Canada working holiday visa for Spanish citizens

This page is for Spanish citizens interested in the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday program in Canada. The program allows you to get an open work permit for temporary paid work with almost any employer. To be eligible, you must be between the ages of 18 and 35.

The permit is valid for up to 12 months. The cost includes an IEC fee of CAN$184.75 and an open work permit holder fee of CAN$100. You will also need to show proof of funds of at least CAN$2,500 and have health insurance for your entire stay. You cannot bring dependants with you on this program.

Passport

Spain

Age range

18 to 35

Stay

Up to 12 months

Fee

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

Funds

CAN$2,500

Conditions for Spanish citizens

• As a Spanish citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time. There must be a three-month break between the expiry date of your first Canadian work permit under IEC and the submission date of your second IEC work permit application.
• You must be a resident of Spain when you apply (a residential or mailing address there).
• 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

A key rule for Spanish citizens is that you can participate in IEC twice, but you must choose a different category each time. There must also be a three-month break between the expiry of your first IEC work permit and applying for the second one. Another important condition is that you must be a resident of Spain when you apply.

When the data was checked on October 21, 2026, the official profile page stated that the 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 Spanish citizens

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

Full list: working holiday visas for Spanish citizens.

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