Age
You must be no older than 35 when applying and at least 18 when the visa starts. You may apply before turning 18 if the visa starts afterward.
References: GB
Canadian passport / Working Holiday
Working Holiday in the United Kingdom for Canadians (2026)
Check the essential requirements, then follow the five stages to prepare your application and trip.
Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
The healthcare surcharge is not travel insurance or a promise of full coverage. Private-insurance requirement, Canadian quota and language requirement remain unconfirmed in this research.
Key facts at a glance
- Age
- 18–35Learn moreReferences: GB
- Length of stay
- 24 months, then a possible 12-month extensionLearn moreReferences: GB-OVERVIEW
- Initial funds
- GBP 2,530 for 28 consecutive daysLearn moreReferences: GB
- Visa fee
- GBP 340 plus the healthcare surchargeLearn moreReferences: GB-OVERVIEW
- Annual quota
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: GB
- Application dates and timing
- Apply no earlier than 6 months before travelLearn moreReferences: GB-OVERVIEW
- Language
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: GB
- Study
- Study permitted; ATAS required for some coursesLearn moreReferences: GB-OVERVIEW
- Work
- Most jobs, with specific restrictionsLearn moreReferences: GB-OVERVIEW
Canada →United KingdomWorking Holiday in the United Kingdom for Canadians (2026)
Requirements, application steps and preparation before departure.
Step 1
Check requirements and language preparation
Length of stay
Canadians may apply for an additional year after the initial period. This is not an automatic initial 36-month grant.
References: GB-OVERVIEW
Initial funds
The final day of the 28-day period must fall within 31 days before applying. A recent balance without the required holding period is insufficient.
References: GB
Visa fee
The page usually lists GBP 776 per year for the healthcare surcharge. It is additional to the application fee; confirm the official calculation before payment.
References: GB-OVERVIEW
Annual quota
Not established in this Canadian-passport research. This does not mean there is no requirement. Check the issuing authority before booking.
References: GB
Application dates and timing
Plan for the savings holding period and identity checks. No decision time is guaranteed.
References: GB-OVERVIEW
Language
Not established in this Canadian-passport research. This does not mean there is no requirement. Check the issuing authority before booking.
References: GB
Explore language courses →Passport
Provide evidence of identity and nationality; obtain certified translations of documents not in English or Welsh.
References: CA-GB-DOCUMENTS-20261018
Insurance
Not established in this Canadian-passport research. This does not mean there is no requirement. Check the issuing authority before booking.
References: GB
Documents and participation
Check exclusions for children living with you or financially dependent on you. Canadians do not need a ballot.
References: GB
Step 2
Apply through the official route
Apply online from outside the UK; identity uses the UKVI app or a biometric centre according to the application instructions.
- Check age 35 at application and 18 at visa start, previous participation and family exclusions.
- Gather GBP 2,530 held 28 days, with the final day within 31 days before application.
- Apply online outside the UK; pay visa charge and separate healthcare surcharge.
- Prove identity through the assigned route; read the decision and conditions before travel.
Step 3
Read your approval and entry conditions
Read the entire approval notice: identity, dates, entry deadline and conditions. Keep it available offline. Do not assume the visa starts on your preferred date.
Step 4
Get ready for the trip
Separate GBP 2,530 from visa charges and healthcare surcharge. Allow time for 28-day savings and identity checks. Some study requires ATAS; the Canadian extension is a separate application.
- Passport, visa and requested evidence accessible offline.
- Initial funds, insurance and departure costs checked separately.
- First accommodation and airport transport arranged.
Step 5
Start your Working Holiday
Follow the status evidence in the decision and check permission dates before work. Most employment is possible, but professional sport and self-employment have specific restrictions.
Work
Professional sport is excluded. Self-employment has premises, equipment and employee restrictions; read the official list.
Study
Some subjects require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate. Check your course before enrolling.
Explore language courses →Language courses · commercial service
Plan a language course for your trip.
Through ViveCampus you can request language-course quotes with international-student discounts. Offers may vary by your country of origin and destination. A personalized quote confirms available discounts and the final price. Booking a course does not guarantee a visa.
Some subjects require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate. Check your course before enrolling.
Other destinations to compare
- Working Holiday in Australia →
- Working Holiday in New Zealand →
- Working Holiday in Japan →
- Working Holiday in Andorra →
- Working Holiday in Austria →
- Working Holiday in Belgium →
- Working Holiday in Chile →
- Working Holiday in Costa Rica →
- Working Holiday in Croatia →
- Working Holiday in Czech Republic →
- Working Holiday in Denmark →
- Working Holiday in Estonia →
- Working Holiday in Finland →
- Working Holiday in France →
- Working Holiday in Germany →
- Working Holiday in Greece →
- Working Holiday in Hong Kong →
- Working Holiday in Iceland →
- Working Holiday in Ireland →
- Working Holiday in Italy →
- Working Holiday in Latvia →
- Working Holiday in Lithuania →
- Working Holiday in Luxembourg →
- Working Holiday in the Netherlands →
- Working Holiday in Norway →
- Working Holiday in Poland →
- Working Holiday in Portugal →
- Working Holiday in South Korea →
- Working Holiday in San Marino →
- Working Holiday in Slovakia →
- Working Holiday in Slovenia →
- Working Holiday in Spain →
- Working Holiday in Sweden →
- Working Holiday in Taiwan →
Frequently asked questions
Can I be 36 when permission starts?
The 35-year limit concerns application; you need to be 18 at the start.
References: CA-GB-ELIGIBILITY-20261018
Explore language courses →Is a recent statement enough?
It must show 28 consecutive days; the final day is within 31 days before filing.
References: CA-GB-ELIGIBILITY-20261018
Does GBP 340 include healthcare?
No: the surcharge is usually GBP 776 per year in addition.
References: CA-GB-OVERVIEW-20261018
Are 36 months granted initially?
No: 24 months initially, then a Canadian one-year extension application.
References: CA-GB-OVERVIEW-20261018
Is a ballot needed?
Canada uses the 18–35 category, separate from Hong Kong/Taiwan ballots.
References: CA-GB-ELIGIBILITY-20261018
How do I prove identity?
The application directs you to UKVI ID Check or centre biometrics.
References: CA-GB-APPLY-20261018
Official sources
Each source retains its own check date. Governments can change requirements at any time; check the official government pages before applying.
2026-10-16 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
GB · GOV.UK - Youth Mobility eligibility
Read the official instructions ↗2026-10-16 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
GB-OVERVIEW · GOV.UK - Youth Mobility overview
Read the official instructions ↗2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
CA-GB-ELIGIBILITY-20261018 · GOV.UK Canadian YMS eligibility
Read the official instructions ↗2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
CA-GB-OVERVIEW-20261018 · GOV.UK YMS overview
Read the official instructions ↗2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
CA-GB-DOCUMENTS-20261018 · GOV.UK YMS documents
Read the official instructions ↗2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.