Canada working holiday visa for Portuguese citizens

This page is for Portuguese citizens interested in the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday program. It allows you to get an open work permit for temporary paid work to help fund your travel. The main eligibility requirements include being between the ages of 18 to 35. If you are approved, you can stay in Canada for a period of up to 24 months.

To apply, you must show proof of funds of at least CAN$2,500 and have a return ticket or enough money to buy one. The fees are a CAN$184.75 IEC fee plus a CAN$100 open work permit holder fee. You must also have health insurance for your entire stay. You cannot bring dependants with you on this visa.

Passport

Portugal

Age range

18 to 35

Stay

Up to 24 months

Fee

CAN$184.75 IEC fee + CAN$100 open work permit holder fee

Funds

CAN$2,500

Conditions for Portuguese citizens

• As a Portuguese citizen, you may participate in IEC once under any category.
• Other IEC categories for this passport: International Co-op (Internship), Young Professionals.

General rules of the program

• Usually up to 12 months; some agreements allow up to 23 or 24 months (see the table).
• Open work permit: temporary paid work for almost any employer to help pay for the trip.
• At least CAN$2,500 (or the equivalent) shown on a bank statement, plus a return ticket or money to buy one.
• Health insurance for the whole stay; you may have to show it at the border.
• IEC fee CAN$184.75 plus open work permit holder fee CAN$100.00; biometrics CAN$85.00 if you need to give them.
• You cannot be accompanied by dependants.
• IRCC's profile page said the pools for the 2026 season were closed when we checked on 21 October 2026.

What stands out

The maximum stay of up to 24 months for Portuguese citizens is longer than the standard 12 months offered under many of Canada’s other working holiday agreements. Another key point is that as a Portuguese citizen, you may participate in IEC only once, regardless of the category you choose. There are two other IEC categories available for your passport: International Co-op (Internship) and Young Professionals. When the data was checked on October 21, 2026, the application pools for the 2026 season were closed.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check the IEC page for your country: categories, age range and how long the work permit lasts.
2. Create an IEC profile and enter the pool for your country and category.
3. If you receive an invitation to apply, accept it and submit the work permit application within 20 days.
4. Pay the IEC fee and the open work permit holder fee (and biometrics if asked).
5. Bring proof of funds, insurance and your port of entry letter when you travel.

Other programs open to Portuguese citizens

From the programs in this directory. Status is shown only where the official page stated it.

Full list: working holiday visas for Portuguese citizens.

All passports for this program: Canada working holiday visa (IEC) by country.