International Experience Canada
International Experience Canada is an excellent opportunity for young people to experience life and work in the Canadian context. It’s also an excellent way of seeing how different cultures can influence each other!
The International Experience Canada IEC program has been designed to help Canadians fill jobs with foreign workers who are needed due directly or indirectly. LMIA assessments will not be necessary when applying through one of our authorized programs. Temporary stays in Canada can last up to 1 year at most without renewals and depend on your employer’s needs as well.
The 2024 season for IEC Program is now closed
The pools for the 2024 season are now closed. If you have received your ITA you can still complete it, but if you haven’t received the ITA your profile will be removed from the pool. You can create a profile once the 2025 season reopens.
Eligibility Requirements For International Experience Canada IEC Program
Who can participate in International Experience Canada? The Candidates who participate in International Experience Canada must:
- Possess citizenship (as a passport holder) in one of the aforementioned countries or reside in a territory with a bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada.
- Hold a valid passport that remains valid throughout the entire stay in Canada (the work permit duration will not exceed the passport’s validity).
- Be aged between 18 and 30 or 35 at the time of application, with the upper age limit determined by the applicant’s country of citizenship.
- Demonstrate possession of at least CAD 2,500 upon arrival to cover initial expenses.
- Have the ability to acquire health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the stay in Canada, with participants required to provide evidence of this insurance upon entry to the country.
- Meet the necessary criteria for admissibility to Canada.
- Prior to departure, have a round-trip ticket or adequate financial resources to purchase a return ticket for the conclusion of the authorized stay in Canada.
- Travel unaccompanied by dependents.
- Fulfil all applicable fees.
Please take note that the specific age and eligibility requirements may vary by country.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
Countries Eligible for International Experience Canada Program
Individuals from Countries with Bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements with Canada can be eligible to apply for IEC Program, but the duration and visa types depend on the country you are from. This is the list of Countries that can apply:
| Country | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Andorra | 18-30 |
| Australia | 18-35 |
| Austria | 18-35 |
| Belgium | 18-30 |
| Chile | 18-35 |
| Costa Rica | 18-35 |
| Croatia | 18-35 |
| Czech Republic | 18-35 |
| Denmark | 18-35 |
| Estonia | 18-35 |
| France | 18-35 |
| Germany | 18-35 |
| Greece | 18-35 |
| Hong Kong | 18-30 |
| Ireland | 18-35 |
| Italy | 18-35 |
| Japan | 18-30 |
| Latvia | 18-35 |
| Lithuania | 18-35 |
| Luxembourg | 18-30 |
| Mexico | 18-29 |
| Netherlands | 18-30 |
| New Zealand | 18-35 |
| Norway | 18-35 |
| Poland | 18-35 |
| Portugal | 18-35 |
| San Marino | 18-35 |
| Slovakia | 18-35 |
| Slovenia | 18-35 |
| South Korea | 18-30 |
| Spain | 18-35 |
| Sweden | 18-30 |
| Switzerland | 18-35 |
| Taiwan | 18-35 |
| Ukraine | 18-35 |
| United Kingdom | 18-30 |
Programs of International Experience Canada
The IEC is a set of programs that countries can join. Each program has different eligibility criteria and application procedures, so it’s essential to know which one you are interested in before signing up. The three programs of IEC include:
1. Working Holiday Visa – IEC
“Working Holiday” offers participants the opportunity to obtain an open work permit, which remains valid for a period of one to two years. With an open work permit, individuals have the flexibility to seek employment with any Canadian employer across the entire country. It’s worth noting that the duration of stay in Canada may vary for nationals of different countries.
This program caters to individuals who meet the following criteria:
2. Young Professionals – IEC
Within the Young Professionals program, citizens from eligible nations can enrich their global experience by engaging in employment with a Canadian company. Those approved for this program will be granted employer-specific work permits.
This program is designed for individuals who:
- Hold a valid job offer in Canada for a paid position that fosters their professional growth.
- Intend to work exclusively for the same employer throughout their duration in Canada.
Prior to application, candidates must possess a duly signed job offer letter or employment contract from a Canadian employer which aligns with their professional advancement. The job being offered must fall under the National Occupation Code (NOC) Skill Type Level 0, A, or B.
3. International Co-op – IEC
The Global Co-op Internship Program facilitates a cross-border internship opportunity, enabling eligible individuals from participating countries currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution in their home country to partake in an internship program with Canadian companies. Successful applicants under this program will be granted an employer-specific work permit.
This program is designed for candidates who:
- Are currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution outside of Canada.
- Have received a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada, which is essential to fulfilling their academic requirements.
- Intend to work exclusively for the same employer throughout their stay in Canada.
All participants are required to arrange their co-op Internship with Canadian employers before initiating the application process.
What is an employer-specific work permit in Canada?
In Canada, an employer-specific work permit is a type of work permit that allows a foreign national to work in Canada for a specific employer, as indicated on the permit. It means that the individual is authorized to work only for the employer specified in the work permit application.
This type of work permit is different from an open work permit, which allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions (e.g., working in jobs that require a specific security clearance). With an employer-specific work permit, the foreign worker is tied to a particular job and employer, and any change of employer or job usually requires applying for a new work permit or an extension with the new employer.
Employer-specific work permits are commonly used when a Canadian employer has identified a foreign worker for a specific position and has received approval from the relevant Canadian authorities (such as Employment and Social Development Canada) to hire the foreign worker. The work permit will specify the employer’s name, the duration of employment, and other relevant conditions.
It’s essential for both the employer and the foreign worker to adhere to the terms and conditions specified in the work permit to comply with Canadian immigration regulations. If the foreign worker wants to change employers or jobs, they may need to apply for a new work permit or explore other avenues for staying and working in Canada legally.
Step-by-Step Guide to the IEC Application Process
This program operates based on the ITA or Expression of interest model, let’s discuss a step-by-step guide for the steps:
- Check your eligibility: Fill out this questionnaire and if you are eligible you’ll receive a personal reference code.
- Create your IEC profile: You will need the personal reference code to set up your account complete the profile and also select the pools you want to enter.
- Invitation to Apply: After receiving the ITA you have a period of 10 days to either accept or decline. If accepted click start application and begin your work permit application.
- Application Process:
- After starting your application you have 20 days to complete and submit your application.
- In case of Young Professional and International Coop categories the employer have to pay $230 as an employer compliance fee and send you the employment number to include in your application.
- Documents and Fees:
- You have to upload the required documents such as police and medical exam, or proof that you’ve applied for them if they’re still pending.
- You have to pay $153 as a participation fee, also if you are applying for the working holiday you have to pay $100 as an open work permit fee.
- Application Review: Your application will be reviewed by IRCC and you might be asked for more documents. Applications are processed within 8 weeks.
- Approval and Arrival: If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Letter of Introduction in your account. You must show it at the Port of Entry (POE) to receive your work permit.