A Guide to All of The Working Holiday Visas for Canadians
Home » Working Holiday Visas » A Guide to All 13 of The Working Holiday Visas for Canadians

A Guide to All 13 of The Working Holiday Visas for Canadians

Pin this post for later!

Oh, hey, Canadian friends!

I haven’t forgotten about you all, but I had to help my fellow Americans with their Working Holiday Visas first. Luckily, for you guys, you have quite a few more opportunities than we do. I’m only slightly jealous…

There are 13 different working holiday visas for Canadians to choose from, and if you time it right, you may be able to do all of them! That’s a different country for 13 years in a row! What a whirlwind, huh?

I hope you find the information below useful and that you find a dream opportunity in one of these beautiful locations around the world.

Working Holiday Visas for Canadians


Canadian citizens are fortunate enough to be able to apply for working holiday visas in many countries around the world. There are plenty of jobs abroad for Canadians, and a working holiday provides a great opportunity to explore the world while earning a little money along the way.

1. Japan

For those looking for a completely new culture to explore, Japan offers an affordable working holiday visa for Canadians. It is a country of contrasts with cutting edge technology in bustling metropolitan cities next to century-old traditions and buildings nestled in the mountains.

One day you could be wandering through a bamboo forest to an ancient shrine, and the next day you could be watching a robot show with a cocktail in hand in central Tokyo. The options are endless. Plus, you shouldn’t forget the incredible food they have on offer. Don’t even get me started on the ramen and sushi.

This would be a great place to get a working holiday visa as a Canadian as you would be able to immerse yourself in a country that has a lot to offer while earning money along the way.

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • There is no application fee to apply for this visa — AKA extra money saved to indulge in the yummy food.
  • You need to prove that you have at least $3,500 in your bank account.
  • You must be under 31.
Japan is a fun country to get a working holiday visa for Canadians.
Be sure to check out Japan when researching working holiday visas for Canadians.

Things to know before moving: Your Japan Residence Card is essentially your ID when in Japan. You will need it for pretty much everything, such as registering for health insurance to signing up for a gym membership. The country has one of the lowest crime rates in the world despite its population of around 127 million people. However, it does have the very real threat of natural disasters, particularly earthquakes.

Because of this, many buildings have been designed to withstand this sort of incident. People tend to be very passionate about their career and working life, and overtime tends to be the norm, with many employees having just ten days leave a year.

Best cities to start in: Although it is the first city that you’ll land in, Tokyo is considered a good starting point as it offers some excellent living conditions and a range of job opportunities. However, it can be somewhat pricy. Yokohama is similar although it has cheaper accommodation and doesn’t tend to be as crowded. Osaka is known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, and the cost of living is 30% less than in Tokyo; however, there will be fewer job opportunities here.

Types of jobs: Although there are plenty of different jobs to consider when in Japan, the most popular jobs for those on a working holiday visa for Canadians are teaching English and anything in the business or technology industry.

Useful resources:

2. Italy

Imagine living in a place where eating pasta and pizza and drinking wine every day is acceptable. Well, one of the many working holiday visas for Canadians includes Italy so you don’t need to dream anymore! Food, coffee, wine, stunning countrysides, rich history, and important cities; Italy certainly has things you can write home about.

From the Gulf of Naples to Apulia, the country is steeped in history. Everywhere you look, you will see a picture-perfect scene. With places like the Almalfi Coast, Lake Garda, and Tuscany to consider, you’ll find it hard to know where to set up camp.

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • Generally, you can apply for this visa if you have the equivalent of $4,500 to live on while you are in the country.
  • You must be a resident in your home country.
  • You must be between the ages of 18 and 30.
  • You can’t have taken part in the scheme before.
  • Participants need to have a valid travel ticket or the funds to purchase one.
  • You’ll need funds to support yourself during your stay.
  • You need to purchase travel insurance to cover the length of your trip.
  • There is a one-off visa fee of 100 euros.
  • This type of visa usually takes 2-3 weeks to process. To apply, go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and start the application process.
  • Once you obtain the visa, you can live in the country for a year and work there for up to 6 months, but only for a maximum of 3 months with the same employer.
Italy is another great place to get a working holiday visa for Canadians.
Be sure to check out Italy when researching working holiday visas for Canadians.

