Working Holiday Visa holders whose journey was disrupted by the pandemic will have one final opportunity to visit Canada.

In most cases, the Working Holiday Visa is a one-time offer. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are making an exception due to the epidemic.

Working Holiday Visa holders who are unable to travel and whose letter of introduction (LOI) is about to expire may be able to extend their letter. According to the government website, the new guideline does not apply to other International Experience Canada (IEC) participants.

Working Holiday Visas are also only valid if the initial letter of intent was issued between January 1 and April 30, 2020. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve already been granted an extension; your existing letter of intent must expire before December 21, 2021. If your LOI has previously expired, you are still entitled to apply.

As of July 30, the temporary policy is still in effect. Working Holiday Visa holders must request an extension through IRCC’s webform before December 31, 2021, to be eligible for the extension.

Detailed Information on Medicals

Only if you live in a specified country do you need to have your medical examinations redone. An immigration officer will contact those who require a repeat medical examination and ask if they agree to a new medical examination.

If you affirm that you will undergo a new medical examination, your file may be reopened so that you can seek a new medical examination. You may be granted an extension of your LOI if the receipt of your medical is confirmed.

Alternatively, an LOI extension may be granted without the need for a fresh medical examination if you:

• hold a valid IME for a job offer in a recognized occupation;
• have not lived in a designated country for 6 months or more in the year prior to requesting an extension of the LOI;
• or do not wish to renew your medical examination by choice.

Details about Extensions for LOI

All LOI extensions will be granted at the discretion of the immigration officer on a case-by-case basis. The LOI extension, if allowed, will be for a period of 12 months from the date of application processing or the current LOI’s expiration date.

Details about the Temporary resident visa (TRV)

If you receive an LOI extension as a TRV participant, your request will be routed to the International Network (IN) for processing and reissuing stubs as appropriate.

It’s worth noting that, in order to enter Canada, all Working Holiday Visa applicants must show proof of a valid job offer.

A standardized letter response will be delivered to you instead of a new LOI. It’s possible that you’ll need a new TRV with a longer validity period. The IRCC urges participants to bring this letter with them on their trip because it may be required upon entry into Canada.