Fees & Budgeting
Programme Costs
A transparent breakdown of what to budget before you travel — covering visa fees, programme costs, flights, insurance, and required savings.
Plan Your Budget With Confidence
We believe in full transparency. The tables below set out the realistic upfront costs for each direction of travel, so you can plan your finances before you apply.
UK-to-Canada costs are shown in British pounds (GBP). Canada-to-UK costs are shown in Canadian dollars (CAD). Exchange rate estimates are provided for reference only.
UK → Canada
🇬🇧 → 🇨🇦
International Experience Canada (IEC) — Working Holiday
All figures in British pounds (GBP). Flight and insurance costs are estimates and will vary.
| Item | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| IEC Working Holiday application fee | £130 |
| Biometrics fee | £55 |
| International Staff Exchange programme fee | £695 |
| Return flights (UK–Canada) | £500–£1,000 |
| IEC-compliant health & travel insurance | £300–£800 |
Applicants must show access to at least CA$2,500 when entering Canada (approximately £1,450 depending on exchange rates). This is not a fee — it remains the participant's own money.
Canada → UK
🇨🇦 → 🇬🇧
Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS)
All figures in Canadian dollars (CAD). GBP equivalents are approximate and based on prevailing exchange rates.
| Item | Cost (CAD) | Est. (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Mobility Scheme visa fee | CA$580 | approx. £340 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (2 years) | CA$2,650 | approx. £1,552 |
| International Staff Exchange programme fee | CA$1,185 | approx. £695 |
| Return flights (Canada–UK) | CA$850–CA$1,535 | approx. £500–£900 |
| Travel insurance (optional) | CA$170–CA$510 | approx. £100–£300 |
Applicants must demonstrate access to at least £2,530 in savings (held for 28 consecutive days) when applying for the YMS visa. This is not a fee — it remains the participant's own money.
Please note: All costs are estimates based on information available in October 2026. Visa fees, surcharges, and exchange rates are subject to change. Flight and insurance costs will vary depending on your travel dates and provider. The International Staff Exchange is not a financial adviser. Applicants should verify all fees with the relevant government authorities before applying.
Ready to Apply?
Once you have reviewed the costs and confirmed your visa eligibility, take the next step and apply to join the programme.