Working Holiday Visas: Countries, Age Limits, and How to Apply in 2026

A working holiday visa (WHV) lets you live and work in another country for 1 to 2 years, usually with few restrictions on what jobs you can take. It is designed for young people who want to travel, experience a new culture, and earn money along the way. For many people, it is also the easiest entry point into a country that they may want to settle in long term.

This guide covers which countries offer working holiday visas in 2026, who is eligible, how to apply, and whether a working holiday can turn into something more permanent.

What is a working holiday visa?

A working holiday visa is a temporary residence permit that lets you work in a foreign country while you travel. Unlike a work visa, you do not need a job offer before you apply. Unlike a tourist visa, you are legally allowed to work.

Most working holiday visas share these features:

• Duration: 1 to 2 years, depending on the country
• Work rights: You can work for any employer in most jobs (some countries restrict how long you can work for a single employer)
• Study rights: Many countries let you study for a limited period (usually 4 to 6 months)
• Age limits: Typically 18 to 30, though some countries extend this to 35
• One-time use: Most countries only issue one working holiday visa per person per lifetime

Working holiday visas are based on bilateral agreements between countries. This means your eligibility depends on both your nationality and your destination. A citizen of Canada can apply for a working holiday in Australia, but a citizen of India cannot, because India and Australia do not have a working holiday agreement.

Countries that offer working holiday visas

Here are the most popular destinations and their key details:

Australia is the most popular working holiday destination in the world. The subclass 417 visa is available to citizens of about 20 countries, including the UK, Canada, Ireland, France, Germany, South Korea, and Japan. The age limit is 18 to 30 (18 to 35 for Canadians, French, and Irish citizens). The visa lasts 1 year, but you can extend it up to 3 years total by completing 88 days of specified work (usually farm work, construction, or mining) in regional areas during each year. The application fee is approximately 635 AUD (about 420 USD).

New Zealand offers a working holiday visa to citizens of over 40 countries. The age limit is 18 to 30 for most nationalities (18 to 35 for Canadians, British, and French citizens). The visa lasts 12 months, with the option to extend by 3 months if you complete 3 months of seasonal work. The application fee is approximately 455 NZD (about 280 USD).

Canada runs the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which includes the Working Holiday category. It is available to citizens of over 30 countries, with an age limit of 18 to 35 for most nationalities. The visa lasts 12 to 24 months depending on your country. The application fee is approximately 346 CAD (about 255 USD). Canada uses a lottery system, so applying does not guarantee selection.

United Kingdom offers the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) to citizens of select countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. The age limit is 18 to 30 (18 to 35 for some nationalities). The visa lasts 2 years. The application fee is 298 GBP plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of 1,035 GBP per year.

Japan has working holiday agreements with about 30 countries. The age limit is 18 to 30. The visa lasts 1 year and cannot be extended. There is usually no application fee, but you must show proof of sufficient funds (approximately 2,000 to 3,000 USD).

South Korea offers working holiday visas to citizens of about 25 countries. The age limit is 18 to 30. The visa lasts 1 year with a possible 1-year extension for some nationalities. The application fee is approximately 50 to 70 USD.

Ireland has working holiday agreements with several countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Argentina. The age limit is 18 to 30 (18 to 35 for Canadians). The visa lasts 1 year. The application fee is approximately 100 to 150 EUR.

France offers working holiday visas to citizens of about 15 countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. The age limit is 18 to 30 (18 to 35 for some nationalities). The visa lasts 1 year and cannot be extended. The application fee is approximately 99 EUR.

How to apply

The application process varies by country, but the general steps are:

1. Check eligibility: Confirm that your country has a working holiday agreement with your target destination, and that you meet the age requirement.
2. Gather documents: You will typically need a valid passport, proof of funds (usually 2,500 to 5,000 USD equivalent), proof of health insurance, a return flight ticket or funds to buy one, and sometimes a police clearance certificate.
3. Apply online or at a consulate: Most countries accept online applications. Some (like Japan) require you to apply in person at a consulate.
4. Wait for processing: Processing times range from a few days (Australia) to several months (Canada, which uses a lottery).
5. Enter the country: Most working holiday visas require you to enter within 12 months of the visa being granted.

Can a working holiday lead to permanent residency?

This is the big question, and the answer depends on the country.

Australia: Yes. Time spent working in Australia on a WHV counts toward the work experience requirements for skilled visas. If you find an employer willing to sponsor you for a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), you can transition to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme. Many people use the WHV as a 1 to 3 year trial period before committing to a sponsored visa.

Canada: Yes. Work experience gained on an IEC working holiday counts toward eligibility for Express Entry and the Canadian Experience Class. If you work in a skilled occupation for at least 1 year, you can apply for permanent residency through these programs.

New Zealand: Yes. You can transition from a working holiday to a skilled work visa if you find qualifying employment. New Zealand also has relatively accessible residency pathways for people with job offers in shortage occupations.

United Kingdom: Not directly. Time spent on the Youth Mobility Scheme does not count toward settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). However, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you find a qualifying job with a licensed sponsor.

Japan, South Korea, France, Ireland: Generally no direct pathway. These countries treat working holidays as strictly temporary arrangements. You would need to apply for a separate work visa or study visa to stay longer.

Tips for making the most of a working holiday

• Start with a plan: Decide whether you are primarily traveling, working to save money, or trying to build a career path in the country. This will determine where you live and what jobs you look for.
• Arrive with savings: Even though you can work, it may take a few weeks to find a job and receive your first paycheck. Having 2 to 3 months of living expenses saved is a good safety net.
• Network early: If you want to transition to a longer-term visa, start building professional connections early. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and let employers know you are interested in sponsorship.
• Track your work experience: Keep records of your employment dates, job duties, and pay. You will need this documentation if you apply for permanent residency later.

What to do next

A working holiday is one of the simplest ways to experience life abroad and test whether a country is the right fit for you. But the rules are different in every country, and your eligibility depends on your nationality and age.

Passpoort checks your profile against working holiday programs and other visa categories in over 60 countries. Create your free account to see which programs you qualify for and what your options are for turning a temporary stay into a permanent one.