Canada Working Holiday for Belgians: the Working Holiday Visa

What is the Canada Working Holiday Visa?

The Canada Working Holiday Visa is part of the government programme International Experience Canada (IEC).

Under Working Holiday, participants receive an open work permit (open work permit). This means they can work for different employers in Canada for the period the permit is valid.

The main aim of the programme is to allow young people to travel in Canada while having the possibility of working in order to fund their stay.

Who can apply for a Canada Working Holiday Visa with a Belgian passport?

Belgian citizens can take part in the Canada Working Holiday programme if they meet the following conditions:

• be aged between 18 and 30 inclusive
• hold a valid Belgian passport
• not be accompanied by dependent children
• have at least 2 500 CAD to support themselves at the start of the stay
• have comprehensive medical insurance covering the whole length of the stay
• have a return ticket or the financial means to buy one
• meet Canada's health and security requirements
  
  

How long can you stay in Canada on a Working Holiday Visa?

For Belgian citizens, the Working Holiday permit allows you to stay in Canada for a maximum period of 12 months.

During this period, participants can:

• work for different employers
• travel across Canada
• change job freely
• gain international professional experience
  
  

The Canada Working Holiday Visa works with a draw

To take part in the programme, candidates must first register in a pool of candidates.

The Canadian authorities then issue regular invitations to submit a work permit application.

This system works like a draw: candidates are selected progressively from the profiles in the pool until the annual quota is reached.

Can you work on a Canada Working Holiday Visa?

Yes. The Working Holiday permit is an open work permit.

This means you can work for different employers in Canada without needing a prior job offer.

The jobs held by participants are often found in:

• hotels and catering
• tourism
• retail
• ski resorts
• seasonal jobs
  
  

Can you take English courses in Canada?

Yes. Working Holiday Visa holders can take English or French courses during their stay.

However, if the studies exceed 6 months, a study permit may be required.

Minimum budget and insurance

To enter Canada on a Working Holiday Visa, you must prove that you have at least 2 500 Canadian dollars.

The Canadian authorities also require health insurance covering the whole length of the stay. Without insurance valid for the whole period, the length of the permit may be limited to the length of the insurance.

Why go to Canada on a Working Holiday Visa?

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for a Working Holiday Visa thanks to:

• its high quality of life
• its large international cities
• its spectacular natural landscapes
• the many temporary work opportunities
• an English-speaking environment ideal for making progress in English

For many young Belgians, the Canada Working Holiday Visa is a highly rewarding personal and professional experience.

Canada Working Holiday Visa and Belgium: the essential points

The Canada Working Holiday programme for Belgians allows a stay of up to 12 months in Canada on an open work permit.

Candidates must register in a selection pool, be aged 18 to 30, have a minimum budget, and take out health insurance covering the whole length of the stay.

This programme offers the opportunity to have a unique international experience by combining travel, work and language immersion in Canada.