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!
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