Want to live in Canada for up to two years with visa support, a pre-arranged seasonal job and five nights' accommodation when you land? Do Canadian bears *beep* in the woods?
Fancy a yarn?
Let’s talk
Early summer hiring for Banff and Jasper starting in Nov/Dec
Head for the hills
Home to chilled locals, cool cities and wild scenery that will happily blow your ski socks off – Canada is one of the most liveable countries in the world. And thanks to a flexible two-year working holiday visa and decent minimum wage, one of the most workable. With hills that are alive with the sound of seasonal workers, hit the ground/slopes/trails running with a 4-6 month summer or ski season job when you arrive - usually with subsidised accommodation and perks such as lift passes. Or carve your own path with jobs related to your trade or profession. Plus, UK passport holders can now work this visa until they're 35!
The Jenza difference
Roadtested experience
We use our roadtesters experience to shape yours. Which is how we know our six-day Canada orientation sets you up with everything you need to work in Canada.
4-6 month job included
The worst part of job hunting? All of it. Which is why we source and vet hundreds of jobs. Interview before you go, when you land and for your whole visa.
Yes to no stress
From guiding you through the working holiday visa process to bed nights, job workshops and bank account support when you land – we help work out all the details.
Hiring news
Early summer hiring for Banff, Jasper and Waterton jobs with Apr start dates will open in Nov/Dec. If you don't have your ITA yet and there are still visas left for your nationality in the IEC visa pool, book now. This is the quickest way to get out for spring/summer '25. Once the visa pools close, you'll have to wait for them to re-open - typically in Dec/Jan.
18-30 years
Stay for up to 2 years
Visa applications now open
Ski or summer job before you go
Earn CAD $16-$24/hour
5 nights when you land
$1,245
Get on board
We provide the visa application help, pre-arranged job and arrival support you need to spend up to two years living and working in Canada.
Starting in Vancouver or Toronto, our optional group start dates allow you to spend the first six days of your Canada working holiday with people like you. With five nights’ hostel accommodation, arrival orientations and job workshops – it’s the best way to settle into Canadian life before starting work.
Working holiday visa Canada update The IEC Canada visa pools for 2024 visa applications are open. The earlier you enter the pools, the more draws your name will be exposed to – increasing your chances of getting a visa. So get your skates on!
About the visa
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Who and for how long
To work in Canada, you must have a work permit from International Experience Canada (the IEC). The IEC visa allows you to work for up to 24 months in any industry, other than the sex industry.
There are only a limited number of IEC Canada visas each year, and so applications work via a pool system. (Not the fun pina colada kind, the kind where if your name is drawn out, you’ll be sent an ‘Invitation to Apply’ for your work permit).
Fast forward some more forms and a biometrics appointment, and you'll receive your ‘Port of Entry’ letter to work in Canada. You then have 12 months to enter the country.
The IEC visa pool opens in Dec/Jan each year, and usually stays open until Sep/Oct. Applying early ensures your profile is exposed to the maximum number of name draws.
New for 2024
You must also:
Make it work
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Where and what you can do
Your visa allows you to do casual or career work. Typical backpacker and gap year jobs include working in tourism, hospitality, sales, labouring, childcare, retail and seasonal work in ski and summer resorts.
Seasonal jobs are the most popular options for travellers when they first arrive – working as a housekeeper, server, barista, chef, lift attendant, rental technician, driver or ski instructor. The minimum wage differs per state or province, with Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia all around the CAD $15 mark. Most of our pre-arranged ski and summer season employers pay between $16-24 an hour, plus tips where applicable.
You can also work in industries related to your career, education or trade – such as nursing, beauty, marketing, finance, recruitment and everything between. Here your earning potential will be higher, especially with a two-year visa to build up your experience.
Departure dates
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Start Toronto or Vancouver
SWAP (our in-country partners) run your in-person arrival orientation every Wednesday in Vancouver and Toronto, but you can arrive at any time and we can book your 5 nights' hostel accommodation around your flights. Virtual arrival orientations for Banff and Calgary are every Thursday.
SWAP run monthly events such as hockey games, baseball games, outdoor movie nights and walking tours - which usually run on the third and fourth weeks of the month (although not guaranteed as it relies on game timetables etc). If your arrival doesn't coincide with an event but you're still in Toronto or Vancouver, you're welcome to head along!
What's included
Pre-departure inclusions
Expert advice from people who’ve been
Your Work Canada ride or die, all our JENZA Support Squad have worked the world, so can give you firsthand advice on moving overseas. As well as being a geeky bunch of travel nerds and visa whisperers, we're also mental health awareness trained. Which means we know how to connect like humans – not customer service bots.
On top of one-on-one video calls, visa webinars and pre-departure handbooks, there’s a group call with the team in Canada every Tuesday to answer all your questions before you go.
Visa inclusions
IEC visa pool and application support
The IEC doesn't allow us to apply for your Canada work visa on your behalf, but we're with you the whole way – with the correct forms, one-on-one calls, visa webinars and Canada Clinics to ensure your application is submitted correctly.
Your visa fee (currently CAD $272) is paid directly to the Canadian government, and you must also attend a biometrics appointment at a designated biometrics centre to have your photo and fingerprints taken.
The whole visa process from entering the IEC visa pool to receiving your ‘Port of Entry’ letter can take between 2-3 months. We suggest booking as soon as the pool opens for the best chance of securing a visa.
Job inclusions
Unlimited pre-vetted working holiday jobs
You can interview with our summer or winter employers before you go, plus access unlimited working holiday jobs on the road.
Our Dream Jobs team scour the planet finding seasonal employers who are looking to take on working holidaymakers. They’re pre-vetted to make sure everything is legit, and once you get your ‘Invitation to Apply’, you can start searching and applying for positions on our JENZA Job Hub.
If you want to sort a job before you go, we work with some of the top resorts in Canada, including in Banff and Whistler, to help you secure a 4-6 month ski season or summer job. Depending on the resort, you’ll need to commit to the full job season, whether its during winter (Nov-Mar) or summer (May-Sep). Although subject to availability, many of our seasonal employers include subsidised staff housing (around CAD $400-600 per month) and great perks such as discounted lift passes, gear hire, and ski or snowboard lessons.
If you’d rather wait until you land, a job workshop is included in your arrival orientation. You’ll also have access to our JENZA Job Hub for your whole visa.
In-country inclusions
Arrival orientation with 5 nights' accommodation
If you’re heading straight for the mountains or don’t want to go via Vancouver or Toronto, you can use your accommodation in Banff or Calgary at any point in your trip.
Work essentials
SIN, bank account and more
This is all the un-sexy stuff, but essential and legal stuff you need to start working in Canada. When you arrive, the SWAP team will help you to set up:
Jen-setter benefits
Plus, these JENZA community perks
Free (or close to free) stuff Our favourite F word. Score hundreds of overseas discounts with our virtual JENZA X IYTC card.
Earn extra cash Shot it? Share it. We pay for blogs, vlogs, images and videos. DM us on Insta and send us a pitch.
Ask an alumni Hear from people who've been. We try to have an alumni on every pre-departure call to answer all your questions.
Find a friend Meet people like you. Connect with travellers arriving at the same time on our JENZA Discord group chats.
Book now pay later
Final payment of $1,130 to gain access to the jobs hub, once your ITA is secured.
About our pricing | Our mission is to make working abroad more accessible. Meaning we do everything we can pay our team, support our partners and make a profit – without screwing over the people who matter. Find out how our pricing works and the people involved in making your JENZA happen.
We also walk the walk, donating 5% of profits to our overseas scholarship fund.
What’s not included
Support funds (CAD $)
You are required to show proof that you can access CAD $2,500.
In-person biometrics appointment
This is a condition of your visa and currently costs CAD $85.
Travel insurance for Canada
You may be asked for your policy documents at immigration, so you must take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for your whole stay. For example, if you book a six-month policy to save money, you run the risk of your visa being stamped for that duration – not the full duration of your visa.
Visa fee Canada
This is paid directly to the Canada Embassy and currently costs CAD $272.
Canada police background check
You need to provide a police check for every country you have continuously lived in for 6+ months since the age of 18. The process and cost varies per country.
#ResortLife
Wondering where to do your Canada season?
Check out our Whistler, Banff, Jasper, Blue Mountain, and Panorama destination guides for all the intel on life working in Canada's fave ski and summer resorts.
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Hiring closed
Winter season (Dec-Mar)
CAD $18.45/hour
Staff housing ($152/week), free lift pass
Based on Canada’s East Coast, Blue Mountain Resort is an alpine village and Ontario’s only four-season resort – just a 1.5 hour drive from Toronto.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Dec-Mar)
CAD $18.45/hour
Staff housing ($152/week), free lift pass
Based on Canada’s East Coast, Blue Mountain Resort is an alpine village and Ontario’s only four-season resort – just a 1.5 hour drive from Toronto.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $19/hour
Housing ($950/month), $100/month off lift pass
The best of both, Pan Pacific have two coveted Whistler addresses - one slopeside for ski-in ski out access and the other in Whistler village.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Dec-Apr)
CAD $18-19.50/hour
Staff housing ($19/day), free lift pass
Panorama Mountain Resort is a standalone ski resort and alpine village tucked away in the Canadian Rockies – a 20-min drive from Invermere.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Dec-Apr)
CAD $17/hour
Staff housing ($19/day), free lift pass
Panorama Mountain Resort is a standalone ski resort and alpine village tucked away in the Canadian Rockies – a 20-min drive from Invermere.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $18.55-34.25/hour
Free lift pass, staff bonus program
A 20-min shuttle from Vancouver, Grouse Mountain ski resort offers the best of both worlds – living in the city and working on the mountain.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Dec-Apr)
CAD $16/hour
Staff housing ($15/night), free lift pass
The ‘Playground of the Prairies’, the cosy winter village and ski resort of Asessippi is the largest ski area in the east coast province of Manitoba.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $20.50/hour
Limited housing ($200/week), free lift pass
1-hour drive from the city of Kelowna, Big White is the fourth largest ski resort in BC and is known for its snow and ski-in ski-out village.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $24.05/hour
Staff housing (from $20/day), discounted lift pass
Located near the base of Whistler Blackcomb in Whistler’s world-famous Upper Village, Four Seasons Whistler is Canada’s only Forbes Five Star Resort.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Dec-Apr)
CAD $16/hour
Staff housing ($15/night), free lift pass
The ‘Playground of the Prairies’, the cosy winter village and ski resort of Asessippi is the largest ski area in the east coast province of Manitoba.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Dec-Apr)
CAD $17/hour
Staff housing ($19/day), free lift pass
Panorama Mountain Resort is a standalone ski resort and alpine village tucked away in the Canadian Rockies – a 20-min drive from Invermere.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $15+/hour
Limited housing ($100-150/week), free lift pass
In the heart of the Rockies, Sunshine Village is one three ski resorts around Banff and is known for having some of the 'best snow in Canada.'
Hiring closed
Winter season (Dec-Apr)
CAD $16/hour
Staff housing ($15/night), free lift pass
The ‘Playground of the Prairies’, the cosy winter village and ski resort of Asessippi is the largest ski area in the east coast province of Manitoba.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $23.84-27.89/hour
Free lift pass, staff bonus program
A 20-min shuttle from Vancouver, Grouse Mountain ski resort offers the best of both worlds – living in the city and working on the mountain.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $23.10/hour
Staff housing (from $20/day), discounted lift pass
Located near the base of Whistler Blackcomb in Whistler’s world-famous Upper Village, Four Seasons Whistler is Canada’s only Forbes Five Star Resort.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $18.02/hour
Staff housing ($19/day), meal on shift
Situated at the base of Whistler Blackcomb for ski-in ski-out access to the slopes, Fairmont Chateau is a short walk or shuttle into Whistler village.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $20.43-21.45/hour
Free lift pass, staff bonus program
A 20-min shuttle from Vancouver, Grouse Mountain ski resort offers the best of both worlds – living in the city and working on the mountain.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $23/hour
Staff housing ($500-800/month), meal on shift
Near the bases of both Whistler and Blackcomb, and steps from the main village – the Westin Resort & Spa ticks both ski and après access.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $17.25/hour
Staff housing ($500-800/month), meal on shift
Near the bases of both Whistler and Blackcomb, and steps from the main village – the Westin Resort & Spa ticks both ski and après access.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $25/hour
Housing ($950/month), $100/month off lift pass
The best of both, Pan Pacific have two coveted Whistler addresses - one slopeside for ski-in ski out access and the other in Whistler village.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Dec-Mar)
CAD $18/hour
Staff housing ($152/week), free lift pass
Based on Canada’s East Coast, Blue Mountain Resort is an alpine village and Ontario’s only four-season resort – just a 1.5 hour drive from Toronto.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $18.70/hour + tips
Staff housing (from $20/day), discounted lift pass
Located near the base of Whistler Blackcomb in Whistler’s world-famous Upper Village, Four Seasons Whistler is Canada’s only Forbes Five Star Resort.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $21/hour
Housing ($950/month), $100/month off lift pass
The best of both, Pan Pacific have two coveted Whistler addresses - one slopeside for ski-in ski out access and the other in Whistler village.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $21.51/hour
Staff housing ($9.50/day), meal on shift
In the heart of Banff NP, the Fairmont Chateau is located on the turquoise shores of Lake Louise – a ski resort famous for its ‘Champagne Powder’.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $20.50/hour
Staff housing ($500-800/month), meal on shift
Near the bases of both Whistler and Blackcomb, and steps from the main village – the Westin Resort & Spa ticks both ski and après access.
Hiring closed
Winter season (Nov-Apr)
CAD $16.06/hour
Staff housing ($8/day), meal on shift
A lakeside retreat in Jasper NP up in the Canadian Rockies, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has daily shuttles to the skiing and riding of Marmot Basin.
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Stories from the Slopes
What's it like to work in Canada?
Fresh off the mountain, here are some of our winter '23/'24 working holidaymakers on what it's like to work a season in Canada. We'll let the video do the talking on this one. Standing by for your call...
Canada jobs explained
Your Canada job visa allows you to do pretty much any job in Canada. However, doing a ski or summer season resort job when you arrive is a great way to find your feet, meet other travellers, and live on the mountain. Plus, many seasonal jobs include subsidised staff accommodation - which is a total win when you've just moved over. You also don’t need to be able to ski or board to work a season. In fact, snow angels can be just as impressive as switch backside 180s. Plus, après ski is universal, right?
Canada visas explained
The IEC Canada visa process can be a bewildering one. A pool without togs is confusing for a start. Especially for Jessie (an Aussie) and one of our JENZA Support Squad. The IEC pools open for visa applications each year in Dec/Jan and usually stay open until Sep/Oct. The earlier you enter the pools to apply for a working holiday visa, the more draws your name will be exposed to – increasing your chances of getting a Canada work visa from that year's allocation. Confused? Here's Jessie to explain how it works.
All the inspo and intel on life in Canada
Canada stories
What our Canada roadtesters had to say
"I’ve felt so much more secure knowing that I had a job and had accommodation to stay somewhere.” Meet our JENZA roadtesters, Mia and Laura, who left Australia for a season working at Sunshine Village in Banff.
Who you gonna call?
Let's talk Canada
Get some facetime with our amazing JENZA Support Squad. When they’re not posing for pool pics, they’re making your work aboard adventures happen with their endless enthusiasm and mad traveller skills. These include: parent whispering, visa geekery and the ability to pack a backpack in 30 seconds flat.
Got a question? We've got answers.
When should I apply for Work Canada?
You can book onto the Work Canada program year-round. However, working holiday Canada visas operate on a visa pool system – where the quota of working holiday visas (otherwise known as the IEC visa) are released each year. The number of visas available changes for each country - with some countries, including Australia, not having a visa quota. You can check the current quota for your country here.
The visa pools usually open in Dec/Jan, and close around Oct, although Canadian immigration make the decision on when to open and close the pools, so exact dates can change from year to year. Due to the competition for Canada visas and Canada jobs, we recommend booking Work Canada as soon as the IEC pools open
I’ve been on working holiday Canada visa before, can I go again?
For British passport holders, you can work in Canada under the IEC working holiday scheme twice:
If you used your IEC visa before 2015 for a period of up to 12 months, you are eligible for a second visa of up to 24 months in any category. Those who already participated in IEC twice are no longer eligible to apply. Check out this Canada blog for the new rules for British passport holders. Confused? Call us and we’ll talk you through it.
For Australia and New Zealand passport holders, check out JENZA Work Canada Returner for information on applying for an RO Letter (Recognised Organisation) to return to Canada for a second time.
Do many people travel on their own?
How much does it cost?
What’s included with Work Canada?
Where will I live?
How will you help me find work?
Do I need to have a pre-arranged job?
What kind of work do people do?
How long can I work for?
Am I guaranteed a job on the Work Canada experience?
Is there a JENZA travel insurance policy?
How long is a working holiday visa in Canada?
How much money do you need for a working holiday in Canada?
What is the age limit for a working holiday in Canada?
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Did someone say ‘gap decade?'
BUNAC Travel Services Ltd trading as “JENZA” is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 01391030 and registered address at 5 Richbell Place, London, UK, WC1N 3LA.
