilean citizens to immigrate to Canada.

• Express Entry, is ideal for skilled workers with professional qualifications and work experience in in-demand sectors,
• The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow Canada’s provinces to select candidates who meet specific local labor market needs.
• Business Immigration programs, that allow entrepreneurs to start or invest in Canadian businesses,
• Student Visas,
• Family Sponsorship Programs, that allow citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their family members.

Create A Free Moving2Canada Account

We’ve helped thousands of IEC participants work through the application process and settle successfully in Canada.

Get job hunting resources, IEC application checklists, exclusive offers from our partners, and more with your free Moving2Canada account.