Canadian applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old when they apply. You must submit your application before your 36th birthday to be eligible.
The UK remains one of the most popular working holiday destinations for Canadians, thanks to its shared language, strong job market, and easy access to the rest of Europe.
Through the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, eligible Canadians can live and work in the UK for up to two years without needing a job offer before they arrive.
At Stepabroad, we’ve helped Canadians prepare for working holidays in the UK for years!
In this guide, you’ll find the latest eligibility requirements, application fees, required documents, and answers to the questions we hear most often from Canadians planning their move.
The UK Working Holiday Visa, officially called the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, allows eligible Canadians to live, work, and travel in the United Kingdom for up to two years. Unlike a tourist visa, it gives you the right to work for most employers, making it a popular option for Canadians looking to gain international work experience while exploring the UK.
The Youth Mobility Scheme is part of a reciprocal agreement between Canada and the UK that allows young adults to experience living abroad. During your stay, you can live anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, work in a wide range of industries, and travel throughout the UK.
| UK Working Holiday Visa at a Glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Visa Name | Youth Mobility Scheme visa |
| Who Can Apply | Canadian citizens |
| Age Requirement | 18–35 years old |
| Length of Stay | Up to 2 years |
| Job Offer Required | No |
| Can You Work? | Yes |
| Can You Study? | Yes (short courses are permitted) |
| Application Window | Up to 6 months before your planned travel date |
Yes, Canadian applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old when they submit their application.
You can apply up to six months before your planned arrival in the UK. As long as you submit your application before your 36th birthday, you remain eligible (even if you turn 36 before travelling).
Once you’ve celebrated your 36th birthday, you can no longer apply under the Youth Mobility Scheme. Depending on your circumstances, you may still qualify for another UK visa.
Applying for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa involves three main steps. Most Canadians complete the process over several weeks, although processing times can vary depending on the time of year and individual circumstances.
Complete the online application through the UK Government website, pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and upload any required supporting documents.
After submitting your application, you’ll book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and supporting documents.
Canadian VAC locations include:
If your application is approved, you’ll receive confirmation from the UK Government and your eVisa will be linked digitally to the passport used in your application.
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the UK Working Holiday Visa application that breaks down the process in more detail.
We have helped Canadians navigate the UK Working Holiday Visa process since 2010, reviewing applications, checking supporting documents, and providing guidance before departure.
If you’d like expert support from start to finish, our UK Working Holiday Program can help simplify the process.
If your application gets rejected, the UK Government generally does not refund your visa application fee or the Immigration Health Surcharge if your application has already been processed. You may also lose any additional fees paid for biometric appointments or optional services.
Because of the cost involved, it’s important to ensure your application is completed accurately and all supporting documents meet the UK Government’s requirements before you apply.
If you’d like additional peace of mind, our UK Working Holiday Send-Off Package includes expert guidance throughout the application process, document checks, and pre-departure resources to help you prepare for life in the UK; including resources for finding accommodation and a job!
No. You are not required to work while in the UK on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. The visa allows you to live in the UK for up to two years, whether you choose to work, travel, study, or volunteer during your stay.
However, if you plan to spend an extended period travelling without working, you should make sure you have enough savings to cover your living expenses, including accommodation, transportation, and daily costs.
Many Canadians choose to work during their stay to help support their travels and experience everyday life in the UK. Popular industries for working holiday participants include hospitality, tourism, retail, administration, and seasonal work.
No. Canadian citizens cannot work in the UK without the appropriate immigration permission.
If you enter the UK as a visitor, you cannot take paid employment or use your visit visa to work. To legally work in the UK, you need a visa that includes work rights.
For many Canadians aged 18–35, the Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme visa) is one of the most flexible options because it does not require a job offer, employer sponsorship, or a UK-based family connection before applying.
Other UK work visas may require employer sponsorship, specific qualifications, or meeting additional eligibility criteria.
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa gives Canadians broad work rights in the UK. There is no limit on the number of hours you can work, and you can generally work for any employer during your two-year stay.
