Hey guys, have had a lot of messages lately about the process of getting a work and travel visa for Canada so I thought I'd write this for you all who want to know.

Before 2013 the visa was different, it was a regular Working Holiday visa (which I had) and since then it has changed to the IEC Work and Travel visa (basically the same but a different name). The confusion for me was eligibility and by chance of enquiry I realised i was eligible because I had taken part before 2013 (on the old visa). Hallelujah if this was you, too then YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE! Have a look on the website because it depends on your country.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/

The process is pretty quick if you spend a day doing it and getting forms together such as copies of documents, police clearance forms and medical forms.

Step1- Open a Kompass Account and apply for a place on the program (each country has a different quota so check the dates it is open etc)

Step 2- once application is sent you should receive a letter of invitation (valid for a week or so, so hurry up because your visa will be refused if you send an invalid letter)

Step 3- Use this letter to apply for the visa on the CIC website along with the application, your documents, fees etc

Step 4- wait about 6-8 weeks for approval and you will receive a port of entry letter to invite you to work in canada!

Bare in mind this is an open work permit and you can work for anyone here. Jobs are easy to come by (at least in Vancouver), and budget house shares are possible! Get two year insurance with a company like USIT or Go4less (both Irish) before you go as you will only get a visa valid for the length of your insurance and will have to extend your visa (like me grr). For other countries check for 2 year long stay travel insurance.

Good luck and if you have any questions please comment below!

Ever asked yourself what is the best thing about travelling and where would you be now if you hadn't taken that first trip? Yes we all know the cliche that travelling changes you, makes you wiser and you're constantly 'finding yourself'. Well I don't know about you but cliches are cliches for a reason- they're more often than not, true!

The thought crossed my mind today as I was chatting to a client at work who was Interested in my travels. It suddenly came to me like an epiphany, that my whole journey was indeed a beautiful spiral of events that led me to where I am now. I even had the thought that should I randomly decide to up and leave to some far away land, I would more than likely know someone there who I could stay with, hang out with or just get advice from. Heck, even if I didn't, I sure as hell would know a friend who had a friend there. I bring to you- the joys of travelling. We are indeed a social network in this way.

You see, my travels turned into travels back and forth across the world spiralled by chance meetings with future forever friends. You know that feeling when you meet someone and you instantly click, like you've known each other for eternity? Well that's what it was like for me and I'm sure a lot of us. We meet like minded people, people we were destined to learn from and be inspired by, and the joys of one day getting to meet them in their own country is a true gift! This happened to me on my first solo trip 8 years ago and to think that I am still living abroad, is absurd. This was purely down to the amazing network of nomads I met along the way and who inspired me to carry on to more and more places. I constantly try and combine friends I know from separate times, should they end up being in the same place at the same time or if they have the same interests.

This is a social network, this is more than Facebook or Twitter, this is REAL. Expanding your circle of friends happens on a day to day basis when travelling and who knows where those friends, their ideas or your experiences together may lead you next. We can all look back and remember at least one memorable person from our travels and how they impacted us. I can safely say I have met and kept forever friendships with lots of inspiring and unforgettable people who I seem to return to visit time and time again. You know who you are :) :)

For the rest of you I have met along my journey and haven't had the chance to reunite, I'm on my way ;) xx

Keep the social network of travellers ever expanding. Share stories. Inspire others. Build long lasting friendships. Laugh until your stomach hurts. Chat about ridiculous things. Go on random adventures with free spirits. Travel to the end of the earth (and back).

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