Travel topic · Transport
Working holiday visas: UK Youth Mobility, Australia, New Zealand, Canada IEC and Ireland
If you are 18–35 and hold a passport from a country that participates in a specific scheme (UK Youth Mobility, Australia 417/462, New Zealand Working Holiday, Canada IEC or Ireland Working Holiday), you likely qualify for at least one working‑holiday visa. Check the official eligibility list for each scheme, then apply early, budget $150‑$600 in fees plus flights, and allow 1‑8 weeks for approval.
More
Applies to
Compare the main working holiday schemes for young adults: UK Youth Mobility, Australia 417/462, New Zealand, Canada IEC and Ireland. Clear answers on who qualifies, costs, timelines and work rules, with step-by-step application guidance.
Key facts
- Age limitcheck
- 18–30 for most schemes; 18–35 for UK Youth Mobility, Australia 417/462, Canada IEC and Ireland (check per country)
- Typical feecheck
- 150–600 USD depending on scheme and country (2026 estimate)
- Processing timecheck
- 1–8 weeks; Australia and Canada can take longer during peak seasons (check)
- Work limit
- Usually 12 months, with some schemes allowing 24 months (UK, Canada IEC); work restrictions vary
- Key requirementcheck
- Passport from an eligible country, age within limit, and often proof of funds (e.g. 2,500–5,000 USD)
- Best first step
- Check your country's eligibility on the official immigration website, then apply early
Who does it apply to?
Eligibility depends on your passport and the specific scheme. Each programme publishes an official list of eligible nationalities and age limits. Use the eligibility checker on the destination’s immigration website to confirm whether your passport qualifies.
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme, Australia Working Holiday (sub‑classes 417 and 462), New Zealand Working Holiday, Canada International Experience Canada (IEC) and Ireland Working Holiday Authorisation all have separate nationality lists and may impose additional conditions such as education level or previous participation.
SeeUK Youth Mobility Scheme eligibility checker Australian Working Holiday eligibility New Zealand Working Holiday eligibility Canada IEC eligibility Ireland Working Holiday eligibility
Costs and time
Fees and processing times vary by scheme and nationality. The figures below are 2026 estimates and should be confirmed on the official website:
- UK Youth Mobility: ~£298 (≈ 380 USD) – processing ~3 weeks (check).
- Australia 417/462: ~A$635 (≈ 420 USD) – processing 1‑8 weeks (check).
- New Zealand Working Holiday: NZD 245‑455 (≈ 150‑280 USD) – processing 1‑4 weeks (check).
- Canada IEC: C$150‑250 (≈ 110‑180 USD) – processing 1‑8 weeks (check).
- Ireland Working Holiday: €100‑200 (≈ 110‑220 USD) – processing 1‑4 weeks (check).
Add budget for flights, travel insurance and initial accommodation; many travellers set aside $2,000‑$5,000 for the first month.
Show 4 sectionsHideExceptions and special rules, FAQ, Questions people ask, Related
Exceptions and special rules
Extension and work‑restriction rules differ by passport and scheme:
- Australia 462 may allow a second year if you complete the required amount of specified farm work (the exact days and eligible work types depend on your nationality).
- Canada IEC’s Working Holiday category does not normally allow extension; the Young Professionals and International Co‑op streams require a job offer and have their own limits.
- New Zealand Working Holiday visas are quota‑controlled; once the quota for your nationality is filled you must wait for the next season.
- Ireland Working Holiday Authorisation is only for citizens of listed countries and does not permit extension.
If you have a criminal record, health issues or do not meet the proof‑of‑funds requirement, you may be refused. Always check the detailed conditions for your passport on the official site.
FAQ
Common questions are answered below.
Questions people ask
What is the short answer?
If you are 18–35 and hold a passport from an eligible country, you can likely get a working holiday visa. Apply early, budget for fees and flights, and expect 1–8 weeks for processing.
Who does it apply to?
Citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland and many other countries, within the age limits (usually 18–30 or 18–35).
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Fees range from about 150 to 600 USD depending on the scheme. Processing takes 1–8 weeks, with Australia and Canada sometimes longer.
Can I work for any employer?
Most schemes allow open work, but some (like Australia 462) require farm work for extension, and Canada's Young Professionals category requires a job offer.
Can I extend my visa?
Australia 417/462 allows a second year with specified farm work. Other schemes generally do not allow extension.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, most schemes require comprehensive travel insurance. It is also a good idea for medical coverage.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check and were last checked Sep 2026
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Working holiday visas: UK Youth Mobility, Australia, New Zealand, Canada IEC and Ireland
Loading…
Was this useful?