Things to know before moving: Unless you are happy to live small-town life, major cities can be an expensive place to live, especially Rome and Milan, and living on your own could be quite a challenge. Italy is one of the most expensive countries in Europe.

Italy is also a very Catholic country. When visiting religious landmarks, you should always be respectful. As with most European counties, there is a significant disparity between the northern and southern regions so it is worth doing some research to figure out which area is right for you.

Best cities to start in: The majority of the country’s inhabitants reside in the north. Therefore, you are most likely to find a job in the northern towns and cities which are more industrialized and developed. Unemployment in the southern part of the country is much larger; however, it is better if you’re looking for agriculture and farming work.

Types of jobs: Speaking English will be significantly valued in industries such as tourism and teaching. Plus, teaching English as a foreign language jobs are often readily available as good jobs abroad for Canadians. Jobs in the service sector are often typical, as are jobs in agriculture for wine, olive oil, and fruit.

Useful resources:

3. Croatia

Imagine stunning blue waters, fortified towns, and cascading waterfalls. This is what awaits you if you decide to get a working holiday visa in Croatia. In addition to the mainland, there are thousands of islands off the coastline to explore. Luckily, the country has a working holiday visa for Canadians so you can explore all that it has to offer.

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • You have to be a Canadian citizen to apply and have a Canadian passport that is valid for at least 12 months before you enter the country.
  • You have to be between 18 and 35 years old.
  • You’ll need to register at the relevant police precinct within three days of entering the country.
  • You will also need a work permit to work in Croatia legally.
  • The visa itself only costs $95. If you know that you are going to only stay for a short time, you can opt for a short stay of six months or under, which means you only need to have proof of $1,100 in the bank.
  • The type of visa needed is called a temporary stay permit. Once getting the visa, you can stay for up to 12 months each stay and can take part twice as long as you have a 3-month break between each trip.
  • You can apply for the Croatian working visa at the Croatian Embassy in Canada or the police station when you arrive.

Things to know before moving: Although the cost of living in Croatia is pretty low, so is the average salary. Don’t expect to make a fortune here. If you earn enough to keep on traveling, then, does this matter when you have such a stunning country to explore?

English is very widely spoken all over the country, but it is always good to try and learn a little bit about the language of the country you are moving to.

You should also be aware that renting a property may be difficult, especially in the summer months because all the accommodation is wanted for tourists. One great thing about Croatia is that people don’t live to work; they work to live, which is a great attitude to have.

Cities to start in: Dubrovnik is the obvious choice for those visiting, living and working in Croatia as there are plenty of tourist-related jobs abroad for Canadians available. However, keep in mind that it’s pretty pricy. You could also consider other significant cities like Zadar and Split, which are still touristy but much cheaper.

Types of jobs: Your best chance of getting a job in Croatia is in the summer months as companies usually hire staff between April and October. These could be for the hospitality industry or tour companies, all of which you can get on a working holiday visa as a Canadian.

Useful resources:

4. Australia

With opposite seasons to Canada, you could be drinking beers on the beach at Christmas instead of shoveling snow off of your driveway. This makes getting a working holiday visa in Australia for Canadians a no brainer. Those that live in Australia enjoy a high quality of life, largely thanks to the laid back lifestyle, incredible weather, and stunning scenery.

The country is vast, meaning there is so much to see, with each new landscape or city bringing a little something different. You could be enjoying the waves on Bondi Beach one day and visiting the Outback the next; the options are endless. The country is also beautifully diverse, with a great bend of multi-ethnic backgrounds.

RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to the Australian Working Holiday Visa and Why to Go Now!

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • You have to be between the age of 18 and 35.
  • To apply, you’ll have to pay the initial fee of $495 AUD.
  • You’ll need to show that you have at least $5,000 AUD or the equivalent in your account so that you can live off it.
  • The visa will allow you to stay in the country for up to 12 months.
  • If you are in Australia and decide that you want to stay for longer, you could always apply for a second year just as long as you complete at least three months of ‘farm’ work during your first year.
  • It usually takes up to 17 days for your application to process after you submit it. Once you have it, you’re entitled to do short term work in Australia, study for up to 4 months, travel to and from the country as many times as you want, and work to become eligible for the second year visa.
Australia is the perfect place to get a working holiday visa for Canadians.
Australia is an excellent choice to get a working holiday visa for Canadians.

Things to know before you move: For a start, Australia is massive! It is about the same size as all of Europe put together. Therefore, you’ll have to be prepared to fly to different places if you want to see it all. Because it is so big, the weather can vary significantly from place to place; when it is summer in the south, it is usually the wet season in the north.

Summer can be scorching, and because the ozone layer is thin in this part of the world, the UV rays can be hazardous. Make sure you always wear sunscreen. Although almost 90% of Australians live in the city, there are still some incredible places to explore outside of urban life, such as over 500 national parks.

Best cities to start in: Both Sydney and Melbourne feature in the top 20 most livable cities so these are both good places to start your adventure. Plus, due to the size of them, there are plenty of jobs abroad for Canadians. Your chance of securing jobs will be higher in metropolitan cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

Types of Job: Tourism is a big business in Australia and those on a working Holiday Visa can often find work in hotels, restaurants, and bars, or if you possess the right skills, you could also work as a tour guide or sports instructor. The agriculture sector also provides some good opportunities, especially if you are looking to secure a second-year visa.

Useful resources:

5. Chile

Chile is rich in natural beauty, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. There is a widely diverse range of landscapes, including forests, glaciers, beaches, volcanoes, deserts, and more, as well as a rich culture and delicious foods. When you’re here on a working holiday visa for Canadians, these opportunities will be in your backyard!

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • You must be between the ages of 18-35.
  • To apply for this visa you’ll need to head to the Chilean Foreign Ministry and fill out the form there. You’ll need to give the embassy at least four weeks to process the application, and they will inform you via email if you have been successful or not.
  • If your visa has been granted, you’ll need to go and pick it up in person.
  • There is a fee of $135 to apply for the visa and you’ll also have to show proof of funds that you can support yourself when in the country. How much is considered ‘efficient’ isn’t stated before the application process, so you’ll have to have a good idea of how you can pay for everything once you’re there.
  • You will need to fill out a form which you can download from the embassy website, which you’ll need your doctor to sign to show you are in good health.
  • Applicants have to write a letter of motivation address to the Chilean ambassador, including what you plan to do in the country.
  • You will also need a criminal record certificate, proof of overseas health insurance, a copy of your passport, and a biometric photograph.
  • There are no compulsory vaccinations, but you should be immunized against tetanus and hepatitis A and get your doctor’s advice about any others you may need.
  • Once you’ve got your visa, you’ll have three months to head there where you can then stay for 12 months, although during this time, you can enter and leave the country as many times as you want.
Torres del Paine National Park Chile
Torres del Paine National Park

Things to know before you move: Many people believe that the primary language spoken in Chile is Spanish, when in fact, most people speak Chilean. This means they very much have their own way of speaking that’s filled with slang and cutting off different parts of words. As a newbie to the country, it can be pretty confusing. It is also good to understand how big of a country Chile truly is. Despite being long and skinny, it is a massive 4,720 km from north to south, so it will take you a long time if you plan on exploring all of it!

Best cities to start in: Santiago is the county’s business heart and there are also other fun places to explore nearby.

