The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows young individuals, aged 18-35, to temporarily work in Canada for one or two years. Eligibility depends on citizenship in countries with bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada or those supported by a Recognized Organization (RO).

Categories of the IEC Program

1. Working Holiday
   Participants receive an open work permit valid for up to two years, allowing them to work anywhere in Canada for most employers. No job offer is required for this category. The duration of the permit may vary based on agreements between countries.
2. Young Professionals
   This category enables individuals to gain international experience by working for a Canadian employer. Applicants must secure a job offer or employment contract related to their professional development. The job must be classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Type Level 0, A, or B.
3. International Co-op
   Students enrolled in a post-secondary institution in their home country can intern with Canadian companies. Participants must arrange a co-op placement with a Canadian employer before applying and remain registered students throughout the internship period.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the IEC program, candidates must:

• Be citizens of eligible countries with youth mobility agreements or those supported by an RO.
• Hold a valid passport for the duration of their stay.
• Be 18-30 or 18-35 years old, depending on their country of citizenship.
• Have the requirement minimum amount upon arrival to cover initial expenses.
• Obtain health insurance for the entire stay in Canada.
• Have no criminal convictions that could render them inadmissible.
• Possess a round-trip ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a departure ticket.
• Pay the required fees.

Eligibility criteria, including age limits, vary by country.

Application Process

Eligible candidates must submit an IEC profile to express interest in one or more program categories. Profiles are placed in category-specific pools, and candidates are randomly selected through scheduled “Rounds” of invitations. Invitation schedules and quotas vary by country, with some programs offering unlimited invitations.

Invitation to Apply (ITA) Priority:

1. Candidates sponsored by a Recognized Organization (RO).
2. International Internship (Co-op).
3. Young Professionals.
4. Working Holiday.

Once selected, candidates have 10 days to accept the ITA and an additional 20 days to submit a complete work permit application. Missing deadlines or submitting incomplete applications may result in refusal.

If approved, candidates receive a Letter of Introduction (LOI), which must be presented upon arrival in Canada to receive a physical work permit.

Additional Notes

• IEC work permits cannot be extended.
• Some nationals may participate in the IEC program a second time, depending on their country of citizenship.