Canada-New Zealand Working Holiday Visas - What You Need To Know

The Canada-New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, offers young New Zealanders a unique opportunity to live, work, and explore Canada for up to two years. This program fosters cultural exchange and provides participants with invaluable international work experience. However, embarking on this adventure requires careful planning, especially regarding travel and health insurance, to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay in Canada.​ At Travel Insurance Brokers we have helped lots of young Kiwis make the most of their time in Canada knowing they are fully insured, and we thought it was a good idea to explain the IEC program to others who might be considering spending time in Canada.

What is the IEC Program?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a bilateral initiative that allows young individuals from partner countries to work and travel in Canada. For New Zealand citizens, this means the chance to obtain an open work permit, enabling employment with almost any Canadian employer without a prior job offer.​

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the IEC Working Holiday program, New Zealand applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive).​
• Citizenship: Must hold a valid New Zealand passport.​
• Financial Stability: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves upon arrival in Canada.​
• Health Insurance: Obtain comprehensive health insurance covering the entire duration of their stay in Canada.​

It's essential to ensure all eligibility criteria are met before applying to avoid any complications during the application process.​ As with any visa application there can be delays and a bit of red tape, so it pays to apply many months in advance, and the better prepared you are the less chance of being held up due to not having everything correct in your application.

The application process for the IEC Working Holiday Visa involves several steps:

1. Create a Profile: Interested individuals must create an online profile through the official IEC website. 
2. Receive an Invitation: Profiles are entered into a pool, and candidates are selected randomly to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).​
3. Submit Application: Upon receiving an ITA, applicants have a limited time to submit a complete application, including necessary documents and fees.​
4. Obtain a Port of Entry (POE) Letter: If approved, applicants receive a POE Letter, which they must present upon arrival in Canada to obtain their work permit.​ This POE is valid for one year.

As noted above, it's a good idea for Kiwis to apply well in advance because when the application rounds are open each year there is a massive influx of applications from participating countries around the world.

Importance of Health Insurance for IEC Participants

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all IEC participants. The Canadian government stipulates that participants must have health insurance that covers medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation back to New Zealand, for the entire duration of their stay. Failure to provide proof of adequate insurance upon arrival can result in denied entry or a shortened work permit.​ The Canadian Government website has further information on insurance requirements. 

When selecting a health insurance policy for your working holiday in Canada, ensure it meets the following criteria:

• Comprehensive Coverage: The policy must cover medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.​
• Duration: Coverage must span the entire length of your stay in Canada. Purchasing a policy shorter than your intended stay can lead to a work permit valid only for the duration of the insurance.​
• Proof of Insurance: You must carry proof of insurance to present upon arrival in Canada.​ Whilst everything these days is digital, it can still help to bring printed copies of insurance policy documents as well.

We recommend that you don't actually purchase your insurance until after receiving your POE Letter to ensure the policy aligns with your travel dates.​

Selecting the Right Health Insurance

Choosing the appropriate health insurance requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure it aligns with both the IEC requirements and your personal needs. It is of course best to talk to an insurance company or broker that has prior experience with the IEC programme as they will help ensure the key components are included in the policy, these include:

• Medical Care and Hospitalization: Ensure the policy covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical procedures.​
• Repatriation: The policy must cover the cost of returning you to New Zealand in case of severe illness, injury, or death.​
• Pre-existing Conditions: If you have existing medical conditions, verify whether they are covered or excluded.​ This is something that can cause problems if not identified up front.
• Maternity Care: For those planning an extended stay, consider whether maternity care is necessary.​

Aside from the above key points, we also advise clients heading to Canada to consider the following coverage depending on their lifestyle and travel goals once they arrive in Canda:

• Adventure Sports Coverage: Canada offers numerous outdoor activities. If you plan to engage in adventure sports such as mountain biking or snow sports then ensure your policy covers related injuries.​
• Travel Outside Canada: If you intend to visit neighbouring countries like the US, check if your insurance provides coverage during international travel.​
• Deductibles and Co-payments: Understand any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur when accessing medical services.​

Proper planning is crucial because arriving in Canada without appropriate health insurance can have serious repercussions including:​

• Shortened Work Permit: If your insurance policy doesn't cover your entire stay, immigration officers may issue a work permit valid only for the duration of your insurance.​
• Financial Risks: Without comprehensive coverage, you could face significant medical expenses in case of illness or injury.​
• Legal Implications: Non-compliance with IEC requirements can lead to legal issues, including potential removal from Canada.

To avoid these risks, ensure you have a valid insurance policy that meets all IEC requirements before departing for Canada.​ Here is a summary of our five top tips when planning for your IEC adventure in Canada -

• Timing: Purchase your health insurance after receiving your POE Letter but before traveling to Canada.​
• Coverage: Ensure your insurance policy is comprehensive and meets all the IEC requirements, as well as any additional travel or activity plans you might have.
• Documentation: Carry physical and digital copies of your insurance policy and proof of coverage.​
• Stay Informed: Regularly check official Canadian immigration websites for any updates to IEC requirements or policies.​
• Expertise: Work with an insurance advisor who has experience and expertise with the IEC programme, such as our team at Travel Insurance Brokers.

Participating in the Canada-New Zealand Working Holiday Visa program is an exciting opportunity to gain international experience and explore a new country. Proper preparation, especially regarding health insurance, is essential to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience. We hope this article has not only informed you and helped with your planning, but encouraged you to get going and make the most of the wonderful opportunity of living and working in Canada. Many Kiwis come back feeling that Canadians are similar to Kiwis and Canada becomes a second home. With the right planning and appropriate insurance, you too can share in this experience.

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