Types of jobs: Native English teachers are in high demand in Chile, and qualified teachers shouldn’t find it too hard to get a job in a prestigious institution. You could also tutor privately. Outdoorsy types who get a working holiday visa as a Canadian may consider work as a tour guide.

Useful resources:

6. Costa Rica

Picture living in the lush jungles and surrounded by breathtaking views. All of this is possible with a working holiday visa in Costa Rica. This incredible country is known or its friendly residents and relaxed culture. It deserves a space on your list, and luckily, it offers working holiday visas for Canadians.

The country is a truly incredible place, largely thanks to the volcanoes that make the soil rich and fertile. It is this that makes it so full of life, with an abundance of recreational opportunities.

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • To get a visa as a Canadian citizen, you’ll have to pay the $120 for the visa itself.
  • You have to prove that you have at least $2,500 saved to use when you’re out there.
  • You must be between 18-35 years old and hold a Canadian passport.
  • Once your application has been approved, you’ll be given an appointment at the consulate. Then once you arrive in the country, you’ll need to apply for temporary residence at the General Direction of Immigration in the city of San Jose.
  • Once you have your visa, you can stay in the country for up to 12 months and can participate in the program twice; however, there must be a break of 3 months before you submit your second application.
Irazu Volcano Costa Rica
Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica

Things to know before you move: Costa Rica continues to be ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, largely thanks to the fact that those that live there tend to go with the flow and enjoy life and spending time with loved ones. The cost of living here can vary widely, so what you pay depends on the type of lifestyle you choose. It is essential that you experience different parts of the country so you can determine what best suits your lifestyle, from sunny beaches to rainy jungles as every part of the country is very different.

Best city to start in: San Jose is the capital and largest city in the country and is both historical and modern. As it is in the center of the country, it is the perfect place to use as a base to explore the surrounding towns and countryside.

Types of jobs: Although there are lots of different jobs abroad for Canadians to apply for in Costa Rica, one of the most common for Canadians on a Working Holiday Visa is working in a resort or teaching English as a second language. The people of this country live by the motto ‘Pura Vida,’ which translates as ‘simple life,’ and that is just what you can expect on your trip, with the people there making you feel at home and comfortable.

Useful resources:

7. Netherlands

If walking along the picturesque canal, drinking coffee, and admiring the tulips takes your fancy, then you should apply for a Working Holiday Visa in the Netherlands. It offers authentic European living. There is a lot more to this nation than clogs and windmills, although you will likely see a lot of these!

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • To apply, you need to be a Canadian citizen.
  • You must be between 18-30 years old, live in Canada when you’re applying, and also have a valid Canadian passport.
  • You’ll need to apply for a residence permit, and although you’ll be working while there, the primary purpose of your stay needs to be to get to know more about Dutch society and culture.
  • To apply, you should head to a Dutch embassy or consulate in Canada, or if you are already in the country, you can apply to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
  • Once you have your permit, you can stay and work in the country for up to 12 months.
Don't forget to check out the Netherlands when researching working holiday visas for Canadians.
The Netherlands is a wonderful place to get a working holiday visa for Canadians.

Things to know before you move: Rule number one when moving to the Netherlands is to buy yourself a good bike. You can pick up good, second-hand bikes at many markets across the country, but make sure you have one as it is the best way to get around. There is a compulsory healthcare system in the Netherlands that costs between 95-120 euros a month but it is very efficient.

Cities to start in: The obvious choice for those traveling to the Netherlands is Amsterdam, the capital city. There is so much to do and see in this fascinating town, and it also is the best starting point for your job search.

Types of jobs: The job market in Holland is pretty competitive. Therefore, you should try all job-seeking methods possible when you arrive.

Useful resources:

8. Spain

Escape to the Spanish sunshine for a year through the Spanish Working Holiday Visa. Picture yourself sipping on sangria while learning more about the Spanish culture.

