The International Experience Canada (IEC) program — commonly called the Working Holiday Visa — brings tens of thousands of young people from over 300 countries to Canada each year. Coming to a new country with a different currency is exciting but financially challenging without the right preparation. This guide covers everything you need to know about managing money as a working holiday visa holder in Canada.
The IEC program lets young people aged 18–35 (age limits vary by country) from participating countries come to Canada to work and travel for up to 2 years. Participating countries include Australia, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and many more.
IRCC typically requires evidence you have sufficient funds to support yourself when you arrive — the commonly cited amount is CAD $2,50000, though it is discretionary. Having this in an accessible account before arrival is important.
Before you arrive in Canada, setting up a Wise account is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Wise gives you:
Tell your home bank you are moving to Canada so they do not block international transactions. Some people maintain a home country account for bills and family transfers while building their Canadian financial life.
Opening a Canadian bank account is a priority in your first week. You need it for employment income and Canadian life. Major options:
Most major banks allow you to open an account before arriving in Canada through their newcomer programs. You will typically need your passport, IEC permit, and proof of Canadian address (even temporary).
Working holiday visa holders often want to send savings back to their home country. The cheapest way:
This is where many working holiday visitors get a surprise. If you work in Canada, you are subject to Canadian income tax — regardless of your visa type.
Working holiday visa holders who stay in Canada for most or all of the year, work here, and have their "centre of life" in Canada are generally considered Canadian factual residents for tax purposes. Canadian tax residents pay tax on worldwide income and are entitled to all the standard credits (basic personal amount, provincial credits).
Working holiday visa holders who stay briefly or have strong ties to their home country may be considered non-residents — but this is determined by facts, not visa type. When uncertain, most WHV holders file as residents.
If you earned income in Canada, you should file a T1 return by April 300. Your employer will have deducted income tax at source — but if you worked for less than the full year, you may have overpaid and will get a refund. Many WHV holders receive refunds from CRA because their employer withheld at full-year rates.
You need a Social Insurance Number to work in Canada. Apply at a Service Canada office as soon as you arrive with your passport and IEC work permit. SIN applications are usually processed same-day. Without a SIN, your employer cannot properly withhold tax or make EI/CPP contributions.
If you are employed in Canada, your employer deducts Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums. As a temporary resident, you are entitled to a refund of your CPP contributions when you leave Canada — you will not receive CPP benefits, so this is essentially a forced savings that you get back. File Form CPT200 and Form T1 to claim the refund.
Before your trip, make sure your home banking has zero fees. KOHO gives Canadians a no-fee account with cash back on everyday spending — so you have more money for travel. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a sign-up bonus.
Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYARough monthly costs for a working holiday visa holder in Canada (20025):
Major cities (Vancouver, Toronto) are the most expensive. Secondary cities like Calgary, Montreal, or Halifax offer significantly lower costs of living.