You can work in most industries, whether you want to continue your professional career, gain international experience, or find temporary work while travelling.
Some restrictions apply. Working Holiday visa holders cannot work as:
Common jobs for Canadians on a UK Working Holiday Visa include:
Finding a job in the UK is possible before or after you arrive, and the Youth Mobility Scheme visa gives Canadians the flexibility to work for most employers without needing sponsorship.
Popular industries for Canadians on a UK Working Holiday Visa include:
Many employers will ask for a UK-style resume (often called a CV), proof that you have the right to work, and a UK bank account to receive payment. You will also need a National Insurance Number, which is required for working and paying taxes in the UK.
Our UK Working Holiday Send-Off Package includes practical support to help you prepare for your move, including resume guidance, job-search resources, arrival information, and help with important first steps such as setting up a UK phone number and preparing for your arrival.
Canadian citizens can live, work, and travel in the UK for up to two years through the UK Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme visa).
The visa fee is the same whether you stay for a few months or use the full two-year period. Many Canadians choose to work during their stay to support their living expenses while exploring England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The UK Working Holiday visa application process typically takes several weeks from start to finish. The exact timeline depends on appointment availability, document preparation, and UK Government processing times.
A typical application timeline includes:
| Step | Estimated Timing |
|---|---|
| Complete Online Application | 1 day (if your documents are ready) |
| Book and Attend Biometrics Appointment | Usually within 1–4 weeks |
| Visa Processing After Biometrics | Approximately 3 weeks in many cases |
| Total Recommended Preparation Time | Start the process 3–6 months before your planned departure. |
To avoid delays, we recommend preparing your documents early and applying at least three months before your planned departure date.
If your application is refused, you generally need to submit a new application and pay the required fees again. This is why reviewing your documents carefully before submission is important.
We can help you understand the application requirements, review your documents, and prepare before submitting your visa application.
Common requirements include:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Canadian Passport | Must be valid for your intended stay. |
| Online Application | Complete your application through the UK Government visa portal. |
| Proof of Funds | Evidence that you meet the financial requirement. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge Payment | Required to access UK healthcare during your stay. |
| Biometric Appointment | Fingerprints and a photograph are collected at a Visa Application Centre. |
You may also need additional documents depending on your personal circumstances.
Before submitting your application, make sure all information is accurate. Once submitted, changes may not be possible, and incorrect or missing documents can delay processing or result in refusal.
We’ve broken it all down in our detailed step-by-step guide to the UK Youth Mobility Visa.
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Canadians have access to working holiday opportunities in more than 30 countries and territories through agreements and programs that allow young adults to live and work abroad.
Popular working holiday destinations for Canadians include:
Each country has different eligibility requirements, age limits, visa durations, and application processes. Some destinations also have participation limits or require applicants to apply through specific programs.
Explore our complete guide to working holiday countries for Canadians to compare destinations and find the option that best fits your goals.
To apply for the UK Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme visa), Canadian applicants need to:
For a complete breakdown of the process, follow our step-by-step guide to applying for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
For expert assistance to ensure that you correctly complete your visa application, check out our UK Working Holiday Programs for Canadians.
Our team can help review your documents, prepare you for departure, and provide resources for important arrival steps such as finding accommodation, searching for jobs, setting up a bank account, getting a UK phone number, understanding taxes, and preparing for life in the UK.
Canadian applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old when they apply. You must submit your application before your 36th birthday to be eligible.
Applicants must show they have enough funds to support themselves when they arrive in the UK. The required amount is set by the UK Government and must be proven through acceptable financial documents.
No. The Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows Canadians to stay in the UK for a maximum of two years and cannot be extended. After your visa ends, you would need to qualify for another type of UK visa if you want to remain in the country.
No. One of the benefits of the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is that Canadians do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship before applying.
Yes. The Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows multiple entries, meaning you can travel outside the UK and return during your visa period, as long as your visa remains valid.
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