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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.
Everyone wants one, but only a few get it. Our IEC Tracker shows your chances in real time.
To be eligible for a Working Holiday visa in Canada, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
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.
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:
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.
Once you’ve submitted your profile, you’ll be entered into the IEC pool.
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.
Random invitations mean it’s crucial to prepare, because you might not get another chance.
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.
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:
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.
While you will need IEC-eligible health insurance to receive your work permit in Canada, we do not recommend getting it at this stage. Wait until you have received your Port of Entry letter and you know your travel dates. This helps you avoid the risks of being out of pocket if your application is canceled or refused or losing valuable months of coverage if your travel plans change.
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.
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.
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:
True Traveller is a popular option for Brits 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:
So, you must be home in the UK to buy your policy from True Traveller.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
There are other pathways for Irish citizens to immigrate to Canada.
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.
Moving2Canada can help.
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