IEC (WHP) Getting the full 2 years?

[thierry2610]

Hi guys,

I'm off to Canada this Thursday morning on an IEC/WHP visa. I'm just wondering what is the go with getting the full 2 years issued upon entry. I'm hearing stories that it depends on how long the travel insurance policy you have purchased is. I've heard that if you purchase a years worth of insurance (which is the max you can get with most companies), then you'll only be issued a year on your WHP visa (thats if they check you for any insurance at port of entry).

Anyone know the go here? and can you renew for your second year coming to the end of your first year. I'm currently 30, turning 31 this October. I'll be entering Canada for the first time this Thursday May 22 under my WHP visa.

Any help is appreciated...

Thank you

 

[TheAwesomeMatt]

It depends on which country you're applying under. I know that Irish participants get two years, British get 1 year, Italian get 6 months and then 6 months visitor, etc.

I've been on the WHV/IEC three times (there was a change in rules and I could participate three times), each time I had to apply for every year and they never checked the length of my insurance (two times they didn't even check I had any).

Which country did you apply under?

 

[thierry2610]

Australia.

I'm an Australian Citizen, applied from Oz.

 

[TheAwesomeMatt]

Yeah, you'll just be issued a work permit for the 24 months (as long as your passport is valid for the 2 years).

Have fun on your working holiday, it'll be awesome. Probably. I'm thinking Whistler?

 

[thierry2610]

Thanks for your quick reply Matt.

I specifically renewed my Aussie passport for this very reason. Australia and Canada don't have reciprocal healthcare agreements in place. So you have to get some kind of travel insurance for the period you are working in Canada under your WHP visa. but then I started hearing stories of Canadian border officers checking your travel insurance policy when you enter and then only issuing your WHP visa for the duration of your travel insurance policy.

Have you heard of this??

 

[LPS]

It's possible, but they'll probably only check your introduction letter.

 

[TheAwesomeMatt]

No, I've only ever heard of then checking that you actually have health insurance and not the duration.

If you told the officer you could only get it for one year and you'll renew it for next, the officer will probably believe you (it's not as if you're trying to sneak into the country and fool the system). You could take proof that you can only get one year if you feel that worried about it.

The officer will probably only give your paperwork a quick glance and then print off your work permit (all the hard work has been dealt with at some office somewhere).

 

[thierry2610]

Is this the letter stating "Your application to study or work in Canada has been approved" ??