International Experience Canada: IECs Countries List and Requirements
If you are interested in experiencing what Canada has to offer all while working? If you are eligible you may qualify for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program that allows young adults to work and travel in Canada.
IEC 2025 Pools Now Open!
The International Experience Canada (IEC) 2025 program has launched, offering a wealth of opportunities for young people worldwide. In the initial invitation rounds, concluding on January 17, 2025, a remarkable 10,274 work permit invitations were extended. This signifies a promising beginning for a season dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and professional development for countless individuals globally. Learn more.
What is the IEC Program in Canada?
IEC Canada work permits provide young people from around the world with the opportunity to travel and work in Canada. The intention of the IEC Programs is to allow young adults to enter Canada to gain important experience and knowledge of Canada.
There are three categories of the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program:
There are different eligibility requirements for each program.
There are over 30 countries that participate in at least one of the International Experience Canada programs.
Each country has its own age limit, program participation, and visa validity. Below you will find a table with the participating countries.
Working Holiday IEC
The Working Holiday Program of the IEC allows participants to obtain a work permit which will be valid for one to two years. The Open Work Permit will let the individual work anywhere in Canada for almost any Canadian employer!
Who is the Working Holiday for?
The Working Holiday Visa is for individuals who:
- Do not have a job offer.
- Want to work in Canada
- Want to work in more than one location.
- Want to travel and explore Canada while working.
Learn more about the Working Holiday Visa in Canada.
Young Professionals IEC
The Young Professionals category of the IEC allows individuals in participating countries to gain experience working for a Canadian company. Under this program, a foreign worker will receive an employer-specific work permit.
Who is the Young Professionals for?
The Young Professionals is for individuals who:
- Have a valid job offer in Canada that contributes to their professional work development
- Plan on working with that one employer during their time in Canada
Learn more about the Young Professionals Program in Canada.
International Co-op Internship IEC
The International Co-op Internship category allows individuals in a post-secondary institution in their country to stay in Canada to intern for a Canadian company.
Who is the International Co-op Internship for?
The International Co-op Internship is for individuals who:
- Is an active student at a post-secondary institution (like a college or university) outside of Canada.
- Have a job offer in Canada that is required to complete their studies.
- Plan on only working with this one employer during their time in Canada.
Learn more about the International Co-op Internship in Canada.
What Countries Participate in the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?
There are a specific amount of countries that particpate in the IEC program. Each country or territory holds a bilateral agreement or arrangement with Canada’s IEC program.
| Country | Working Holiday | Young Professionals | International Co-op | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Up to 24 months | 24 months | Up to 12 months (unless it is the applicant’s second participation since 2015, in which case, 12 months) | 18-35 years |
| Austria | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 6 months (internship or work placement must be in forestry, agriculture, or tourism) | 18-35 years |
| Belgium | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-30 years |
| Chile | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Costa Rica | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Andorra | Up to 12 Months | N/A | N/A | 18-30 years |
| Croatia | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Czech Republic | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Denmark | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-35 years |
| Estonia | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| France | Up to 24 months | Up to 24 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Germany | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Greece | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Hong Kong | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-30 years |
| Ireland | Up to 24 months | Up to 24 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Italy | Up to 12 months, but may participate twice for a total of 24 months | Up to 12 months, but may participate twice for a total of 24 months | Up to 12 months, but may participate twice for a total of 24 months | 18-35 years |
| Japan | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-30 years |
| Latvia | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Lithuania | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Luxembourg | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-30 years |
| Mexico | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-29 years |
| Netherlands | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | N/A | 18-30 years |
| New Zealand | Up to 23 months | N/A | N/A | 18-35 years |
| Norway | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Poland | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Portugal | Up to 24 months | Up to 24 months | Up to 24 months | 18-35 years |
| San Marino | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-35 years |
| Slovakia | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Slovenia | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| South Korea | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-30 years |
| Spain | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Sweden | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-30 years |
| Switzerland | N/A | Up to 18 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 Years |
| Taiwan | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| Ukraine | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 years |
| United Kingdom | Up to 24 months | N/A | N/A | 18-30 years |
Eligibility for the IEC Program
To qualify for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, you must:
- Be a citizen of a participating country or a resident of a territory with a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
- Hold a valid passport throughout your stay in Canada.
- Be aged 18 to 30 (or 35, depending on your nationality).
- Have at least $2,500 CAD for initial living expenses upon arrival.
- Obtain health insurance for the duration of your stay in Canada.
- Be admissible to Canada.
- Have a round-trip ticket or the funds to purchase one before leaving Canada.
- Travel without dependents.
- Pay the required fees.
Note: Age and eligibility requirements may vary by country.
How the IEC Program Works
The IEC program utilizes an Expression of Interest/Invitation to Apply system.
Create an IEC Profile
- Complete the “Come to Canada” questionnaire.
- If eligible, obtain your Personal Reference Code.
- Create an online account using your code.
- Complete your IEC profile.
- Select the IEC pools you wish to join.
2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- If selected, you’ll receive an ITA through your account.
- You have 10 days to accept or decline.
- If accepted, you have 20 days to start your work permit application.
3. Complete the Work Permit Application
- For Young Professional and International Co-op: Your employer must pay the Employer Compliance Fee through the Employer Portal.
- Upload required documents (police certificates, medical exam results).
- Pay the participation fee ($153 CAD) and, for Working Holiday, the open work permit holder fee ($100 CAD).
4. IRCC Assessment
- IRCC assesses your application.
- They may request additional documents.
- This is the last chance to withdraw and receive refunds.
- Processing typically takes eight weeks.
5. Receive a Letter of Introduction (LOI)
- If approved, you’ll receive an LOI (Port of Entry Introduction Letter) in your account.
- Present this letter at the Canadian port of entry to obtain your work permit.
Note:
- Work permit extensions are generally not permitted under IEC.
- However, there are limited scenarios where extensions may be possible.
Recognized Organization (RO)
If you want to come to Canada to work and travel under International Experience Canada (IEC), you can contact a recognized organization (RO) for help. They can help you:
- get information about Canadian
- culture
- languages
- laws
- taxes
- find a job
- find transportation
- with general support and advice
ROs are youth service organizations that offer work and travel support to youth. They can be non-profit, for-profit, or educational.
Why Seeking Professional Immigration Help is Essential
Often, employment and business opportunities are time sensitive and for that reason having a legal representative in Canada with expertise in the area of work permits is the most efficient way to proceed. For work permits, there is a higher risk of refusal in cases where the application is not properly prepared. The standards are very high. The documentation and processes involved in successfully obtaining a work permit are complex and usually require legal expertise. You are also not guaranteed a work visa renewal if you have received one before. Legal representation will better your case to ensure a renewal for a Canadian work visa. It is recommended that you seek professional immigration help to consult with your particular case. Many professional immigration law offices will help people from all around the world without the need for a face-to-face interview or consultation. These agencies use online tools such as video chat, phone calls, and email to speak with those looking for help obtaining a visa.
Why Hire Us to Help You With Your Work Visa Applications
We have helped thousands and thousands of people worldwide successfully enter Canada on a work permit, and we are very certain we can help you too. No one can guarantee approval (not even us), but we are confident with our years of experience and current success rate that we can significantly increase your chances at a positive outcome for your case.
Need Canadian Immigration Help?
The first step towards moving to Canada is to get an assessment of your specific situation. Call us today at 1.877.296.0874 for an assessment to see if you are eligible to move to Canada, or fill out our online assessment form.