Application Process

Temporary Foreign Workers – British Columbia - Working Holiday Visa

International Youth Programs (IYP)

IYP is an umbrella organization that offers international  programs such as the Working
Holiday Program, Young Professionals/Young Workers, and Co-operative Education work
placement.

IYP is managed by Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade( DFAIT). Among other things, the Deparment is responsible for negotiating mobility agreements with other countries.  

Working Holiday Visa

International Youth Programs (IYP) allow young Canadians between the ages of 18 and 35 to work temporarily in other countries where they can acquire new skills and develop a better understanding of other peoples and cultures. They also allow young people from other countries to work in Canada temporarily to get the same kind of cultural experience.

How to Apply

People outside Canada (citizens of other countries) who want to participate in one of these programs (except citizens of the U.S.)  must apply from outside of Canada. They must be a citizen of one of the countries that Canada has an agreement or other arrangement with, and must apply at the Canadian mission responsible for their country (i.e., Australians must apply in Sydney, Swedes must apply in London, etc.).

Have a look at the list of countries whose citizens can participate in International Youth Programs with Canada.

For more information on how to apply, you should contact the Canadian Mission responsible for your country.

Exception:  Foreign nationals participating under partner organizations, such as AIESEC or IAESTE, from countries where Canada does not have a formal bilateral arrangement, may submit an application to the Canadian mission or appropriate authority in the country where they have been lawfully admitted.

For more information see the AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales) or IAESTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) websites.

U.S. Citizens

Citizens of the U.S. accepted for any of these reciprocal exchange programs may apply for their work permits at any of the Canadian consulates in the U.S. or at ports of entry to Canada. As the quota is not generally exceeded, there is currently no need for management of the quota from any one mission within the U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) offices within Canada will not issue an initial work permit but they have the authority to extend a valid work permit provided the applicant is still within the allowable duration period.

Repeat Participation

Foreign nationals are normally permitted to work in a category (Working Holiday Program, Young Professionals/Young Workers, or Co-operative Education work placement) only once.

Exceptions:

Australia – Participants from Australia may re-apply under the same categories more than once (no limit within the age requirement).

United States – Participants from the U.S. under SWAP can re-apply for additional stays in the program following the completion of another year of full-time post-secondary study.

United Kingdom and Ireland – Participants can re-apply to do additional years in the same
category.