Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417) vs International Experience Canada (Working Holiday)
Australia · WHM 417vs Canada · IEC
The IEC is cheaper on official fees ($270). Which fits depends on your nationality, profession, and whether you already have a job offer, the breakdown below maps each visa to a profile.
Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita
If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to where you want to work and how long you need to stay. Both are working holiday visas for young people with no job offer required, but they differ significantly in eligibility, cost, and duration. Your citizenship and preferred destination will likely determine which one is actually available to you.
Can Australians get a Canadian working holiday visa?
Yes. Australians aged 18 to 35 can apply for the International Experience Canada Working Holiday category and stay up to 24 months. You only get one go at Working Holiday or Young Professionals, so pick the category you actually need. Official source
How much does the Canadian working holiday visa cost?
CAD 369.75 in government fees: the CAD 184.75 IEC participation fee, the CAD 100 open work permit holder fee and CAD 85 for biometrics. Official source
WHM 417 vs IEC: what are the key differences?
official sources: WHM 417 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·IEC · canada.ca
Which visa should you choose: WHM 417 or IEC?
- 01
Your citizenship
Pick WHM 417Pick Australia WHM 417 if your passport is on Australia's subclass 417 list.
Pick IECPick Canada IEC if your country has a youth mobility agreement with Canada. The list differs from Australia's, so check both.
- 02
Duration needed
Pick WHM 417Pick Australia WHM 417 if you want to start with 12 months and can earn a second or third year through specified work.
Pick IECPick Canada IEC if you want up to 24 months in one go, with no regional work needed to stay longer.
- 03
Age eligibility
Pick WHM 417Pick Australia WHM 417 if you're between 18-30 years old.
Pick IECPick Canada IEC if you're 31-35, as it allows older applicants.
Common questions
- Is the Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417) or the International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) faster to get?
- They are similar: the WHM 417 takes about 1–2 months and the IEC about 1–3 months. Neither has a decisive speed advantage, the completeness of your application matters more than the visa you pick.
- Which costs more, the WHM 417 or the IEC?
- The Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417) (WHM 417) costs more, about $430 in official fees, versus $270 for the International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) (IEC). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.
- Can I get permanent residency with the Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417) or the International Experience Canada (Working Holiday)?
- The WHM 417 does not lead directly to permanent residency, while the IEC does not lead directly to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.
- Do I need a job offer for the WHM 417 or the IEC?
- No. Neither the WHM 417 nor the IEC requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.
Read the full pathway
Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417)
Allows young people from eligible countries to work and holiday in Australia for up to 1-3 years.
Full WHM 417 guideInternational Experience Canada (Working Holiday)
Allows young people (18-35) from eligible countries to work and travel in Canada for up to 2 years.
Full IEC guideStill can't decide?
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