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International Experience Canada (IEC) is a government program for nationals of 36 countries aged 18-30 (or 35 in some cases) designed to help gain valuable international work experience, improve language skills in English and French, work in Canada and fund the trip of a lifetime for 6 months or over. Its main purpose is to enhance key bilateral relationships between Canada and other countries and to emphasize the importance of improved reciprocity.
It is a great strategic option for those who need to extend their stay in Canada while applying for PR since skilled, full-time employment accumulated on an IEC work permit will count towards Express Entry.
The program includes the following categories:
Working Holiday (work and travel; commonly referred to as WHV – Working Holiday visa): participants are eligible to apply for an open work permit that will allow them to work for any employer at any location in Canada to subsidize their stay as they travel and discover the country.
Young Professionals (YP; career development): participants are eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit that will help them gain professional work experience in Canada (LMIA Exemption C21).
International Co-op (internships for students only): participants are eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit that will help them gain experience in their field of study (LMIA Exemption C21).
Partner countries:
24 months Work Permit (WHV and YP): Australia, France, Ireland, New Zealand (23 months), Portugal, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom (24 months 1st time, 12 months 2nd time),
18 months Work Permit: Switzerland (6 month YP and 6 month Coop),
12 months Work Permit (WHV and YP): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan.
Each participating country has a quota on the number of participants.
Eligibility:
be a citizen of one of partner countries,
have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Canada,
be within the eligible age range (18-30, or 18-35 (all-inclusive), depending on the applicant’s nationality) at the time of their application,
have the equivalent of over CA$2,500 upon landing in Canada (must show bank statement that is less than 1 week old),
be able to take out health insurance for the duration of their stay,
be admissible to Canada,
have (prior to departure) a round-trip ticket or the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket at the end of their authorized stay in Canada,
not be accompanied by dependents,
pay the appropriate fees.
One can apply from inside or outside Canada, but the application is made "outside of Canada".
Dual citizens of participating countries can apply through IEC under both citizenships to stay in Canada longer.
Those who are eligible for a second participation under IEC are not considered to be extending their work permit, as each participation requires a new work permit application. Extension is possible, but limited by certain circumstances.
Police check is required if the applicant has lived in a foreign country for over six months since age 18.
Application process
If you get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) after you create your profile, you have 10 days to accept/decline (check rounds of invitations here; understand quotas here).
After you accept, you have exactly 20 days to submit the work permit application (processing time is generally 2-7 weeks; the IEC fee is CA$184.75).
Once processed/approved, you receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction that is valid for 12 months: if you are outside Canada, you can start preparing for arrival, present the letter at the airport upon arrival, and are issued a work permit that starts that day; if you are in Canada, you request the work permit to be mailed to your Canadian address.
ROs are Canadian-based organizations that help foreign nationals and Canadian youth work and travel internationally through the program.
Current RO’s:
GO International – working holiday only,
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) – extends also to IAESTE member countries,
International Internship Network – only some IEC countries,
A-Way to Work – internships in certain industries only,
Languages Canada – must go through accredited language school,
Stepwest – working holiday and young professionals,
SWAP Working Holidays – working holiday and young professionals.
Canadians also have an opportunity to participate in the program and to explore other countries via Work and travel abroad with International Experience Canada.
Disclaimer: Provided information is not legal advice. Every case is unique. We recommend you to discuss your case with a specialist first.
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Last updated July 5, 2026
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