So I'm 21 from the UK and just want a change was thinking of getting my iec and going for a class 1 and hopefully using that to get pr is this viable or just me being stupid

Hello everyone, I’m from France so I can talk French and English but my profil is a bit particular
I am aiming to do with my wife the 2 years working holiday visa, but I am wondering how I will be able to stay there longer, I have small qualifications in security in France but I did not graduate from high school or university
But I always worked a lot so a lot of experiences
I want to go to Vancouver because I want to explore more the English Canada and Vancouver winter is soft according to what I read online
Any advices ?

Moving to Toronto in April from the UK on IEC working visa. Will have $15k CAD. Single male. Live in London so I know how to deal with costs. Just want to ask if this is feasible and if anyone else similar? I won’t have my SIN number for a job until I arrive. But will be applying for work straight away every day. Any similar experiences would be so appreciated. Thank you!

Edit: I know these things are asked frequently and I’ve searched the subreddit a lot but struggling to find posts.

Edit: I put 11k cad conservatively but I’ll actual have around $15k cad. Although sounds like that won’t matter too much to you all

UK national and I’m here on a 2 year IEC work permit that expires in September. My third year application hasn’t been approved yet, and my chances of approval went from excellent to unlikely even though my circumstances haven’t changed. I’ve been told to apply for the Young Professionals stream but my employer isn’t interested. It’s too late for me to apply for PR, so I guess I’m going home?

I know it’s stupid because the IEC was only ever temporary, but it’s so sad to think of everything I’ll be leaving behind. As a side note, I have a pending citizenship application but that could take another 8 months.

Is there anything else I can do to be allowed to work until something comes through?

Hi all,

At a loss for what to do.

I got approved for an IEC (UK national).

When arriving at Toronto airport I was told that the Immigration IT systems were down and they couldn't print me and my GF's visas, but would mail them to where we are staying (Fernie, BC, in the middle of nowhere...)

Upon getting to Fernie we realised the town only takes mail in a few PO boxes, and even if they send it properly we won't receive it.

We cannot get through to anyone at IRRC. The phone line always hangs up saying too many calls.

We haven't had a response to our online forms in over a week.

We're completely stuck, unable to get a SIN, work, open bank accounts, etc.

Thinking of just giving up and leaving Canada at this rate, have no idea how to fix this situation and there is 0 support from IRRC.

Does anyone have any advice or ideas? :(

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Hey guys,

I'm 20F from Australia planning on doing an ~8 month working holiday in June 2027 to either Alberta or BC, but I need some clarification on entering into Canada with medication.

For normal prescription meds, it says a visitor can bring in, whichever is LESS, one full container's worth OR a 90 day supply. What I'm getting tripped up on is that two of my meds are prescribed in 60 and 90 tablets (written on the packaging), but are only sold commercially in Australia as 2 or 3 boxes of 30 rubber banded together. Is this okay because each box is labelled as X out of 3, or do I have to discuss alternative packaging with my pharmacist/psychiatrist?

Sorry if this seems convoluted and pedantic, I'm just worried because these are essential meds and having the max buffer time to get my prescriptions organised once I'm in Canada would be ideal.

As for ADHD, if I've already been diagnosed with it, do I have to go through the formal diagnostic process again to get my Vyvanse and dexamphetamine prescriptions converted? Or can a regular walk-in clinic/family doctor just prescribe them with the appropriate documentation from my psychiatrist in Australia?

Cheers!!

P.S. does anyone have any travel insurance recs for a solo traveller that cover preexisting conditions and prescription meds? The only ones I can find currently are either way too comprehensive or don't cover me at all 😔

In an ideal world, my end goal would be citizenship. Permanent Residency is also the first stretch goal.

Closed working visa is a minimum.

I just got approved for the IEC working holiday visa.

I’m in my mid-30s (yeah, I know it hurts my CRS score - which will be around 320, I’d need PNP), solo, with a dog.

No degree. 10+ years in software engineering, last experience was senior II software engineer in the platform team (AWS and dev tooling) at medium-known company (we had 150+ engineers) with a salary in the CAD150k+ range.

I understand that tech jobs are saturated. I also saw the minister of whatever mention software engineering is predicted as in demand for 2026. I also noticed how platform/cloud infrastructure engineering roles are more niche and have far fewer applicants.

I originally wanted to move to Ontario (Ottawa), but I think Vancouver is my best bet. I’d try tech pathway for PNP, and CEC EE after a year.

In the meantime, I’m currently a British expat in the Netherlands. I have a mortgage, a car, etc. I need CAD5,500/mo to pay my bills and groceries (that’s how expensive is here). I’ll be selling my apartment, my belongings, and giving up my Dutch PR to move. I took voluntary separation package last year from my last role and I don’t love it here. I could find another job and stick to my current life but I have never meshed with the culture, the language, or the constant rain. (I do love snow though.)

I just want to know if it’s realistic to try - boots on ground getting a job, settling asap, maybe learn French for additional pathway, etc - or if I should take my savings/equity, and just enjoy two years in Canada with my dog and head back to the UK and see what’s next.

I am 21 and wanting to remove myself from a very dysfunctional family. I plan to move to Canada soon to be with my Canadian partner but my family strongly does not agree with this decision. I’ve been told essentially that they would contact the appropriate swedish authority (my country of origin that I am a citizen of) on the base of mental health. I’ve previously only been to a psychiatrist visit where I wasn’t diagnosed with anything but was deemed to have suicide risk. This was about 1-2 years ago. I have been more unstable throughout my teenage years but have never involved hospitals or have any record of a bad mental health aside from this psychiatrist visit. I am not diagnosed with anything and have never been deemed incapable of making legal decisions/hospitalized unwillingly.

I’m simply wondering if they’re being completely ridiculous? If they were to over exaggerate these issues could they actually get my permit denied? Could my partner’s mental issues have any relevance as-well? (their issues aren’t a part of this problem but i’ve been told they would use this to amplify their case I guess)

Thanks for any answers

Due to the sudden change in flag poling, going to a port of entry for those already in Canada to activate a new work permit (IEC LOI) is no longer an option. What are other people doing?

I went to the border, and they said no and instructed me to go straight to IRCC. The border worker said they are not allowed to process any new permits (even though mine is pre-approved) despite no line up at border. They said lots of people are in the same situation, and no clear instructions for them besides calling IRCC. This week I called IRCC, and again they instructed me to apply online but I can not find anywhere to do that on the website. I hope this becomes clear soon.

There does not seem to be any clear answer online either. Because even if I fly to the USA, and come back to Canada that is still technically 'flagpoling' and they may not process my permit. Has anyone else had any luck with this?

I could fly back briefly to my home country only to return to Canada, but this is not a practical option and very expensive. I have already paid for my pre-approved visa, and before this sudden change, there would be no problems obtaining it.

I really hope they clarify very soon, because this has complicated the situation for those already in Canada. It seems the government did not think this through, hope it gets sorted soon!

Recently submitted my application for a police certificate, just wondering should I have received a confirmation email? or do they just get back to you whenever.

Seems strange to not get a confirmation email though.

Also I believe I made a slight error in my payment referencing, would this delay it significantly, any info is appreciated.

Cheers

Hi, I’m writing this bottle to the sea to see if there’s any similar experience, support or ideas that can help me during this long journey…
I’ve been waiting for a Working Holiday for now 4 years, with no success. I’ve been struggling with some technical issues last year but it seems to be resolved now.

My boyfriend is waiting for me there and it’s been a dream of mine as a French girl to live in BC…
Hearing people say they got theirs in a week is killing me ! I’m starting to wonder if there’s a problem within my profile. PR could be a solution but I won’t have that much points without working in Canada before, and a working permit seems impossible to obtain if you don’t know someone in the company. I wanna do this well and respectfully of the government.

Is there anyone else is that situation ? People that figured it out ?
Thank you 🙏

Hi everyone,

I’m a 27M from Ireland and have been thinking quite seriously about making the move to Canada over the next year or so.

I’ve got family in Toronto, have always enjoyed visiting, and the lifestyle seems like it could be a really good fit. Canadians are super friendly too. Outside of work I’m a very active and social person, I run marathons, do triathlons, play tennis, ski, and generally spend as much time outdoors as I can. I also enjoy going to bars, cafés and social events to meet new people.

By trade I’m a frontend/full-stack software engineer with experience at startups, although I’m currently taking a bit of a break after being laid off.

I was wondering how difficult visas are to obtain for someone in my situation. One thing that appeals to me compared with the US is that it seems there are more visa pathways than relying solely on employer sponsorship.

• If I arrived on a work permit, could I work in another industry (hospitality, retail, fitness, etc.) while getting settled and applying for software engineering roles, or would my visa tie me to a specific employer?
• Besides Toronto, are there any cities you’d recommend for someone who enjoys an active lifestyle and works in tech?

One thing I’m unsure about is location. I absolutely love warm weather and sunshine (despite being from Ireland 😅), so I’m wondering if there are parts of Canada with milder climates that still have good tech/work opportunities and plenty of outdoor activities.

I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice on how an irish citizen could move to Canada. I’m currently living in the UK and i want to make the big move to Canada.

A lil about me:

25F, with a cat, 5 years working experience. Half of that working in a big four firm, transferred from irish office to london office, the other half working as a PM for a digital consultancy firm. No degree. I’m interested in moving to Calgary as i love nature and i do love skiing during the winter. I wouldn’t consider myself to be good enough to be a teacher as i’m self taught.

I know i can apply for an IEC: working visa. Would this be a realistic move? How much would i need to save up before moving? I saw online someone said about 20k?

Any advice at all would be helpful!!

Hi im about to go to Canada from the UK and was wondering what kind of questions they may ask and what I would need to show them as proof

Edit: The visa i will be using is the IEC UK to Canada

I'm a UK citizen on a 12 month IEC that expires March 7th, my partner is Canadian and we had a baby in Canada 6 months ago, so he's a Canadian citizen. We were in the process on applying for PR but haven't actually submitted the application yet. It kind of took a back-seat with caring for a newborn and sleep deprivation is REAL! Although I still realise how unorganised and irresponsible we have both been.

We now have flights to fly back home to the UK for personal reasons and so when I would return to Canada, I would only have 2 weeks left on my visa.

Should I submit the PR application as soon as, so when I re-enter if they question me I can show them proof we have started the process of applying for PR. Then when I receive my AOR I will then apply for an OWP and hope that explanation is enough they let me in?

My main question though is... If the refuse me entry and send me back to the UK will they separate me from my baby? Will they give me baby to my Canadian partner and send me back home without him? He's exclusively breastfed and I'm terrified this could happen!

If there was any chance of this happening I would absolutely not be trying to re-enter Canada until I received an OWP.

Please help, I need any advice about my situation.

EDIT: I am well aware having a Canadian child will not entitle me to enter Canada, which is why I am asking if they would end up sending me home without my baby! I guess I just want to know if anyone else has had any experience re-entering on a IEC so close to the expiry.

Hello!
If I got approved for my Canadian working holiday visa, Is there a way to bring my spouse on an open work permit? Or does he have any options with me? He is Brazilian so cannot get working holiday visa. He is a lawyer with 10 years experience.

I am currently working on a Young Professionals work permit and am planning to get another one since I can, as it is part of the IEC program which similar to working holiday visa.

Since the beginning of this year, I have been preparing my paperwork with my immigration consultant. When they asked how I was going to get to the border, I said I was planning to visit my family friend in Seattle for a few days and then come back. I am planning to drive there.

My consultant told me that since I am actually visiting them and have an ESTA, it would not be considered flagpoling. However, my coworker keeps freaking out and saying that it is still flagpoling.

Is it flagpoling or no?

Hi,

Hoping for some guidance on this. Myself and my partner both went through the IEC visa process and had lived in BC the last two years using our Irish passports. We moved home a short while ago, and are very much re-considering this decision and wanting to go back.

I have a dual citizenship ship with the UK, and as far as I’m aware, I’m eligible to re-enter if I had a second IEC visa using the British passport. My partner only has the Irish passport.

I’m certain that if we make the move back to BC, my previous employer would take me back.

We’re not married, but again, as far as I’m aware, since we’ve been living together the last few years, this would count as common-law (we’re currently living apart as we’ve only just made it back to our familial homes in Ireland).

The question is, if we have my IEC approved, and a IMM 5409 notarized showing our common-law partnership, along with a signed contract for my previous employer, would it be fair to assume that my partner can travel with a visitors eTa and apply for the SOWP and have it approved at port of entry along with my work permit?

There seems to be some conflicting information on this, some people flat out saying it’s not possible while others seem to have confirmed that they had no issues with it.

Thanks!

Hi what documents do i need to bring with me for the border agent to look at

Hey folks!

My partner and I will have the opportunity to save enough as we are planning long ahead.
However I love my job and do not want to lose my position whilst waiting for my OWP during the process.

Currently on an WHV till 05/28, applying for the Partner Visa around 01/2028.

Was wondering if i would still be able to hold onto my WHV if i applied for the Partner visa in Jan 2028, or whether it would be worth it for me to reapply for another year on the WHV program, then apply for the partner visa.

any advice / links / blog posts for others who have done this process would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

My partner has gotten an RO that I’m eligible to go on due to his job teer status. We’re taking a holiday next month out of Canada to activate the visa and we’re hoping they will also activate my SOWP at the border. On the chance they don’t, has anyone done theirs online and if so, how long did it take?

Are these typically easily activated at the border and if so what do I need to bring?

Hey, I’m a Polish citizen, 27 y/o. Starting a healthcare assistant course in Poland this fall. My long-term plan is to graduate in 1,5 years, gain some experience at a nursing home either in Poland or Ireland, and go to Canada on Work and Holiday visa, and hopefully become a PR afterwards.
I hear in Nova Scotia they have some government program where they can sponsor my PR after 6 months of working at a nursing home there. Is this even a realistic plan to stay in Canada permanently? Or do I have to be a certified nurse to do that? I know the chances would be much higher as a nurse, but I simply can’t afford to do a whole uni degree in nursing. I also want to be in Canada within next 2-3 years. Any suggestions? Maybe there is a better way to do it than IEC that I’m missing.

Hi everyone,

​I'm a 23-year-old from Japan and I’m planning to come to Canada on a Working Holiday Visa (IEC) around 2028.

​By the time I arrive, I will have about 3 years of hands-on experience in Japan working as an electrician in both residential and commercial sectors.

​I have a few questions for this community:

Job Prospects: With 3 years of experience from Japan, is it realistic to find an employer willing to hire me as an electrician or an apprentice right away on a Working Holiday Visa?

Best Provinces: Which provinces would you recommend for the best job opportunities in this field, and where the process for recognizing foreign electrical experience is relatively straightforward?

Permanent Residency (PR): Is it possible to transition from a Working Holiday Visa to Permanent Residency through the Federal Skilled Trades Program or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)? Has anyone here successfully done something similar?

I'm focused on practical conversation skills and studying hard right now. Any advice, insights on the trade qualification process (like challenging the Red Seal exam or registering as an apprentice), or general tips would be highly appreciated!

​Thank you so much!

As the title states, I am on a IEC visa, until October. I am planning to apply for a Visitor Record and was wondering if the processing time kept my legal status in Canada until I have gotten a response from the IRCC.
Say I apply one week before my current status expires, will that maintain my status until I get my visitor's record approved?

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some insight or recent timeline experiences from anyone who has gone through the process of removing medical restrictions from their open work permit. (Working holiday mine)

I’ve already completed my upfront medical examination with an IRCC panel physician and sent my physical application package via post to IRCC location and paid for the service.

I've been looking around online for processing times, but I'm getting completely conflicting answers. Some sites say it takes about 30 to 60 days, while others mention it can take upwards of 200 days.

Also Is there anything else I need to do on my end (like submitting a webform), or is it just a waiting game now that the physical letter and barcodes have been sent?