Can I work for any employer on the Working Holiday visa?

Yes. The Working Holiday category gives you an **Open Work Permit**, meaning you can work for virtually any employer in Canada (exceptions apply to certain restricted sectors like sex work or health services without a medical exam).

What is the difference between 'Working Holiday' and 'Young Professionals'?

Working Holiday is an open permit with no job offer required. **Young Professionals** is an employer-specific permit that requires a signed job offer or contract of employment in your field of study or expertise (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).

What happens if I turn 36 while in the pool?

As long as you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) **before** your 36th birthday (or the specific age limit for your country), you remain eligible even if you turn 36 during the processing phase.

Can I bring my family members on my IEC permit?

IEC does not technically include 'dependents'. Your spouse or common-law partner and children must apply for their own status (e.g., a visitor record, their own IEC permit, or a separate open work permit if you meet the 'highly skilled' criteria).

How long does it take to get the Port of Entry (POE) letter?

Once you submit your full application and biometrics, IRCC typically processes the work permit within 5-8 weeks. If approved, you receive a POE Letter of Introduction which you present to the officer on arrival.

Canada

International Experience Canada (Working Holiday)

IEC — Working Holiday / Young Professionals

CAD 369.75

Application Fee

21–56 days

Processing Time

24 Months

Maximum Stay

Up to 1x

Extensions

Requirements Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply on the official government website

Last verified: 14 April 2026. Not legal advice.

Am I eligible?

Eligible nationalities (12)

AU ⚡GB ⚡FR ⚡IE ⚡DE ⚡IT ⚡ES ⚡NL ⚡BE ⚡JP ⚡KR ⚡TW ⚡

⚡ = ballot/pool based