InterExchange Work & Travel Canada

I was able to successfully obtain and use 2 open work visas through the InterExchange Work & Travel Canada program (as a US citizen). The entire process via InterExchange is a process; there's paperwork, fees, and time waiting, as expected. Everything comes with a price, but I have found that it has been more than worth it in my experience. Working with InterExchange has been a breeze as well and I highly recommend them for their professionalism, thorough assistance, and variety of offers for travelers and newcomers.

The length of the validity of the actual visa is determined by the immigration officer upon landing (it is also in their discretion for how long) and during the activation of the visa. My first one was valid for 1-year and my second one is valid for 2-years (the officer must have been in a good mood that day :D it was on new year's day, lucky me)! I did not use these visas to apply for work as I was already working remotely. I used these visas in order to obtain a tax identification number (TIN) so that I could pay taxes as an independent contractor in Canada. This helped me tremendously in my immigration as I was able to keep working and living in Canada. I worked with James Bridge throughout the years and have really appreciated the thorough guidance and support each step of the way. Thank you, James!

I did not need accommodations or work as I already had both prior so I cannot speak to those. I highly recommend this program to anyone trying to jumpstart their immigration to Canada.

The experience to apply was easy and the administration was super helpful. They gave advice on living, taxes, and finding work. Though I didn't need too many resources, as I'm independent in many ways, this was a great way to gain work experience and explore a different lifestyle. I got a job as an Account Manager and the experience has been great for my growth as a professional. Living in Quebec also taught me a lot about having a quality lifestyle. Interexchange gave me the opportunity to easily explore this and I couldn't thank them enough.

The employees are very responsive to any questions. If they don’t know an answer they know someone who does. It would be awesome if somehow this program could convince the government to give US citizens the opportunity of 2 years for a work visa instead of 1, but that’s of course a long shot. They relieved a lot of initial stress for getting things together for crossing the boarder. I haven’t done much with them since getting in to Canada, but they were there when I needed! Highly recommend using interexchange for working abroad!

I went through this program for reasons that probably won't align with most of the other participants. I wanted to be able to move to and work in Quebec to be with my boyfriend that I had met while studying abroad.

Having met the criteria for this visa, the cost was worthwhile since it allowed me to break into the market here. While on a 6-month tourist visa, I enrolled at the YMCA for French courses in preparation for job interviews which began in November and ended mid-January.

Although my IEC Working-holiday visa has ended, I'll be staying in Canada and continuing in my current position - my employer has sponsored me for another two years on a closed work permit! I've convinced another American friend of mine to join me here on this program and would suggest it to others looking for a change of culture from the US.

Over a year ago I was presented with a very cool opportunity to move to Toronto and level-up my career while experiencing another part of the world. The biggest hurdle was obviously - how do I get there??

A coworker told me about InterExchange and they took care of everything! Every question I had was answered before I even knew I needed help. If there was ever a time when something wasn't clear I was able to call my contact Mellisa DIRECTLY (no phone system or random support agents) and get exactly what I needed.

I can't recommend InterExchange enough! Moving to another country and being eligible for work can be a super challenging process. I wouldn't be here without the help I had through the program. If you're looking for something life-changing - this is it!

I decided to take a Gap year after graduating college and It was one of the best decisions I could have made! I reached out to InterExchange and throughout the whole process Melissa H. assisted me with everything I needed to know. She was extremely helpful,provided plenty of great resources, quick to respond, and very friendly! She really helped the whole process run smoother and I am so grateful for her assistance. When I arrived to Canada I received help from Amber at SWAP Toronto and she was also extremely helpful! One of the things I liked was how there was a Facebook page and newsletter emailed to us that kept travelers updated on events,job openings,housing and any other useful information. I ended up working in Muskoka in the summer through a job agency that provided decent housing. It was such a beautiful and amazing location! I met so many friends from around the world and learned about their cultures..which is exactly what I wanted to do while being out in Canada. I had so many new and exciting experiences, being out on the beautiful lakes canoeing, camping, and parties! I was also able to make some trips to Toronto and Niagara Falls with my new friends. I like how InterExchange allows you apply again for another year. I recommend bringing a car if you can if your living in the middle of nowhere like Muskoka- that's how I survived. Another benefit to this program is how I now have work experience in another country ;). I would not have been able to make this happen without the support and guidance of these programs and my family!! Even though I was only living and working in Canada for a few months,it turned out to be one of the best experiences that I'll forever remember!

I always knew that Canada was a beautiful place. And I was amazed to see everything through my own eyes and not from a screen or a book. When I came here I experienced snow for the first time. After a year, I'll know what season are. Living in Vancouver is like living with the rest of the world together. I've never seen so many cultures all in one place. I like Vancouver so much, I might think about moving here permanently. But first, there is a whole country I need to see before I make that kind of decision.

I have done the Work and Travel in Canada program twice and have totally loved it. While traveling throughout Canada, I was able to be completely independent, however, I always knew I had a network of resources whenever I had questions that I could rely on. The Toronto office SWAP staff were incredibly welcoming and were very helpful when I needed assistance finding housing downtown. I am really happy I discovered this program and was able to experience all that Canada has to offer! :)