International Experience Canada

What is the International Experience Canada?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers youth from over 30 countries the opportunity to work in Canada for temporary periods. Designed to foster economic, social, and cultural ties between Canada and other nations, the IEC provides open work permits, allowing participants to work for any employer in Canada. This guide explains how you can benefit from IEC.

Overview

Citizens of countries with a bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada, aged 18 to 35, may qualify for IEC work permits. These permits are exempt from the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a test usually required to determine the impact of foreign workers on the Canadian labor market. IEC promotes international ties by providing work permits through the following categories:

Working Holiday

The Working Holiday category grants participants an open work permit, valid for one to two years, enabling them to work anywhere in Canada for almost any employer. This category is ideal for individuals who:

• Do not have a job offer
• Want to work for multiple employers
• Wish to work in various locations
• Seek to earn money to support their travels

Young Professionals

The Young Professionals category allows participants to gain international experience by working for a Canadian company. Approved applicants receive an employer-specific work permit. This category suits individuals who:

• Have a valid job offer in Canada for a paid position contributing to their professional development
• Plan to work for the same employer throughout their stay in Canada

Applicants must secure a job classified under National Occupation Code (NOC) Skill Type Level 0, A, or B, with a signed job offer letter or employment contract.

International Co-op Internship

The International Co-op Internship category is for students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in their home country. It allows them to intern with Canadian companies, receiving an employer-specific work permit. This category is for individuals who:

• Are registered at a post-secondary institution outside Canada
• Have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada necessary for their studies
• Plan to work for the same employer during their stay

Participants must arrange co-op placements with Canadian employers before applying.

Employer-specific Work Permits

Employer-specific work permits specify the employer’s name, occupation, work location, and the duration of the authorized work period. Young Professionals and International Co-op Internship participants may work for the same employer at different locations, provided the locations operate under the same Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number. The addresses and CRA number must be provided when submitting the Offer of Employment, ensuring the occupation, duties, and wages remain consistent.

Participants must maintain employment relevant to their studies, training, or professional experience. If a change of employer is necessary, participants must submit a new work permit application with required documentation and justification, such as company closure. The decision to approve such requests lies with the case processing agent. Note that the authorized work period will be reduced by the time already elapsed if the change occurs after the initial permit has been issued.

Countries with Bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements with Canada:

Country: Andorra

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: N/A
• International Co-op: N/A
• Age Limit: 18-30

Country: Australia

• Working Holiday: Up to 24 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 24 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months (unless it is the applicant’s second participation since 2015, in which case, 12 months)
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Austria

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 6 months (internship or work placement must be in forestry, agriculture, or tourism)
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Belgium

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: N/A
• International Co-op: N/A
• Age Limit: 18-30

Country: Chile

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Costa Rica

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Croatia

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Czech Republic

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Denmark

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: N/A
• International Co-op: N/A
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Estonia

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: France

• Working Holiday: Up to 24 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 24 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Germany

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Greece

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Hong Kong

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: N/A
• International Co-op: N/A
• Age Limit: 18-30

Country: Ireland

• Working Holiday: Up to 24 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 24 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Italy

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Japan

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: N/A
• International Co-op: N/A
• Age Limit: 18-30

Country: Latvia

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Lithuania

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Luxembourg

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-30

Country: Mexico

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-29

Country: Netherlands

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: N/A
• Age Limit: 18-30

Country: New Zealand

• Working Holiday: Up to 23 months
• Young Professionals: N/A
• International Co-op: N/A
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Norway

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Poland

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Portugal

• Working Holiday: Up to 24 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 24 months
• International Co-op: Up to 24 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: San Marino

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: N/A
• International Co-op: N/A
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Slovakia

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Slovenia

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: South Korea

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: N/A
• International Co-op: N/A
• Age Limit: 18-30

Country: Spain

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Sweden

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-30

Country: Switzerland

• Working Holiday: N/A
• Young Professionals: Up to 18 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Taiwan

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: Ukraine

• Working Holiday: Up to 12 months
• Young Professionals: Up to 12 months
• International Co-op: Up to 12 months
• Age Limit: 18-35

Country: United Kingdom

• Working Holiday: Up to 24 months
• Young Professionals: N/A
• International Co-op: N/A
• Age Limit: 18-30

Eligibility Requirements for the IEC Program

To be eligible for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, candidates must:

1. Citizenship: Be a citizen (passport holder) of one of the participating countries or a resident of a territory with a bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada.
2. Valid Passport: Hold a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Canada (the work permit issued will not exceed the passport's validity).
3. Age: Be between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35 at the time of application, depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship.
4. Funds: Have the equivalent of CAD $2,500 upon landing to cover initial expenses.
5. Health Insurance: Be able to obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay (evidence may be required at entry).
6. Admissibility: Be admissible to Canada.
7. Travel Arrangements: Have a round-trip ticket or sufficient financial resources to purchase a departure ticket for the end of their stay.
8. Dependents: Not be accompanied by dependents.
9. Fees: Pay the appropriate fees.

Note: Specific age and eligibility requirements may vary by country.

How IEC Works

The IEC operates on an Expression of Interest/Invitation to Apply model. Eligible candidates create an IEC profile and must receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before they can apply.

Step-by-Step Overview:

1. Come to Canada Questionnaire: Complete the questionnaire and, if eligible, receive a personal reference code.
2. Create an Account: Use the code to create your online account.
3. Build IEC Profile: Complete the steps in the IEC profile builder.
4. Submit Profile: Submit your profile and choose the IEC pools you want to join.
5. Invitation to Apply: If you receive an ITA via your account, you have 10 days to start your application or decline the invitation. If you accept, click the “Start Application” button to begin the work permit application process.
6. Application Process: After pressing “Start Application”, you have 20 days to complete, pay, and submit the work permit application.
7. Employer Compliance Fee: For Young Professional and International Coop categories, your employer must pay the $230 Employer Compliance Fee through the Employer Portal before your 20 days expire. Obtain the offer of employment number from your employer.
8. Supporting Documents: Upload all supporting documents, including police and medical exam certificates, if applicable (you can upload proof of application for these documents if not yet received).
9. Participation Fee: Pay the participation fee of CAD $153 online. For the Working Holiday Category, also pay the open work permit holder fee of CAD $100.
10. IRCC Assessment: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) begins assessing the temporary work permit application. IRCC may request additional documents. This is the last chance to withdraw and obtain refunds. Typically, IRCC processes applications within eight weeks.
11. Letter of Introduction: If successful, a Port of Entry (POE) Introduction Letter will be sent to your account. Present this letter upon arrival at a Port of Entry in Canada to obtain your work permit.

Extensions

Generally, no extensions are authorized under the IEC program. However, IEC participants may be able to extend the validity of their work permits in specific scenarios to reach the maximum allowed period within their category.

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