This country has it all from beautiful beaches and landscapes to world-famous cuisine and rich history. You’ll be able to try your hand at a huge range of recreational activities, such as taking one of the world’s scariest footpaths, sample delicious coffee in a street cafe in Barcelona or sit back and relax on one of the beaches.

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • To work in the country, you need to apply to the Canada-Spain Youth Mobility Program, which is available to those between 18-35 years old.
  • You need to be living in Canada when applying and have a Canadian passport that’s valid for at least 12 months before you enter the country.
  • Other requirements to get a visa include you having sufficient resources to both purchase a return ticket and have the financial resources available to fun the start of your stay.
  • You must also agree to purchase medical insurance for the full period of your stay.
  • There are several categories within the program available. The Working Holiday Visa is Category E, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 12 months.
Spain is another exciting choice for a working holiday visa for Canadians.
Spain is a fun country to get a working holiday visa for Canadians.

Things to know before you move: One of the most important things to remember when moving to Spain is that the working hours can be a little strange. Most shops shut at around 8 pm or later, and lunch can last up to 2 hours. This also affects the eating hours as dinner often is eaten as late as 10 pm.

If you head to a restaurant at 6 pm, expect to be there by yourself! Another thing to note is that depending on the region of Spain you are staying in, your experience could be very different. In terms of the weather, for the most part, you can expect hot summers and mild winters, however, keep in mind that Spain is a big country, so again the weather can differ from region to region.

Best cities to start in: Both Barcelona and Madrid are great cities to start in. They’re full of jobs, culture, and nightlife. If you want to be close to both beaches and mountains, then Seville might be a good option. Malaga is full of hotels and resorts so it may be suitable for getting a job in the hospitality industry.

Types of jobs: Knowing a little Spanish will help with this one as most Canadians heading here will tend to get a job in the tourism industry. Opportunities for native English speakers are also in demand when it comes to teaching, and a TEFL comes in handy here.

Useful resources:

9. Germany

Germany is a fascinating country to live and work for a while as it’s full of history and beautiful cities. The youth mobility agreement is an excellent opportunity for improving your knowledge of German language, culture, and society. One of the biggest draws to Germany is its incredible history, and visitors can learn more about its past in every town visited.

It is also a practical place to visit or live, with modern and easy transport and many English speaking citizens. It’s located at the heart of Europe and provides an excellent base for exploring.

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • You need to submit your application by mail or in-person to the German Consulate General, which is located in Toronto.
  • You are also able to apply when you are in Germany, but you will not be able to work until you have your visa and work permit from the local aliens’ authority.
  • You can then stay in the country for 12 months and can take part in the program twice, as long as you apply to a different category.
  • To apply, you have to be between 18 and 35 years old.
  • There is no application fee, and you don’t have to have saved up anything to travel here. Thus, making it one of the most affordable visas to apply for.
Germany is a fantastic choice to get a working holiday visa for Canadians.
Germany is an excellent choice to get a working holiday visa for Canadians.

Things to know before you move: While many European cities are aiming to become a cashless society, Germans tend to keep it old school when it comes to their money. The country is one of the most cash-intensive advanced economies, so always keep some cash with you. Sunday is a ‘rest day,’ meaning that pretty much everything is closed. This is a good thing as you’re forced to give yourself a day off to relax or explore.

There are also a few contradictory rules that can be a pain when it comes to moving to Germany. For example, you often need to have a bank account to secure an apartment. In order to get a bank account, you need a proof of address. There are, however, many relocation providers that can guide you through these practical steps.

Best cities to start in: The capital city of Berlin is rich in history and full of life, Even if you don’t choose Berlin, a visit here during your time in Germany is a must. The Bavarian Alps are the gateway to a winter wonderland, and Cologne is great when it comes to nightlife and meeting people.

