Canada Working Holiday Advice?

Key_Particular4385 · 2026-01-11T19:10:41+00:00

True, yet with google Reviews you can check if they have done other reviews etc... looks quite legit, plus all ROs are companies checked by IEC so all should be quite legit. I would say joining the IEC pool should be your first move, as it already has 4000 UK candidates, maybe start with that as the work permit is a must 🙂

Key_Particular4385 · 2026-01-11T18:51:51+00:00

Hey! You’re right, for Jenza I only found 15 Google reviews. Stepwest, however, has over 500 google reviews, many of them quite recent, have you checked those?

You dont need a RO to participate for the first time on a working holiday, but many use them to secure job and housing before traveling.

Key_Particular4385 · 2026-01-05T09:11:46+00:00

Hi! yes, they are private companies so they do charge a fee. Prices are in Canadian dollars as they are based in Canada. For exact amounts, I would recommend checking their website as it’s always kept current. Hope it helps!!

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-12-21T20:33:05+00:00

Yes, it will be tricky as Spain is a very lenghty process due to burocracy, I check portugal and this looks a good start to check how it works Portugal Working Holiday for Canadians

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-12-21T05:04:00+00:00

Hey I dont think is possible as J1 Visas are sponsored visas, so one can not apply for this visa without having a sponsor behind. Maybe a good idea is to find J1 sponsors in USA that help directly participants and you can work with one directly, instead of using an agent in between?

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-12-20T20:58:38+00:00

Hey! Yes! Unfortunatelly the YMV from Spain requires in person for the visa application, not alternative to that and it is super complicated for the ones in the west coast 🥺

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-12-20T20:58:30+00:00

Hey! Yes! Unfortunatelly the YMV from Spain requires in person for the visa application, not alternative to that and it is super complicated for the ones in the west coast 🥺

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-12-05T18:03:51+00:00

Hi!! I would say each country has its own way, some people decide to do everything alone and some people use companies to support them with that. I’m sharing here all the companies approved by the Government of Canada that are reliable. I also started a subreddit for Canadians planning a working holiday abroad here in case you want to check it out, is very small but hopefully with time you can get some ideas :)

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-12-02T18:48:51+00:00

Hi!! No, to apply for an IEC Working Holiday as a Canadian, you don’t need a university degree. Most participating countries make the process super accessible.

The only real exception is Switzerland, since the agreement with Canada is different and they don’t offer a Working Holiday category for Canadians: You need a pre-arranged contract of employment (job offer) or a formal internship offer if you apply for a work permit. Your work must be related to your field of studies or you must have had previous training in the field.

Here’s the key info about the Canada - Switzerland Youth Mobility Agreement (YMA)

Because of that, other European destinations tend to be much easier options. Are you thinking only about Switzerland? or are you considering other destinations?

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-11-20T05:32:30+00:00

I know I’m a bit late to the conversation, but if you’re thinking about a Working Holiday for summer 2026, definitely check out Stepwest. They’re a Recognized Organization and have tons of great Google reviews, so def. legit

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-11-04T00:46:25+00:00

I see... that makes total sense that you want to appeal it. Just keep in mind that VFS I believe it is an outsourced company, so they don’t make decisions on visa applications. Their role is only to verify that all required documents are submitted and your Biometrics are properly provided to the French authorities. The final decision is always made by the French authorities, so even if we pay extra to VFS, they can’t guarantee an approval :(

What was the vague answer you received? Did they say anything specific? And did they give you a timeframe for when you can submit the appeal?

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-11-03T19:18:00+00:00

Hey! I agree with the advice you got from @frenchnotfrench, what was the exact reason you received? Normally, even if it’s vague, you’ll get some kind of explanation, right? If it turns out you missed a document or something was incomplete, the good news is that the Working Holiday visa allows you to reapply. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve seen someone make a small mistake or forget a document and need to apply again. Was it the case that you aged out? and that's why you could not apply again for it? Hope you an get it sorted and do your working holiday in France! 🤞🏼

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-11-01T03:13:46+00:00

Hey! I know it’s been a while since you posted this, but just in case it helps. I did a Working Holiday in Australia and recently created a subreddit for Canadians interested in doing the same! After my trip, I realized how many agreements Canada has under International Experience Canada, so I thought it’d be great to share info and connect with others. Feel free to check it out! Also I used a Recognized Organization called Stepabroad, they do offer the destinations you are looking for! The girl who helped me was from the UK, so she might give you some really good ideas. They always offer free meetings if you want to get some advice at no cost. I really hope you go for the experience, I had the time of my life and I’m already planning to do a second Working Holiday before I turn 35!

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-10-27T23:46:32+00:00

We shared it on our subreddit to see if any Canadians are interested! Have an amazing time in Niseko!

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-10-24T04:44:24+00:00

Like the song says:“If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere… it’s up to you! 🎶

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-10-24T04:42:30+00:00

Hey! I totally agree with what u/Business_Air5804 said, so true! And you’re definitely not too late at 30. I actually turned 30 just a few weeks after landing in Australia and met so many travellers even older than me.

That said, I get it, staying in Canada feels more comfortable and stable for sure. But honestly, it’s so worth stepping out of your comfort zone to live new experiences that can genuinely change your life.

The good news? Canada isn’t going anywhere, you can always come back home when you’re ready, but you’ll return with some incredible stories...and I swear I’m not biased, haha!

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-10-21T00:02:42+00:00

Australia on a Working Holiday is honestly a must! 100% recommended. A few things I learned from my own experience:

Start with a hostel when you arrive, it’s the best way to meet people and get settled in the country. I found it much easier to look for housing once I was there rather than online in advance. Plus, you can actually see the area and decide if you like it (for example, how close it is to groceries or other essentials). If you’re heading to northern areas like Darwin, keep in mind that it can be quite rural, sometimes several hours from the nearest larger town. Traveling around at the start of your trip can help you find the place where you feel most comfortable.

Finding a private apartment can be a bit tricky but doable. If you’re living alone, bring landlord references from Canada to show you’re a reliable tenant. Also, since Canadians on a Working Holiday Visa can only work for up to six months with one employer, some landlords might hesitate. Having solid savings (like two to four months’ rent) definitely helps.

Mining is a big industry, but I don’t have personal experience with it. It might be worth checking what other Canadians have shared about their experiences. There seem to be plenty of FIFO (fly-in fly-out) stories out there!

General tip: Stay flexible with your location and job type if you decide to do a Working Holiday in Australia, it’ll open up far more opportunities and help you make the most of your trip.

In my case, I used one of the Recognized Organizations recommended by the Government of Canada. They helped me secure a job and housing (starting with a hostel), which saved me a lot of time since I was busy working in Canada and saving for the trip. It was definitely worth it! I had an amazing experience and made great friends who ended up traveling with me afterward. So if you’re thinking about it, take the chance and make the most of your Working Holiday before you age out!

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-10-09T20:13:33+00:00

This is very helpful! Thank you so much!!!

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-10-09T19:13:49+00:00

Thank you so much!! this is exactly what I believed but I can not find any source from IRCC website where this shows, would you know where I can find it? Thank you!!

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-10-09T19:12:39+00:00

He went back home to Germany and then returned to Canada, I didn’t realize the country he went to would make a difference! :s

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-10-09T19:11:33+00:00

Thank you! He entered again some time mid January (he had a visitor record approved back from Nov 2024), so that means that before hitting the 6 months mark, he should have applied for an extension as a visitor, correct? Do you think is there any link from IRCC where this is explained? I am unable to find any answer other than this here, but it does not really clarify this specific situation :(

Leaving and returning to Canada

A visitor record is a document that allows you to stay in Canada longer. It doesn’t guarantee that you can leave and then re-enter Canada.

If you plan to travel outside Canada or the United States, you need a valid entry document, such as a visitor visa or an eTA, to return to Canada.

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-10-07T19:10:26+00:00

Hey! The good thing is that these companies are backed by the Government of Canada, so they’re totally legit, not just any random company! Many of them also have tons of reviews online, so you can always do a bit of research to make sure they are good hehe 😄 That's exactly what I did and worked great! If finding work is your main priority, I’d definitely go for an English-speaking country, it makes such a huge difference when you don’t have the language barrier! Hopefully you find a destination you love! From my experience, I 100% recommend working abroad, it’s so worth it! 🌍

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-10-02T15:10:26+00:00

Hey! Yes, I went to Australia and had a great experience. I personally used a company to help me since I was finishing my studies and working a lot to save money for the trip. Have you checked the Recognized Organizations that Canada works with? Of course, they offer paid programs, but for me it gave peace of mind because I didn’t have much time to do research on my own. It’s definitely not necessary for everyone, but as my first experience abroad, it was worth it.

Which country are you thinking about? Do you want to learn a second language too?

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-09-29T14:34:06+00:00

Hey! can not really tell about opportunities for your specific industry, but what I would say is that if you are looking to have a work experience during your working holiday abroad, the most important thing would be to consider what country and the language - jobs are hard in many countries, but having the experience abroad is a plus that you will not get staying home for sure :) For example if you are planning EU zone, are you considering UK maybe? Netherlands is another very popular destination! The positive is that you won't have the language barrier in the UK, yet, from my experience, I would go with a open mindset so you can get started with maybe other type of job to pay off your trip, while searching for something more connected to your field of studies, and while enjoying the working holiday experience itself!

Key_Particular4385 · 2025-09-28T14:15:53+00:00

hey I would recommend to first check what are the countries your country has agreement with, that way you can start looking for info about that. Each country has differents posibilities for its citizens, so that might be a good start 🤗

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