Visas

Canadian work and holiday visas for Argentinians: Complete guide

Find everything about Canadian Work and Holiday visas for Argentinians here, along with the best available alternatives.

Let’s start by clarifying that Argentine citizens don’t currently have access to the Canada Working Holiday visa. However, there are several visas you can apply for to travel and spend some time in Canada.

Here we’ll explain which visas allow you to travel to Canada and the main requirements for each. This way, you’ll know which one suits your goals best. These options could work as alternatives to the Working Holiday visa. Finally, we’ll calculate the total costs and approximate visa fees so you can plan your budget. Let’s begin!

In this article

What work, study, and tourist visas does Canada offer Argentinians as alternatives to the Working Holiday?

Canada offers several types of visas that allow Argentinians to visit its territory as tourists, students, or workers. Below, we’ll detail these three categories along with their specific requirements:

Tourist visa

For your trip from Argentina, you must apply for the Canadian tourist visa. This document allows you to stay in the country for up to six months. However, immigration officers might grant a shorter stay depending on your travel conditions when you arrive.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is aimed at all Argentinian citizens wishing to travel for up to six months as tourists. It doesn’t authorise other activities, except short-term studies (less than six months). It’s also valid if your main goal is to visit friends or family living in Canada.

Requirements and documentation

Argentinian passport: It must be in good condition and valid for at least six more months.
Proof of ties to Argentina: You must show strong reasons to return home, such as family, studies, or work.
Proof of financial means: You’ll need to show sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses in Canada.
Completed application form: You must fill in the form available on the Government of Canada website.
Photos: Recent, passport-type photos are required.
Travel and accommodation itinerary: You’ll need to provide your trip details, including estimated costs, places to visit, and where you’ll stay.
Optional documents: A clean police certificate, medical exam results, or an invitation letter if staying with relatives or friends.

When travelling as a tourist, Argentine citizens may also apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). This document can replace the visa depending on your travel plans and eligibility. Below, we’ll explain this option in more detail:

Canadian eTA

Argentina is among the few countries whose citizens can apply for this permit to enter Canada. This authorisation is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires. To apply, you must meet the following conditions:

You must have held a Canadian visa within the past 10 years.
Hold a valid United States visa that allows temporary entry.
Your trip must last no longer than six months.

Work permits

Canada offers two main types of work permits. First, you can apply for a closed work permit, which means you can only work for one employer, in a specific location and for a set period within Canada.

If you want to change employer, job location, or contract, you’ll need to apply again for either a closed or open permit, depending on your situation. Here are the key requirements:

A valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
A signed work contract.
A valid Argentinian passport.
Payment of the work permit application fees.
Medical examination results.
Police clearance certificates.

On the other hand, you can apply for an open work permit, which gives you more freedom to work for any employer in any province or city. This permit doesn’t require you to have a job offer before applying. It also doesn’t ask for an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) approval.

If you’d like to learn more about how to work in Canada, visit this guide we’ve prepared to help you enter the Canadian job market.

Who is it aimed at?

These permits are designed for Argentinian adults wishing to live temporarily in Canada with work as their main purpose. They also apply to Argentine citizens who have a legal and valid job offer recognised by the Canadian government.

Requirements and documentation

Here are some of the key documents you’ll need:

A valid Argentinian passport.
Academic certificates.
Medical examination results.
Police clearance certificate.

Canadian visas for Argentinians. Source: Shutterstock.com.

Study visa

To study academic programmes lasting more than six months in Canada, you must apply for a specific study permit. One key condition is that the institution must appear on the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list.

This visa also allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during your studies and up to 40 hours during holidays. It’s probably the closest alternative to a Working Holiday visa for Canada since it lets you study, work, and enjoy your free time.

Who is it aimed at?

This study visa targets Argentinian students who wish to start or continue undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies in Canadian institutions. It’s also suitable for those taking short courses, language studies, or diplomas lasting more than six months.

Requirements and documentation

These are the main requirements to apply for this permit:

An Argentinian passport.
An acceptance letter from a recognised Canadian institution.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses while studying.
Health insurance
Police clearance certificates.
Medical examination results.
Language proficiency test results.
Payment of study permit application fees.

Internet while working, studying, or relaxing in Canada

When travelling from Argentina to Canada, you must plan your internet connection in advance. It’ll help you navigate cities or provinces, translate texts into English or French, and book transport to reach your hotel or accommodation.

It also lets you quickly tell your loved ones that you’ve arrived safely in Canada. Plus, it’s useful for job searches or university tasks. For all that and more, you can choose the Holafly monthly subscription plan that best suits your needs.

You can choose between a 25 GB plan or unlimited data. Either way, you’ll share your data across devices and enjoy global coverage in up to 160 countries if you travel frequently. But if your stay is short, install the Holafly eSIM for Canada, which gives you unlimited data only for the days you need.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Discover Holafly’s international unlimited eSIM & its benefits.

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Prices and expenses for obtaining Canadian visas as an Argentinian

Below you’ll find the approximate costs of each visa and the eTA you’ll need to travel from Argentina to Canada.

Keep in mind that prices may change suddenly by decision of Canadian authorities. Always check the latest fees directly on the official visa application website.

The first fee you’ll face is the visa application charge:

Tourist visa: around $73 (€66.43).
eTA: costs $5.10 (€4.64).
Work visa: the closed work permit costs $113 (€102.83), while the open work permit costs $186 (€169.26).
Study visa: costs $109.50 (€99.64).

Additional expenses related to any of these visa applications include:

Biometric data (photos, fingerprints, and signature): $80 (€72.80).
Official translation of documents: between $8–15 (€7.28–13.65) per page.
Police certificate: standard request costs $1.80–3 (€1.64–2.73), urgent request costs $5–7 (€4.55–6.37).
Document legalisation (apostille): $10 (€9.10) per page.
Copies and printing: between $3–4 (€2.73–3.64).
Passport delivery or collection at the VAC: between $0.40–0.50 (€0.36–0.45). Collection in person is free.
Medical examinations: required for study or work visas, around $100 (€91).
Travel insurance: between $50–70 (€45.50–63.70) per month, depending on coverage and duration.

Visa prices and expenses for Canada in Argentine pesos. Source: Shutterstock.com.

Frequently asked questions about the Working Holiday visa and Canadian visas for Argentinians

What should I do if I want to change from a closed work permit to an open one while in Canada?

You must apply before starting work with your new employer. You’ll need a valid job offer that meets Canadian legal standards and shows no negative Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). In special cases, your permit may remain closed, but authorities might still authorise you to change employers.

Can I work with a Canadian study visa as an Argentinian?

Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic period and up to 40 hours during holidays.

Why doesn’t Argentina have a Working Holiday visa agreement with Canada?

Argentina and Canada haven’t signed bilateral agreements that allow this type of visa. That’s the main reason Argentinians can’t currently access a Working Holiday visa in Canada.

How long does it take to process Canadian work, study, or tourist visas from Argentina?

Processing times vary depending on the application volume and type. Usually, it takes between one and three months to receive a decision.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Argentinian tourists visiting Canada?

No, travel insurance isn’t mandatory for tourists. Still, it’s highly recommended for every traveller, as it protects you in medical emergencies or unforeseen situations.