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 £319 to apply for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa. They have a number of requirements that must be met in order for your Working Holiday 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 £1552, 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 £776. 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 £319 (about $580 CAD) and includes a National Health Service (NHS) surcharge of £1,552 (about $3500 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.
Canadians aged 18 to 35 can apply for the UK Youth Mobility Visa (also known as the Working Holiday Visa). To qualify, you must hold a valid Canadian passport, have at least £2,530 in savings to support yourself on arrival, and not have dependents traveling with you. This visa allows Canadians to live, work, and travel in the UK for up to three years, making it the most accessible way for young Canadians to experience life in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Canadians aged 18 to 35 can apply for the UK Youth Mobility Visa if they hold a valid Canadian passport, have at least £2,530 in savings, no dependents, and apply from outside the UK. The visa lasts up to three years.
Canadians apply for the UK Youth Mobility Visa (Working Holiday Visa) online by completing the application form, uploading required documents, and paying the visa and healthcare fees. After submitting, you must attend a biometrics appointment in Canada to provide fingerprints and a photo. Once complete, your application is processed, and you’ll receive a decision, usually within 3-6 weeks.
For Canadians, the UK Youth Mobility Visa (Working Holiday Visa) costs:
This means a two-year visa costs about £1,871 in total (£319 + £1,552 for the healthcare surcharge). Some biometrics centres in Canada may also charge an additional service fee.
The UK Youth Mobility Visa (Working Holiday Visa) application is a two-step process. Canadians complete and submit the application online, then attend an in-person biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo. Biometrics centres are located in Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Vancouver, with additional seasonal locations sometimes available.
The UK Youth Mobility Visa (Working Holiday Visa) gives Canadians the flexibility to work in many industries. Popular jobs include hospitality, retail, summer camps, and office support, among others. You can work full-time, part-time, or switch jobs freely, making it easy to earn money while traveling and exploring the UK.
Yes, but they are minimal. With the UK Youth Mobility Visa (Working Holiday Visa), Canadians cannot work as a professional sportsperson or train as a doctor or dentist. Self-employment is allowed, but only if you have no employees and use equipment worth less than £5,000. For most Canadians, these restrictions don’t affect typical working holiday jobs such as hospitality, retail, or office work.
Yes. Canadians on a UK Youth Mobility Visa (Working Holiday Visa) can open a bank account in England, but it can be challenging at first. Most traditional banks require proof of address, which many newcomers don’t have immediately. Many working holiday participants start with app-based banks or newcomer-friendly accounts, then switch to a traditional bank once settled. Having a local account is essential to get paid when you start working.
While not a legal requirement, a UK phone number is helpful for day-to-day life. Employers expect it on your CV, landlords want a local contact, and banks often require one to open an account. SIM cards are cheap and easy to get at the airport or high-street shops.
The cost of living in the UK varies by city. London is the most expensive, especially for rent and transportation, but wages are often higher and job opportunities are plentiful. Cities like Manchester, Glasgow, and Bristol are more affordable while still offering strong job markets and vibrant lifestyles.
On average, Canadians on a Youth Mobility Visa (Working Holiday Visa) should budget around £900–£1,500 per month, depending on location and lifestyle. At Stepabroad, we provide participants with detailed budget breakdowns so you know what to expect and how to make your pounds go further.
Each city offers a unique experience, so the best choice depends on your budget, career goals, and lifestyle preferences during your UK working holiday.
Yes. Canadians can extend their UK Youth Mobility Visa (Working Holiday Visa) for an additional 12 months, bringing the total stay to three years. To extend, you must apply before your current visa expires and pay the NHS healthcare surcharge again (£776 for the extra year).
Yes. In addition to the UK, Stepabroad helps Canadians join Working Holiday programs in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and France. Many participants explore multiple destinations before deciding, and our team provides guidance to help you choose the program that best fits your goals.