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International Experience Canada (IEC) is a program that allows youth from over 30 partner countries to gain temporary work experience while exploring Canada. It’s part of bilateral youth mobility agreements and is aimed at individuals aged 18 to 30 or 35, depending on the country of citizenship.
2025/02/23
IEC participants can apply under one of three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op (Internship). Each stream has different objectives, work permit types, and eligibility rules.
The Working Holiday category is ideal for those who want to explore Canada while supporting themselves through temporary jobs. It provides an open work permit, which means you can work for almost any employer, in any location, without a pre-arranged job offer.
This is the most flexible stream and a popular choice for travelers, gap-year students, and young graduates. While it doesn’t guarantee a clear path to permanent residency (PR), it offers a chance to gain Canadian work experience, which could help later if you apply through a PR program such as Express Entry.
The Young Professionals category is designed for participants who already have a job offer in Canada related to their education or career experience. This category grants a closed (employer-specific) work permit, so you must work only for the approved employer.
The job must be full-time, paid, and contribute to your career development. Freelance or self-employment is not allowed. If your job is in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), it can help you qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or other immigration pathways.
This stream is well-suited for applicants focused on long-term career goals or permanent residency in Canada.
The International Co-op (Internship) stream is available to students who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution. It allows you to complete a required internship or work placement with a Canadian employer.
You’ll need a job offer that directly relates to your academic field. This stream also issues a closed work permit, meaning you’re limited to the employer listed on your permit. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain Canadian experience early in your career, but it’s generally not a direct PR pathway.
This stream is available only to those who can prove the internship is part of their academic program.
To qualify for any IEC stream, applicants must:
Be a citizen of a country with a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada
Be between 18 and 30 or 35 years old (varies by country)
Hold a valid passport for the entire duration of the stay
Have at least $2,500 CAD in personal funds upon arrival
Purchase health insurance covering the entire stay
Be admissible to Canada (no criminal or medical inadmissibility)
Submit biometrics and pay the required IEC fees
Have a return ticket or enough funds to purchase one
Not be accompanied by dependents
Submit the application from outside of Canada, even if already in the country
After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must complete your application within the deadline. If approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction, which you must present upon arrival or re-entry into Canada to activate your work permit.
The IEC program is an incredible opportunity—but choosing the wrong stream or applying without proper planning can limit your experience or delay future goals. Each stream serves a different purpose:
Working Holiday is best for flexible work and travel
Young Professionals is ideal for those building a Canadian career
International Co-op suits students completing internships
🎯 Bottom line: Choose the stream that best aligns with your situation and future plans. If you're unsure, it’s always wise to seek professional guidance before you apply to avoid costly mistakes or missed opportunities.
