The 3 Best Ways to Extend Your Working Holiday in Canada
July 11, 2023
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Yes, we understand. You have gone on a Working holiday Canada, which has been amazing. You have enjoyed life-changing experiences and been open to the beautiful culture, opportunities, natural beauty, and world-class infrastructure that has put Canada on the map for decades.
Your Working Holiday Visa’s expiry date is approaching, but you do not want to leave this brilliant country behind. What if you could stay? Whether you want this Canadian dream never to end or if you want it to go on a little longer, here is a list of the best ways to extend Working Holiday Canada.
However, navigating the Canadian immigration system can be very detailed, and we understand that you may have limited time. To ensure your application process goes as quickly and smoothly as you need, you may want to enlist the help of a certified immigration expert like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
What is a Canadian Working Holiday?
Working Holiday Canada is a program that allows citizens of certain countries to travel and work in Canada for up to two years. The program enables young people to gain work experience and cultural exposure. It is a great way to explore the country, gain valuable work experience, and make essential connections in the Canadian workforce.
To be eligible for a Canadian Working Holiday, you must be between 18 and 35, have a valid passport from one of the eligible countries, and have enough money to support yourself during your stay. You must also meet the program’s language requirements and show that you are a law-abiding citizen. The list of eligible countries is as follows:
| Eligible Countries in the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program | ||
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Austria | Belgium |
| Chile | Costa Rica | Croatia |
| Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia |
| France | Germany | Greece |
| Hong Kong | Ireland | Italy |
| Japan | Korea, Rep. | Latvia |
| Lithuania | Luxembourg | Mexico |
| Netherlands | New Zealand | Norway |
| Poland | Portugal | San Marino |
| Slovakia | Slovenia | Spain |
| Sweden | Switzerland | Taiwan |
| Ukraine | United Kingdom | |
Once accepted into the program, you will receive an open work permit to work in Canada for up to two years. You will also travel freely within the country, allowing you to explore different parts of Canada, meet people from all walks of life, and try numerous jobs in multiple fields.
Different countries have different eligibility criteria and application processes, so ensure you know your Canadian Working Holiday Visa criteria.
How Long Can I Stay on a Working Holiday Visa Canada?
The length of your stay in Canada on a Working Holiday Visa will depend on the program you are enrolled in. Generally, you can stay in Canada for up to two years. However, some programs have shorter or longer eligibility periods.
After your Working Holiday Visa Canada expires, there are several ways to stay in Canada. For example, you can apply for a work permit, a study permit, permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program, or a visa renewal.
Each option has its criteria and requirements, so it is essential to research each option carefully before deciding.
The 3 Best Ways to Extend Working Holiday Visa Canada
Get Permanent Residency in Canada
If you have enjoyed your time in Canada so much that you feel you want to stay for the rest of your days, we have you covered. Canada has many permanent residency programs to help applicants of multiple backgrounds start their new life in Canada as quickly and effectively as possible. Here are the most popular pathways for international immigrants.
Express Entry
Express Entry is a federal government program that allows skilled foreign workers and their families to get permanent residence in Canada in as little as six months. This system is split into three programs based on the different types of applicants eligible for this system. They are:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
All applicants must create an Express Entry profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. When they create this profile, they must enter details like their:
- Age
- Marital Status
- Work Experience
- Language Ability
- Level of Education, and
- Links to Canada
These details are then evaluated against the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to create a CRS score. All Express Entry profiles are then entered into an Express Entry Pool. Every two weeks, there is an Express Entry draw where applicants with a CRS Score over a certain number are presented with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.
As of 2023, the Express Entry System will also heavily consider your skill base and the demand for your skills in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to select immigrants who meet the labor market needs of their communities. Each province designs these to facilitate immigration for foreign workers whose skills fill the gaps in the local market.
To be eligible for a PNP, you must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, have a minimum of one year of work experience in a skilled occupation, and meet the program’s language requirements.
PNPs work hand-in-hand with the Express Entry system. You can even apply for a PNP from your Express Entry account by sending an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the province of your choice and getting a PNP Canada can add up to 600 points to your CRS score, effectively guaranteeing you an ITA at the next Express Entry draw.
A major factor determining your eligibility for a PNP Canada is whether or not you work in an occupation that is in demand in that province. Here is a breakdown of Canada’s most in-demand occupations to help you find your place.
Find out how to start your journey to getting a PNP Canada.
Meet the program’s eligibility requirements. You can apply for permanent residence in Canada through a PNP and ensure your dream of staying in Canada after your working holiday becomes a reality.
Work In Canada
If you perhaps do not have the time or fulfill enough of the eligibility factors to gain permanent residency in Canada, or if you are unsure you want to spend the rest of your life in the Great White North, you can also continue your stay in Canada with a work permit, provided you get a job in Canada.
To be eligible for a work permit, you must have a valid job offer from a designated Canadian employer and meet the program’s language requirements. Unlike a Working Holiday Visa Canada, a regular Canadian work permit will mean that you can only work for the employer you have applied with and cannot move around Canada the way you have.
However, it does allow you to continue to stay and build up your career in Canada, and if you have spent long enough in the job, you can apply for permanent residence via programs like the CEC.
Learn how to apply for a Canadian Work Permit to help you get your start.
If you want to know which jobs are a perfect starting point for your career in Canada, here are a few ideas.
Study in Canada
Suppose you have found that Canada is, in fact, the perfect place for you to build your education and set yourself up for success. You can stay in Canada as a student, provided you get a Canadian Study permit.
Applying for a Canadian study permit can be done online or through a paper application. You must first read the instruction guide carefully before you complete your application and select the country or territory from which you will apply to get the local visa office instructions.
To be eligible for A Canadian study permit, you must have an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This Canadian tertiary education institution has been allowed to enroll international students.
Learn how you can apply for a Canadian student visa.
A Working Holiday Canada is a great way to explore the country, gain valuable work experience, and make essential connections in the workforce. The program is designed to allow young people to gain work experience and cultural exposure.
Even though it is reaching its end, this does not have to be the end of your time in Canada. Suppose you want to continue your stay in Canada through these or any of Canada’s over 100 visa and immigration programs. In that case, you will hugely benefit from the help of an RCIC.
With their years of experience helping hundreds of hopeful international immigrants find a wonderful new home in Canada, our RCICs can ensure your process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible to help you ensure your time in Canada continues for a while.
FAQs
Can You Extend Working Holiday Visa Canada After Your Initial Visa Expires?
Currently no. However, you can apply for another Working Holiday once your Visa expires. You will likely have to wait one year to apply again.
Can you Stay in Canada with a Tourist Visa After your Working Holiday Visa Expires?
Yes. After your working holiday, you can remain in Canada for six months with a tourist visa. However, you cannot work on a tourist visa.How Long Do Work/Study Permit Last?
A study permit generally lasts the length of the chosen course you have applied to. Once you complete the course, you may apply for a Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to stay in Canada long enough to get another job.A work permit generally lasts 1-2 years.