International Experience Canada (IEC)
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 2024 Now Open!
IRCC announced the opening of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program to approximately 90,000 young individuals from over 35 countries worldwide. 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.
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.
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.
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 | 24 Months | 24 Months | 24 months (unless it is the applicant’s second participation since 2015, in which case, 12 months) | 18-35 Years |
| Austria | 12 Months | 12 Months | 6 Months | 18-30 Years (Working Holiday) 18-35 (Young Professionals & International Co-op) |
| Belgium | 12 Months | - | - | 18-30 Years |
| Chile | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Costa Rica | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Croatia | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Croatia | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Denmark | 12 Months | - | - | 18-35 Years |
| Estonia | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| France | 24 Months | 24 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Germany | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Greece | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Hong Kong | 12 Months | - | - | 18-30 Years |
| Ireland | 24 Months | 24 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Italy | 6-month work permit; may apply to stay an additional 6 months as a visitor | - | - | 18-35 Years |
| Japan | 12 Months | - | - | 18-30 Years |
| Latvia | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Lithuania | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Luxembourg | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-30 Years |
| Mexico | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-29 Years |
| Netherlands | 12 Months | 12 Months | - | 18-30 Years |
| New Zealand | 23 Months (starting in 2015) | - | - | 18-35 Years |
| Norway | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Poland | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Portugal | 24 Months | 24 Months | 24 Months | 18-35 Years |
| San Marino | 12 Months | - | - | 18-35 Years |
| Slovakia | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Slovenia | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| South Korea | 12 Months | - | - | 18-30 Years |
| Spain | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Sweden | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-30 Years |
| Switzerland | - | 18 months - Total duration of the 2 permits combined cannot exceed 18-months | 18 months - Total duration of the 2 permits combined cannot exceed 18-months | 18-35 Years |
| Taiwan | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Ukraine | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| United Kingdom | 24 Months | - | - | 18-30 Years |
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.