Frequently Asked Questions
You asked and we answered!
We understand that you have loads of questions about working and travelling in Canada. We’ve tried to answer the most common questions we receive here. If you have a question that isn’t answered please give us a call at 03 9329 3866, contact us here or send us a message on Facebook.
Work & Accommodation in Canada
What happens when I first get to Canada?
How do I find a job?
What sort of jobs can I do?
Where will I live?
If I go on the program, what do I get?
When do I have to leave?
Do I have to buy insurance through IEP?
Eligibility for the Work Canada program
Who is eligible for the Work Canada program?
Can I apply if I am at university?
Canadian Working Holiday Visa
When should I apply for the visa?
Do I need to get my criminal record check?
Can I still travel to Canada if I have a criminal conviction?
Can I repeat the working holiday visa for Canada?
Travelling in Canada
Can I travel any where in Canada?
Can I visit the US while in Canada?
Can I travel with my friend/partner?
Do I need travel insurance?
Will I have the opportunity to meet other people on the program before I leave?
Can I drive in Canada on my license?
Flights to Canada
Do I have to book with STA Travel?
Can I book a one way ticket to Canada?
Applying for Work Canada
How do I apply for Work Canada?
When should I apply?
How do I find out more information?
Work & Accommodation in Canada
What happens when I first get to Canada?
When you first arrive in Canada you will have your initial accommodation booked at a hostel. You will attend an orientation where we will review all the vital information that will allow you to find work and accommodation.
If I go on the program, what do I get?
The Work Canada program is full support. This means that before you even leave the country you will have assistance in obtaining the working holiday visa, access to our expert travel materials to prepare you for your trip and have the assistance from our staff to answer any questions you may have. 2 weeks before you departure date you will have access to the online members’ website where you can find job listings, accommodation postings, information on Canada and much more. You will also be given access to our closed Facebook group where you can meet other travellers on the program! This is a great place to meet future flat mates, ask questions and see where others are working and travelling!
Upon arrival to Canada you will have your initial accommodation booked at a hostel in either Toronto or Vancouver ? your choice. In both Toronto & Vancouver IEP has an inbound centre where you will attend an orientation where our staff will; assist you in obtaining a tax file number & opening a bank account, review CV format, where to find work and accommodation, travel and transportation, mobile phones, Canadian culture, tax and employment laws and much more!
The inbound centres are equipped with computers, internet, fax, printers and phones. You will have access to up to date job postings and accommodation listings. Through out the year inbound centres host seasonal job fairs where employers come to our offices to interview you face to face. There is also a bi-weekly email that you will receive that has job listings, events and other important information.
We also host social events where you can meet other travellers on the program. Pub meets, ice hockey games, theatre trips, white water rafting and other events are run throughout the year.
Our staff is there to provide you with the support and guidance you need to have a successful working holiday. If you are having problems finding work, feeling homesick, need assistance sorting your mobile phone? whatever it is, we are there to help!
When do I have to leave?
There is no set departure time for this program. You leave when you want. Once the visa has been issued you will have 12 months to enter Canada and activate it.
Do I have to buy insurance through IEP?
No, insurance is not a program requirement. You will need to purchase insurance to go on a working holiday to Canada. IEP has a very comprehensive policy that covers a working holiday in Canada. If you would like to obtain a quote for insurance please email [email protected]
How do I find a job?
If you like you can start your job search from Australia. 2 weeks before you leave you will be given access to the online member’s website where you can find job leads and listings. You can start to apply for work if you like or just take a look to see what is available at the moment. Remember that it will be easier to find work when you arrive in Canada as you will have a local address, phone number and be able to meet with employers face to face.
You will have access to plenty of job listings at our inbound centres as well as the assistance from our staff. They will be able to review your CV to make sure it meets the correct format and that there are no grammatical errors. They work with a variety of employers who love hiring our participants.
Career related work is available, but like in Australia it can take a bit longer to find. Our partners in Canada work with a variety of employment agencies that will be able to assist you in your searches. It is quite common for participants to take a casual job to cover expenses until they find something that is more related to their studies or work experience.
What sort of jobs can I do?
All kinds! It depends on what you want to do and how hard you want to look for employment. Many of our participants find work in the tourism and hospitality industries (for example, in restaurants, pubs and hotels), where Canadian employers are willing to offer temporary work. You can also get work experience in a variety of other fields such as science, law, education, commerce or administration.
There are a few restrictions unless you have undergone a medical examination as part of your Working Holiday visa application, your work permit will be subject to the following condition: “Not authorised to work in 1) child care, 2) primary or secondary school teaching, 3) health services field occupations.
Please be reminded that you will need to meet any relevant Canadian federal or provincial occupation-specific registration or licensing requirements. If you are offered work in construction, in a medical field, as a mechanic or engineer, or in other skilled areas, you should enquire whether there are any provincial licensing or regulatory requirements to be met.
Where will I live?
You will choose where you want to live. Many participants will base themselves in either Toronto or Vancouver as the job prospects are quite good there. Accommodation is readily available and listing can be found on them member’s website as well as in the inbound centres.
There are participants on the Work Canada program from all over the world, so finding a flat mate is a rather easy thing on this program!
Eligibility for the Work Canada program
Who is eligible for the Work Canada program?
As long as you hold a Australia passport, are between the ages of 18-30yrs and have no criminal convictions (minor convictions may be admissible) you are eligible for the Work Canada program.
Can I apply if I am at university?
Yes you can apply for the Work Canada program if you are at University. For the Canadian Working Holiday Visa you do not need to have student status to be eligible.
We do not recommend that you use your working holiday visa for Canada over your summer holidays. The Canadian working holiday visa is only issued once in a lifetime, so we encourage you to make the most of the visa.
If you are a full-time uni student check out the EXCLUSIVE 12 month US visa you are eligible for here.
Canadian Working Holiday Visa
When should I apply for the visa?
It can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks to apply for a Canadian Working Holiday visa. Once the visa is issued by the Canadian High Commission you will have 12 months to enter Canada and activate the visa.
Do I need to get my criminal record check?
Yes, you will need to get a criminal record check to obtain a Canadian Working Holiday visa. IEP will send you the form you will need to fill out to obtain your criminal record check.
Can I still travel to Canada if I have a criminal conviction?
If you have a criminal conviction you may not be eligible for the visa. Minor offences may be admissible. If you do have any convictions the best thing to do is contact IEP so we can double check your eligibility.
Can I repeat the working holiday visa for Canada?
Yes. You can repeat the Canadian working holiday visa up to the age of 30yrs.
Travelling in Canada
Can I travel anywhere in Canada?
Yes the Canadian Working Holiday visa allows you to travel anywhere within Canada!
Can I visit the US while in Canada?
Yes, the working holiday visa for Canada is multiple entry so you can come and go as you. You will need a visa to visit the US and that is something we can assist you in obtaining before you leave Australia.
Can I travel with my friend/partner?
Yes you can travel with a friend or partner. When you apply for the program, just let us know your travel plans and we will make it happen.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes you will need travel insurance while you are in Canada for your entire intended stay.
Will I have the opportunity to meet other people on the program before I leave?
Absolutely! We have a closed Facebook group where you can meet your fellow travellers all before you leave Australia. This is a great way to ask questions, meet future flat mates as well as see what others are doing in Canada.
Can I drive in Canada on my license?
You can drive in Canada on your Australian license for up to 3 months. It is recommended that you get a international drivers license before you leave. Once in Canada it is best to check with the Province you are residing in to learn more about the local licensing laws.
Flights to Canada
Do I have to book my flight through STA Travel?
No, it is not a program requirement that you book a flight the STA Travel. We recommend that you speak with a STA Travel agent as they always have great flight deals and a strong knowledge of what kind of ticket you will need to enter Canada. You can contact STA Travel at 1300 675 435 or email [email protected]
Do I need a return or onward ticket?
No, since the Canadian working holiday visa is good for up to 2 years you do not need an onward or return ticket.
Applying for Work Canada
How do I apply for Work Canada?
To apply all you need to do is visit here and fill out the required contact details and make the application payment of $545. Once that is done we will be in touch to start on the Canadian Working Holiday Visa as well as provide you with our expert travel materials.
When should I apply?
At a minimum you should allow for 8-12 weeks. You can apply early and let us know when you want to depart. We will plan everything accordingly so you can leave when you want. It is also a great way to break up fees i.e. program fee, visa fee, insurance, flights.
How do I find out more information?
The best place to find out more is here on the website! We also host information sessions throughout the country and this is a great way to learn more. If you cannot make it to an info session you can give us a call at 03 9329 3866, email [email protected] or find us on Facebook.
Please contact their working holiday branch at 1300 675 435 or 