Types of jobs: This type of visa is ideal for those that have a degree in science, math, technology, or engineering. There’s a shortage of graduates in these fields so they are always looking for people with these skills. Other English speaking jobs abroad for Canadians include hospitality, marketing, and tourism.

Useful resources:

10. France

There is no fee for applying for a Working Holiday Visa in France. Before you know it, you could be gazing up at the Eiffel Tower while working in a Parisian coffee house or working out on the picturesque farms in the Provence region.

The country is well known for its incredible cuisine, range of tourist attractions and cities of cultural interest, such as the capital and Strasbourg. Not to be forgotten, there are stunning southern beaches and incredible French Alps.

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • You must be between the ages of 18 and 35.
  • There are no fees for applying for a working holiday visa in France.
  • You can travel and work in the country for 12 or 24 months. If you are studying, you can extend your stay to 36 months.
  • All you have to do is prove that you have $3,000 in your bank account to fund your trip.
  • You must have a Canadian passport that is valid for a minimum of 3 months after the completion of the visit.
  • You can only be admitted twice through the agreement; however, the second time must be under a different visa category.
  • You’ll need to write a cover letter, and this is what can make you stand out from other applicants as this is your chance to show what makes you the right candidate for the visa.
France is another great country for a working holiday visa for Canadians.
Don’t forget to check out France when researching working holiday visas for Canadians.

Things to know before you move: In general, the French are renowned for their attitude of ‘working to live,’ and a typical working week is 35 hours and lunch breaks tend to be between 1-2 hours. The French healthcare system is available to those that have been living or working in the country for a minimum of 3 months.

Best cities to start in: The most obvious option is to start in Paris, as this is likely where you will be flying into. It is notoriously expensive to live in, but you have to spend at least a little time here seeing the sights. Montpellier offers a cheaper alternative and provides a slower pace of life. Head to Nice for the warm climate and stunning views or you could also choose to head to alps in cities for seasonal winter work.

Types of jobs: The more French you know, the easier it will be to find a job in France. Jobs in hospitality and restaurants are often the easiest to get, especially in the French alps where there are usually a lot of English speaking tourists.

Useful resources:

11. Greece

Spend your summer dancing the night away on the beach or serving drinks at a beach bar. Greece has multiple options for exploration with a massive array of islands to hop between as world-famous archaeological sites scattered all over the country. It is also known for its beautiful sunny, warm weather and tasty foods!

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • To get a Greek Working Holiday Visa, you’ll have to be between 18-35.
  • You can live and work in the country for up to 12 months, and you can participate twice if you love it for the first time.
Greece is a stunning location to get a working holiday visa for Canadians.
Greece is a dreamy place to live and get a working holiday visa for Canadians.

Things to know before you move:  One thing you should note before heading out into your travels is that payment in Greece is mostly conducted in cash, especially with smaller businesses. This is being improved, but you should always try and have some money with you.

Newbies to the country should also be aware that the sewage system is pretty basic in most parts. The general rule is to avoid flushing the toilet paper and instead to use the bin that is provided. Unlike many countries these days, you should also expect everything to be closed on Sundays. On other days of the week, the working hours of businesses may differ from region to region.

Best cities to start: First, you must decide if you would prefer to live in mainland Greece or hop between the beautiful islands that surround the country’s coastline. Athens is a big and bustling city where you may be more likely to get a job in the offseason, as many of the islands are all but close in the winter other than tourists. In the summer, however, the islands come alive again.

Types of jobs: Many language schools are looking for those to teach English as a foreign language, or another option would be to work as a nanny or au pair, which often comes with the added benefit of having accommodation included. Hotels and tour operators typically look for seasonal workers during the high season.

Useful resources:

12. Mexico

For those who are tired of the snow and cold weather, a trip to Mexico should go down a treat. The weather is usually amazing. There are also fantastic beaches and an incredible cultural scene.

