Working Holiday Permit (WHP)

All about the WHP

Working Holiday Permit

If you’re between 18 and 35, and a citizen of a country that has signed an agreement with Canada, you can apply for a working vacation visa. This visa allows you to work in Canada for up to 2 years.

The Working Holiday Permit (WHP) is an international mobility program that allows young adults from certain countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy, to stay temporarily in Canada to work and travel. This permit is a temporary work authorization that allows holders to work for a Canadian employer, without the need for a prior job offer.

PVT canada

To be eligible for a WHP Canada, you must :


  • Be between 18 and 35 (depending on your home country).
  • Be a citizen of a country that has signed a WHP agreement with Canada: see list.
  • Have a passport valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Have sufficient savings to support yourself at the start of your stay.
  • Have a clean criminal record.
  • Have health insurance for the duration of your stay.


You must first submit an online application for the WHP on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. If your application is accepted, you will receive an invitation to apply for a work permit. The application process varies depending on your country of origin, and can take several weeks.


The PVT permit is generally valid for up to two years, depending on the country of origin. PVT permit holders can work for any Canadian employer and travel freely throughout Canada during their stay.


It's important to note that PVT permit applications are subject to an annual quota, that the number of places available is limited, and that applications are processed by lottery. It is therefore important to submit your application as soon as possible, so that you can be registered for invitation rounds and have a better chance of being accepted.


For more information on the working vacation permit, contact our team !

The benefits of the Working Holiday Permit :

International experience

An internship in Canada gives you the opportunity to live and work in an international environment. This allows you to gain valuable experience abroad.

Professional development

Canada is renowned for its dynamic and innovative industries. Doing an internship in this country allows you to familiarize yourself with best practices and cutting-edge technologies in your field.

Professional network

During your internship in Canada, you’ll have the opportunity to meet local professionals and build an international professional network. These contacts can open doors and help you in your future job search.

Open-Mindedness

Living abroad and working in a new environment will help you develop your open-mindedness, adaptability and ability to integrate into multicultural teams.

Discovering Canada

Canada is a vast and diverse country, offering a multitude of breathtaking landscapes, dynamic cities and welcoming communities. Take advantage of your WHP to explore this magnificent country.

Please note: It’s important to know that each type of work permit or visa has its own eligibility conditions and level of requirements.
It is therefore important to check with the relevant authorities before applying for a work permit or visa for an internship in Canada.

Our team answers your questions !

Need PVT visa assistance? Contact our specialized Canada visa team to facilitate your application and obtain your visa with complete peace of mind.

Working Holiday Permit

Pool opening

The application period usually begins in autumn (November/December) and ends the following autumn (September/October).
For PVT applications, pools are open all year round, but may be temporarily closed if the quota of visas allocated during a certain period is reached. 

You can monitor the quota status on this page of the official International Experience Canada website: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/selections.asp

Working Holiday applicants join a « pool of applicants » and must wait for the authorities to send out invitations to apply for a work permit. This usually takes about one round of invitations per week.

Once your work permit application has been submitted to the Canadian authorities, you must take into account the processing times (maximum 8 weeks). Processing times may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the volume of applications, the time of year and your individual situation.

The work permit application can only be submitted once you have received an Invitation to Submit an Application (ISA).
We recommend that you apply to the Working Holiday pool as soon as possible after the start of the new season.