Irish & Looking To Do A Working Holiday In Canada? Here’s Your Guide

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

• As an Irish citizen, you may be able to work and travel in Canada for up to 24 months. 
• While in Canada, you can work for (almost) any employer, including yourself on the working holiday open work permit.  
• You will need to meet eligibility requirements, including age limits and proof of funds, and you must not be inadmissible to Canada. 
• IEC-eligible health insurance is non-negotiable: if you can’t afford the insurance, you can’t afford your working holiday in Canada. 
• You can get real-time updates on your odds of receiving an invitation alongside a personalized IEC checklist via a free Moving2Canada account. 

What Are The Eligibility Criteria For Irish Citizens For A Working Holiday in Canada? 

To be eligible for a Working Holiday visa in Canada, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• Irish Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Ireland with a valid Irish passport. 
• Age: You must be between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive) at the time of application.
• Proof of Funds: You’ll need at least CAN$2,500 (€1,600-1,700) to cover your initial expenses in Canada. 
• Health Insurance: You must have IEC-eligible health insurance for the entire duration of your stay. Be prepared to provide proof of insurance when you enter Canada, as failing to do so could prevent you from receiving your work permit.
• Admissibility to Canada: You must not be inadmissible to Canada, meaning you should have a clean criminal record and meet other admissibility requirements.
• Travel Ticket: Before departure, you’ll need either a round-trip ticket or proof that you have enough funds to purchase a departure ticket when your stay in Canada ends.
• No Dependants: You cannot bring dependents with you on a Working Holiday visa, but there are ways they can join you in Canada.
• Application Fees: You must pay the applicable fees when you apply for the IEC Working Holiday category.

Pro Tip: Your work permit cannot be longer than the validity of your passport, so make sure your passport is up-to-date and valid for the entire duration of your stay.

How Can I Get A Working Holiday Visa in Canada As An Irish Citizen?

There are six main steps to the process for getting a Canadian working holiday visa for Irish citizens: 

Step 1: Create an account via the IRCC portal and submit your profile to the IEC pool. 

Step 2: Wait for (and hopefully receive) an invitation. 

Step 3: If you receive an invitation to apply, confirm you accept the invitation. 

Step 4: Prepare and submit your application. 

Step 5: Receive your Port of Entry Letter of Introduction. 

Step 6: Go to a Canadian border, present your documents, and receive your work permit. 

Let’s walk through those in more detail: 

Step 1: Create an Account via the IRCC Portal and Submit Your Profile to the IEC Pool

First, you need to create an online account on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website. This account will allow you to manage your application and receive important notifications.

• Set up your account: Visit the IRCC portal and sign up for a GCKey or use a secure sign-in partner.
• Create your profile: Once logged in, fill out your IEC profile with personal information (such as your citizenship, passport details, and eligibility questions).
• Submit your profile to the pool: Once your profile is complete, submit it to the IEC pool for Irish citizens. This doesn’t guarantee you an invitation, but it puts you in the running.

Step 2: Wait for (and Hopefully Receive) an Invitation

Once you’ve submitted your profile, you’ll be entered into the IEC pool.

• Random draws: Invitations to apply (ITA) are issued through periodic, random draws (usually once weekly) conducted by IRCC. Since the process is based on luck and availability, it may take some time before you receive an invitation. Therefore it’s a good idea to enter the IEC pool earlier rather than later, as it exposes your profile to more draws and increases your chances of being invited.

Stay informed: Make sure to regularly check your IEC profile and email for updates. Draws happen throughout the year, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your inbox.

Step 3: If You Receive an Invitation to Apply, Accept the Invitation

If you’re lucky enough to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), the next step is to confirm that you want to proceed with your application.

Once you receive the invitation, you’ll have 10 days to decide whether you accept or decline the invitation. If you don’t respond within the 10-day period, your invitation will expire and will be automatically declined.

To confirm your acceptance, log into your IRCC account and officially confirm that you accept the invitation. This will move you to the next stage of the process, where you’ll need to gather and submit your documents.

Step 4: Prepare and Submit Your Application

Now that you’ve accepted the invitation, you will have 20 days to complete and submit your IEC Working Holiday application.

Gather your documents: During this stage, you’ll need to provide several key documents, including:

• A copy of your passport.
• Proof of funds (showing you have at least CAN$2,500).
• A police certificate to prove you have no criminal record (you may need one from every country you’ve lived in for more than six months since turning 18).
• Passport-style photos.
• Biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) might also be required if you haven’t already submitted them.

Pay the fees: You’ll be required to pay an application fee, which includes the work permit fee and the biometrics fee (if applicable). Fees must be paid before you submit your application.

• Submit your application: Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents and paid the fees, submit your application through the IRCC portal.

Step 5: Receive Your Port of Entry Letter

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter, also known as a Letter of Introduction. It usually takes a couple of months for applications to reach a decision stage, but processing times can be uncertain. The POE letter is not your work permit, but a document you’ll need to present to Canadian immigration officers upon arrival.

• Wait for the POE letter: You’ll receive this letter through your IRCC account. Processing times can vary, so it may take several weeks to receive the letter.
• Validity of the POE letter: The letter is typically valid for 12 months, meaning you have one year from the issue date to enter Canada and activate your Working Holiday permit.

Get IEC Health Insurance

Once you have your POE letter and you know when you’re planning to travel to Canada, THEN it is the right time to buy IEC-eligible health insurance.

We have partnered with two reputable IEC health insurance providers that offer affordable and comprehensive coverage for Irish citizens.

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, coverage for up to 24 months, 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:

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

True Traveller

True Traveller is a popular option for Irish citizens seeking mandatory insurance for International Experience Canada (IEC), including the Working Holiday program. True Traveller’s IEC insurance covers medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, and it exceeds IRCC’s mandatory requirements. Get your quote from True Traveller today!

True Traveller policies are available to people currently in:

• The UK
• Europe.

So, you must be home in the UK to buy your policy from True Traveller.

Step 6: Go to a Canadian Border, Submit Your Documents, and Receive Your Work Permit

Once you arrive in Canada, you’ll present your Port of Entry (POE) letter and other required documents at the border or airport.

Required documents: When you meet with a Canadian immigration officer, you’ll need to provide:

• Your POE letter.
• Your passport (must be valid for the full duration of your stay).
• Proof of IEC-Eligible health insurance for the full length of your stay.
• Proof of sufficient funds (CAN$2,500).
• A return flight ticket or proof of enough funds to purchase one at the end of your stay.

If everything is in order with your required documents, the immigration officer will issue your IEC Working Holiday permit on the spot. This is your official authorization to live and work in Canada for the duration of your visa.

Quick Tips For Irish Citizens Looking To Do A Working Holiday In Canada

1. Save More Than the Minimum Funds

Bring more than the required CAN$2,500 to give yourself financial breathing room. This will help you settle in without rushing to find a job and cover unexpected costs.

2. Start Your Job Search Early

Begin researching job opportunities before arriving in Canada. Check out job boards like Indeed, Workopolis, and the Moving2Canada Job Board. Popular industries for working holidaymakers include hospitality, retail, and tourism, especially in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Whistler.

3. Tailor Your Resume to Canadian Standards

Create a Canadian-style resume that highlights relevant work experience and includes clear, concise information. Employers in Canada often expect one to two-page resumes focused on skills and achievements.

4. Create A Free Moving2Canada Account

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?

5. Look for Short-Term Accommodation Before You Arrive

Finding accommodation in cities like Vancouver or Toronto can be tough. Start with temporary housing through Airbnb, hostels, or short-term rentals. Use platforms like Kijiji, Craigslist, or Facebook groups to find shared housing options once you’re settled.

6. Network to Find Job Opportunities

Networking events and Facebook groups like the Moving2Canada IEC Forum can help you meet other travelers, share tips, and find job leads. Personal referrals go a long way in Canada, so if you have friends who have previously worked in Canada or who are already there, lean on them for job leads!

7. Consider Seasonal Jobs in Tourism Hotspots

Ski resorts like Whistler, Banff, and Lake Louise offer excellent seasonal job opportunities during winter. These jobs often come with perks like discounted accommodation, lift passes, and social activities.

Other Entry Pathways For Irish Citizens

There are other pathways for Irish 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.