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • To get a Working Holiday Visa in Mexico, you must be between the ages of 18 and 29.
  • If you have a working holiday visa, you can live and work in the country for up to 12 months.
Mexico is a beautiful place to get a working holiday visa for Canadians.
Ready for some beach vibes in Mexico?

Things to know before you move: The good news is, compared to Canada, living in Mexico is incredibly cheap. Things like food and accommodation are incredibly affordable. Life will become a lot easier if you learn a little bit of Spanish and you’ll avoid isolating yourself from the moment you move.

Best counties to start in: There are a few safe and fun places to live in Mexico, which would make a good starting point. Sayulita is excellent for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts while Tulum is great when it comes to the weather. Mazatlan is the northernmost city on the Mexican Riviera and is incredibly socially diverse. It’s full of history with a low cost of living. Cancun, for many, is an obvious choice, known for its stunning beaches and beautiful vacation resorts.

Types of jobs: Teaching English is likely to be the easiest option if you are a native English speaker, but there are also other opportunities if that doesn’t appeal to you. If you are in a tourist destination, you should be able to find work doing jobs such as bartending, waitressing, or in a hotel.

Useful resources: 

13. New Zealand

New Zealand is a great country to do a year on a working holiday visa as a Canadian. It offers the chance for young Canadians to come and live and work in this stunning, laid backcountry for up to 23 months. There is a massive range of reasons that people may choose to travel to New Zealand.

For a start, the country has landscapes that need to be seen to be believed. The south island is filled with mountains, glaciers, and forests while the north has geothermal wonders, breathtaking coastlines, and adventure-filled cities — definitely a top place to spend some time in.

RELATED: Work & Travel New Zealand: Get a Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand

Requirements for This Working Holiday Visa for Canadians:

  • Before you move to New Zealand, you will need to prove that you can leave the country once your visa has expired through either a plane ticket or enough funds in addition to the funds you have to live on.
  • You must have obtained thorough medical insurance for the length of your stay.
  • You have not had a Working Holiday Visa in the country before and hold a Canadian passport that is valid for at least three months after your planned departure from New Zealand.
  • You must also have sufficient funds for the duration of your visit, which means you must have at least NZ $4,200, and evidence can include bank statements, credit card statements, bank drafts, and travelers’ cheques.
  • You must be between 18-35 years of age.

Things to know before you move:  Be aware that there are not a lot of people living in New Zealand so you may find that you have rural areas entirely to yourself. What the country lacks in people, however, it certainly makes up for in sheep. For every person, there are about six sheep!

You don’t need to learn a new language before moving to the country, but it may be worth brushing up on some of the local lingo, such as popping to the ‘dairy,’ actually means the local shop.

Another thing to note is that the weather can be very unpredictable so you should pack for all eventualities. It is quite possible to have all four seasons in one day. The ozone layer is much thinner in this part of the world, meaning there is a dangerous amount of UV radiation. You should always ensure you are protecting yourself appropriately.

Best cities to start in Auckland is by far New Zealand’s biggest city and is located on North Island and there are plenty of jobs here. Hospitality is the most common industry to work in, plus there are several wineries and farms around the city. Wellington is the capital and second-largest city, and also features the ferry that will take you over to South Island.

Queenstown is the adventure capital of the country, offering stunning views and a great place to live and work. The town is packed during the summer months, so this may be the best time to look for a job. There are many other great cities to live and work in New Zealand.

Types of jobs: Cooking, waiting, and bartending are a great way to get your foot in the door and meet a lot of people at the same time. The pre-summer hiring period is in October and November, as this is when these jobs are always in demand.

The accommodation industry is also always a safe bet for backpackers. Other options include au pair and nanny jobs, jobs in construction, and fruit picking. Take a look at the massive range of different jobs available for backpackers in New Zealand.

Useful resources:

I hope this guide answered your questions about working holiday visas for Canadians and that you found some helpful tips to help you plan your move! Let us know in the comments which one of these cool places you plan on moving to for a bit. 

Pin this post for later!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *