What are the age limits for working holiday visas?

Most programs cap eligibility at age 30 at the time of application. Canada extends the limit to 35 for citizens of several countries, including France, Australia, and Ireland. A few other bilateral agreements also allow applicants up to 35.

Which countries offer working holiday visas?

Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and most EU member states participate in working holiday programs. The UK offers a Youth Mobility Scheme for citizens of select countries. In total, over 50 countries have bilateral working holiday agreements.

Can you extend a working holiday visa?

Australia allows second and third-year extensions for participants who complete specified regional work. New Zealand offers a three-month extension for some nationalities. Most other countries do not allow extensions, but you may be able to transition to a different visa type.

How much money do you need for a working holiday visa?

Funds requirements vary by country. Australia requires roughly AUD 5,000 (about $3,200). Canada requires CAD 2,500 (about $1,800). New Zealand requires NZD 4,200 (about $2,500). You also need a return flight ticket or funds to purchase one.

Can a working holiday visa lead to permanent residency?

In some countries, yes. Canada allows working holiday participants to gain Canadian work experience, which counts toward Express Entry immigration points. Australia and New Zealand also have pathways from temporary work visas to permanent residency through employer-sponsored or skilled worker streams.

Working Holiday Visa Programs in 2026

Q: What is a working holiday visa?

A working holiday visa lets young adults (usually 18 to 30) live and work in another country for one to two years. It is based on bilateral agreements between governments and does not require an employer to sponsor you. You can take casual or short-term jobs while traveling.

Over 50 countries offer working holiday visas for people aged 18 to 30 (or 35 in some cases). These programs let you work and travel in another country for one to two years without employer sponsorship.

Last updated March 2026

Working Holiday Visa Programs Compared

These programs allow young adults to live and work abroad for a limited period. Sort by any column to compare. Funds requirements and age limits vary by nationality and bilateral agreement.

Country	Program	Funds Required ↑	Duration	Path to PR	Processing
Germany	Working Holiday Visa	€2K	1 year	No	~6 weeks
Japan	Working Holiday Visa	€2K	1 year	No	~4 weeks
Canada	International Experience Canada (IEC)	€2K	2 years	No	~8 weeks
France	Working Holiday Visa (VVT)	€3K	1 year	No	~6 weeks
Ireland	Working Holiday Authorisation	€3K	1 year	No	~8 weeks
Denmark	Working Holiday Permit	€3K	1 year	No	~8 weeks
South Korea	Working Holiday (H-1)	€3K	1 year	No	~4 weeks
United Kingdom	Youth Mobility Scheme	€3K	2 years	No	~4 weeks
Australia	Working Holiday (Subclass 417)	€3K	1 year	No	~4 weeks
New Zealand	Working Holiday Visa	€3K	1 year	No	~4 weeks

What Is a Working Holiday Visa?

A working holiday visa is a residence permit that allows young adults to live and work in a foreign country for a set period, usually one or two years. These visas are based on bilateral agreements between countries and do not require employer sponsorship. Holders can take short-term jobs, travel freely within the country, and in many cases study part-time. The goal is cultural exchange: participants experience daily life abroad while supplementing their travel funds through work.

Age Limits and Eligibility

Most working holiday programs are open to applicants aged 18 to 30 at the time of application. Canada, France, and a few other countries extend the upper limit to 35 for citizens of certain partner nations. Applicants must hold a passport from a participating country and typically need to show proof of sufficient funds (often around $2,500 to $5,000 depending on the destination). Health insurance is required for most programs. Most countries also require that applicants have no dependent children accompanying them.

Making the Most of Your Working Holiday

A working holiday can be more than a gap year. Many participants use the experience to build local work history, develop language skills, and establish professional contacts in a new country. Australia allows participants who complete 88 days of specified regional work to apply for a second-year visa, and a third year is available after additional regional work. Some countries, including Canada and New Zealand, offer pathways from working holiday status to longer-term work permits or permanent residency if you secure qualifying employment during your stay.