Jobs in Canada for the 2025 IEC Working Holiday program

Planning ahead can help you make the most of your Working Holiday. You don’t even have to find a job before you arrive — although we’ll give you some tips to do this. However, we recommend that you update your resume and familiarize yourself with job opportunities in Canada within your industry to help alleviate the pressure when you arrive.

Is a job in Canada required for the 2025 IEC Working Holiday program?

No, a job is not required if you’re applying under the Working Holiday category of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. You do not need a job offer to submit your profile or to receive a work permit. This category provides an open work permit, which allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada once you arrive.

Although a job is not required to participate in the IEC Working Holiday program, securing one before arriving in Canada is highly recommended. It provides financial stability, helping you manage the high cost of living in cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

Having a job lined up also allows for a smoother transition, reducing the stress of job hunting upon arrival. It can even make your entry into Canada easier, as a job offer may support your proof of funds and show that you’re prepared.

Additionally, applying from abroad gives you more time to find quality opportunities, and some employers may offer extra support like housing or airport pickup. Overall, having a job in place offers peace of mind and sets you up for a more successful and enjoyable experience in Canada.

How do I find jobs in Canada before I arrive for the 2025 IEC season?

If you want to find a job before you arrive in Canada, these are four tips to follow to boost your chances:

Canadian-ize your resume and cover letter:

The accepted format for Canadian resumes and cover letters might differ from the format used in your home country. Update your resume to follow Canadian standards by following the tips outlined in this guide. You can do the same for your cover letter using this guide.We’ve even got a free Canadian resume template available for download in your Moving2Canada account (it’s free to create an account, if you don’t have one already!).

Research your industry

Depending on what type of job you’re looking for, you may benefit from researching your industry before applying for jobs. Certain jobs in Canada require licensing or certification — you can learn more about regulated occupations here.

Researching your industry might also help you choose your preferred destination in Canada based on the industries and companies in different locations. For example, the city of Vancouver has a well-established film industry.

Take it a step further by setting up informational interviews with professionals working in your industry to get information in advance. You can even do this over video call before you arrive.

If your IEC application has already been approved, make sure employers know you’re legally authorized to work

If your IEC application has already been processed and you’ve received your Port of Entry letter (POE letter), you should let employers know that you’re legally authorized to work. Canadian employers are much more likely to consider foreign candidates who aren’t yet in Canada if the you can legally be hired.

Get a Canadian Phone Number

Having a Canadian phone number on your CV might be your key to success. Canadian employers may be skeptical about CVs from workers who don’t have a Canadian number, and this might be the difference between you landing an interview — or not.

That’s why we have partnered with CanadianSIM to offer exclusive plans and deals to newcomers prior to arrival. Choose between a physical SIM card or eSIM and get connected instantly the moment you land. Get your Canadian SIM

Get creative with virtual applications

It can be hard to make yourself stand out from other job applicants, especially when you’re applying from outside the country. Consider ways to get creative with your job applications — maybe you could send a video application instead of a standard resume? Check out this guide from an IEC participant who nailed down a job virtually, while living overseas.

How do I find a job after I arrive in Canada?

If you’ve already arrived in Canada to start your Working Holiday, there are many steps you can take to land your first job:

Canadian-ize your resume and cover letter

If you haven’t already done so, make sure that your resume and cover letter have been updated to meet Canadian standards. Use this guide to improve your resume and this guide to improve your cover letter. You can also download a free Canadian resume template in your Moving2Canada account (it’s free to create a new account!).

Get out and start networking:

Many jobs in Canada aren’t advertised on job boards — they’re hired through existing networks. In order to access these jobs, you have to get out there and meet people. Check out our guide on networking in Canada for tips on putting yourself out there.

Send targeted job applications:

Don’t send the same resume and cover letter to every employer. Take the time to customize your resume and cover letter to each of the positions you apply for. This will show employers that you’re a serious candidate and give you a much better chance of success. Learn more in this guide.

Set up informational interviews with experts in your industry:

An informational interview isn’t a job interview, it’s a meeting with someone in your preferred occupation to ask them questions about their work and the industry. Reach out to experts in your field and see if they are available for an informational interview. Not only will this give you valuable information about the local industry, your new contact might even have job openings to recommend!

Top Jobs for IEC in 2025

One of the most common questions among working holiday travellers is: “What are the best jobs in Canada on an IEC visa?” But the definition of “best” really depends on your personal goals.

Are you hoping to earn and save money, gain Canadian work experience in your field, enjoy a fun and flexible lifestyle while exploring the country, or even build a pathway to immigrate to Canada permanently? Whatever your priorities, there are job options that align with every kind of working holiday experience.

Here’s a breakdown of the top job types for IEC workers in 2025:

1. Hospitality & Tourism
   • Roles: Servers, bartenders, front desk agents, housekeepers
   • Where: Banff, Whistler, Jasper, Tofino, and other tourist hotspots
   • Why: Flexible hours, tips, and a fun, social environment
2. Ski Resorts & Mountain Lodges
   • Roles: Lift operators, ski instructors, rental shop staff
   • Where: Whistler, Big White, Lake Louise, Revelstoke
   • Why: Free or discounted ski passes, seasonal perks, and great communities
3. Summer Resort Jobs
   • Roles: Camp counselors, activity guides, kitchen staff
   • Where: Muskoka (Ontario), the Rockies, Vancouver Island
   • Why: Live in nature, meet other travelers, and enjoy outdoor adventures
4. Agriculture & Farm Work
   • Roles: Fruit pickers, greenhouse workers, general farmhands
   • Where: British Columbia (Okanagan), Quebec, Ontario
   • Why: Seasonal demand, no experience needed, often includes accommodation
5. General Labour & Warehouse Jobs
   • Roles: Container unloading, warehouse assistants, movers
   • Where: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Cornwall
   • Why: Steady pay, physical work, and often available year-round
6. Retail & Customer Service
   • Roles: Sales associates, cashiers, stock clerks
   • Where: Urban centers and tourist towns
   • Why: Good for improving English/French and gaining Canadian work experience

Our Recommended IEC Canada Jobs for 2025

If you’re looking for a physically demanding job with a great crew, we recommend checking out our partner, Young Guns Container Crew. They actively hire IEC participants and even offer jobs before arrival.

Help unload shipping containers in major Canadian hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Cornwall, Ontario. It’s a great way to stay fit, earn steady income, and work alongside a diverse, international crew. No experience needed—just a strong work ethic and a good attitude!

You can Apply here — and get more information by watching this video:

More Seasonal jobs: Applying to work at bars, restaurants, and ski resorts

If you’re interested in working at bars, restaurants, and/or ski resorts in Canada, you should consider the seasonality of these positions.

Bars and restaurants are open all year, but the peak period for bars and restaurants is usually in the warm summer months. This means that these establishments usually hire lots of staff in the spring, when the climate starts to warm up. It’s possible to find jobs in bars and restaurants at any time of the year, but you can increase your chances of success by planning around the seasons.

Ski hills and resorts usually hire most of their staff for the winter season. If you want to work at a ski resort, you can increase your chance of success by planning to apply before the start of ski season. Lots of ski hills start hiring a few months before they open — many even do their hiring for the winter season during the summer months! So, you might be better off applying for 2026 roles in a few short months, instead of aiming to work at a ski hill right away.