Obtaining a working holiday visa is a fairly straightforward process, but its important to follow procedures correctly so that all your papers are in order when you arrive. In order to work in Canada, you also have to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) which will be your Canadian tax ID while in the country.

Applying for a Working Holiday Visa to Canada

If you haven't already obtained your Working Holiday visa, you can see the application process here - just click on your country of citizenship for the application process as there are some procedure differences between countries.

If you are an American looking for Working Holiday visa to Canada - look here for how to obtain one since you cannot get one directly from the government.

Entering Canada

After you have been accepted to receive a Working Holiday Visa to Canada, you will receive an email confirmation of your acceptance. You will need to print this document out and must have it with you when you cross the border into Canada - whether arriving by air or arriving by land from the USA.

At the border, customs & immigration will review this document and then give your official visa which outlines your right to live and work in the country. This visa is an important document so keep it in a safe place and keep it dry!

How To Get Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

The SIN is a nine-digit government identification & tax number required to work in Canada. Its available to Canadian citizens, new immigrants, or temporary residents (ex. Working Holiday visa holders).

To obtain your SIN card, you will need to fill out an application form and submit it to a local Service Canada Centre. When you apply, you will need to bring a primary and secondary form of identification that proves your identity and legal status in the country (Bring your passport and visa documents with you!) If you are arriving in Vancouver before heading to Whistler, the address of the Vancouver Service Canada Center is:

Harry Stevens Business Building
125 10th Avenue East
Vancouver, British Columbia

Its opening hours can be found here.

Service Canada also has outreach sites throughout British Columbia where you can get your SIN as well. The outreach site in Whistler is located at

Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Room 201
4230 Gateway Drive
Whistler, British Columbia

For a schedule of outreach dates in Whistler, have a look at this Service Canada page

Paying Tax as a Working Holiday Maker

Although you are not Canadian, if you're going to work legally in Canada then you have to pay tax....but don't get too worried because you can apply to have it refunded to you. You can read about the refund process on the Canada Revenue Agency website and how to apply for the refund yourself. Just remember, for taxation purposes, you are a NON-RESIDENT.

You can also apply for your Canadian tax refund online here.