International Experience Canada (IEC)

Participants in this program can receive an open work permit, valid for one to two years. Open work permits allow participants to work anywhere in Canada for almost any Canadian employer. Because of relatively relaxed requirements this program is extremely popular. 

Working holiday visa is approved through a randomized draw system. Not all foreign nationals who submit expressions of interest will be selected for the program. Chances of success depend on the quota for each program and country. 

Under this program, citizens of participating countries are eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit to help them gain professional work experience in Canada. Job Offer and/or employment contract is required with a Canadian before applying. Job Offer must fall under NOC 0, A or B as per National Occupation Classification. 

Applicants who are enrolled at a post-secondary institution in their country of citizenship are eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit to help them gain experience in their field of study.  Participants must arrange co-op placements with Canadian employers before applying under this program.

Candidates applying under IEC program must:

• Be a citizen (passport holder) of one of the participating countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada.
• Have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Canada.
• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35 at the time of application.
• Have the equivalent of $2,500 CAD upon landing to help cover initial expenses.
• Be able to take out health insurance for the duration of their stay (participants may have to present evidence of this insurance at the point of entry in Canada).
• Be admissible to Canada.
• Have, prior to departure, a round-trip ticket, or the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket for the end of their authorized stay in Canada.
• Not be accompanied by dependents.
• Pay the appropriate fees.

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

Step 1 (Create an IEC profile): Once a foreign national determines that their country participates in IEC and selects their preferred program, they may create an account on the IEC website. As long as they meet the eligibility requirements their account is automatically entered into the IEC pool of candidates.  

Step 2 (Receive an Invitation to Apply): IEC regularly conducts random draws of IEC candidates. If a candidate is selected in a draw, they will be issued an Invitation to Apply. Quotas vary by program and by country, so candidates should verify their country’s quotas to gain a better understanding of their probability of receiving an Invitation to Apply.  

Step 3 (Accept the Invitation to Apply): If a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply, they are given 10 days to accept the invitation. After accepting, they are given 20 days to submit an online application for a work permit. If an applicant chooses to decline an invitation they will be returned to the pool of candidates and will continue being considered in future draws.  

Step 4 (Submit Work Permit Application): After accepting an Invitation to Apply, a foreign national has 20 days to submit a work permit application online using the IRCC web portal. Applicants should review documentation requirements in advance so they can be sure they will have sufficient time to prepare the application.  

Step 5 (Receive Work Permit): If an application is successful, the applicant will receive confirmation of their work permit and issued information about the validity period of their authorization to work in Canada.

A recognized organization is a third-party Canadian organization that facilitates international travel and work opportunities for foreign nationals and whose programs and services are recognized by IEC. Recognized organizations may provide, as part of their services, support and advice to foreign nationals applying under all 3 IEC streams throughout the application process and may assist with their travel arrangements or arrange their work placements. Recognized organizations provide their services for a fee. Each recognized organization is given an allotted number of spaces under the IEC. Currently, there are 9 recognized organizations offering services to participants under specific IEC categories. 

• AIESEC Canada: A non-profit organization that develops leadership in youth through international exchanges.
• GO International Work and Travel Providers: Canadian organization that offers work and travel opportunities to Canadians and foreign nationals.
• International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE): Offers student and professional-internship opportunities in technical-career-related fields to Canadians and foreign nationals.
• International Rural Exchange (IRE): Canadian organization that offers paid placements in agriculture, horticulture, and viticulture to individuals with experience or education in Canada or overseas.
• Memorial University of Newfoundland: Memorial University of Newfoundland: Provides international internship opportunities to students and recent graduates.
• Step west and Stepabroad: Program for Canadian youth, facilitate work experiences in Canada and abroad. Their multi-award nominated program portfolio ranges from paid ski resort jobs to industry-specific student internships.
• SWAP Working Holidays: Facilitates working holidays, young professional work and travel opportunities for Canadians and foreign nationals.
  
• University of British Columbia: Provides internship opportunities to students and recent graduates.
  
• University of New Brunswick: Supports international work experiences by facilitating academic placements, internships, service learning and research opportunities.