A working holiday in the UK lets you experience the best Europe has to offer at your own pace. Attend a world-famous music festival, drink Butterbeer at Hogwarts, ride the rollercoaster on the Brighton Pier, or seek out film locations from Game of Thrones. Perhaps you’ll learn about your family history, or experience living in alluring London.
Whichever the case, basing yourself on this fascinating continent gives you the opportunity to explore so many different cultures and bucket-list destinations. As an English-speaking country, it’s easy to get oriented in your new home which draws people from all over the world. You’ll build a network of international friends and make memories to last a lifetime.
The UK government charges £298 to apply for the UK Youth Mobility (Working Holiday) Visa. They have a number of requirements that must be met in order for your visa application to be approved. This includes applying for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of the 2-year visa at a cost of £1550, if you decide to apply for the third-year visa extension then you will be required to pay for an additional year of coverage costing £780. Your personal Stepabroad Travel Advisor will walk you through each step of the application in complete detail and ensure you provide the correct documentation. The requirements are as follows:
1 - 36 months
C$499
Stepabroad’s UK Send-Off Package will make your dream of living in the UK a reality. We'll cover all the essentials needed to live in the UK so that you can start planning all the incredible adventures you will have across the UK and Europe!
1 - 12 Months
From $599
Interested in something a little different? Consider Spain: land of the bright, bold, and extremely delicious. Famous for welcoming people, exceptional weather, and incredible cuisine, Spain is a dream destination for any Canadian looking for a culturally immersive working holiday.
1 - 36 months
C$999
Stepabroad’s Camp Job Program helps Canadians get set up in camp jobs abroad across England, Scotland, and Wales for the adventure of a lifetime! Your paid job, accommodation, and meals are completely taken care of, making your transition abroad a breeze.
Yes! Canadian citizens aged 18–35 can apply for a Working Holiday Visa UK through the Youth Mobility Scheme. This agreement between the UK and Canada allows eligible Canadians to live and work in the UK for up to three years. Please note that from 2024 onwards the age limit for Canadians was extended from up to 30 years old to 35 years old, which is great, as now more Canadians can work in the United Kingdom.
Are you a Canadian planning to work in the UK? Submit your application here and connect with our team for a free meeting so we can check how we can help you!
The age limit is 35 years old inclusive, meaning you can apply until the day before your 36th birthday.
This age limit was increased from 30 to 35 years old in 2024, giving more Canadians the opportunity to join the program. However, we recommend applying well in advance to ensure you complete the process, including your biometrics appointment, before turning 36.
The UK Working Holiday Visa allows Canadians to stay for up to three years. Initially, the visa is valid for two years, but you can apply for a 12-month extension while in the UK.
The UK is one of the only countries offering Canadians such an extended stay under a working holiday visa, making it a great option for long-term living or exploring residency pathways.
The Working Holiday Visa UK is highly flexible! You can work in most industries except as a professional sportsperson, such as a coach.
You can also become self-employed, provided your business meets specific conditions, like having no employees and equipment valued under £5,000.
You must show £2,530 in savings (about $4,600 CAD) held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
This proof is typically submitted as a bank statement when completing your online UK Working Holiday Visa application.
It takes around 3 months from start to finish. After submitting your online application, you’ll attend a biometrics appointment, which may take several weeks to schedule.
Once biometrics are complete, visa processing typically takes 3–4 weeks. You can apply up to 6 months before your planned arrival in the UK, so starting early is highly recommended.
The visa application fee is £298 (about $550 CAD) and includes a National Health Service (NHS) surcharge of £1,552 (about $3,200 CAD total).
Some biometrics centers may also charge an additional $110 USD. As these fees are non-refundable, our team will guide you through the process to avoid costly mistakes.
Yes! The Youth Mobility Scheme is the official name for the UK Working Holiday Visa. It’s sometimes referred to as a Tier 5 visa on the UK Government website.
No, your UK Working Holiday Visa allows you to live and work in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
You’re free to move between these countries throughout your stay, so you can explore all corners of the UK without needing additional permits.
Yes! The UK Working Holiday Visa is a multiple-entry visa, meaning you can exit and re-enter as often as you like.
Take advantage of Europe’s short distances and budget airlines to explore countries like France, Spain, Germany, or Italy on weekend trips.
The process is a mix of both. You’ll submit an online application and then attend an in-person biometrics appointment, where your fingerprints and photo will be collected.
Appointments are available in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, and Ottawa, with seasonal locations sometimes added. Note that some centers charge an additional fee for this service.
Yes, you may be able to apply if you’re living abroad (not in the UK) and have valid work rights in that country.
Book a call with our Travel Coordinators to confirm if this is an option for your situation.