IEC

International Experience Canada (IEC): A Complete Guide to Working and Travelling in Canada

If you’ve ever dreamed of working and travelling in Canada, the International Experience Canada (IEC) program could be your ticket. Designed for young people from countries that have a youth mobility agreement with Canada, the IEC offers a unique opportunity to gain international work experience, improve language skills, and explore one of the world’s most beautiful countries — all while earning money.

What Is IEC?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a Canadian government initiative that allows eligible youth to work in Canada for up to two years through a special type of work permit. IEC is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and combines work with travel — giving participants flexibility and experience in a foreign work environment.

Who Can Apply?

To participate in IEC, you must:

• be a citizen of a country or territory that has a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada
  
  
• generally be between 18 and 35 years old (some countries have specific age cut-offs)
  
  
• meet eligibility rules for the category you want to enter
  
  
• not hold a refugee travel document — these are not eligible for IEC participation.
  
  

Exact age limits and eligibility details vary by country, so it’s important to check the rules that apply to your nationality before you start your application.

What Experiences Are Available Under IEC?

The IEC program offers three main categories of work experiences, so you can choose the one that matches your goals:

📌 Working Holiday
This is the most flexible option — you don’t need a job offer before you arrive in Canada. It gives you an open work permit, so you can work anywhere and for multiple employers while you travel.

📌 Young Professionals
This category is ideal if you have a job offer in Canada that will help your career development. It requires an employer-specific work permit, meaning you’ll work for one employer in one location while gaining professional experience.

📌 International Co-op (Internship)
Designed for students who want to complete a work placement or internship in Canada as part of their academic program. This also requires a job offer and meets certain internship criteria.

How the Application Process Works

The IEC process is divided into clear steps:

1. Create Your IEC Profile
   You start by answering a questionnaire in your IRCC account to check eligibility and get a personal reference code.
   
   
2. Submit Your Profile to the Pool
   Your profile is placed in a pool of candidates based on your country and the IEC category you choose. You can be in more than one pool at once if eligible.
   
   
3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
   IRCC regularly issues rounds of invitations. If you’re selected, you’ll receive an ITA and have 10 days to start your work permit application.
   
   
4. Apply for Your Work Permit
   Once you accept the invitation, you have 20 days to submit your application with all required documents and fees.
   
   
5. Prepare for Travel
   After your application is approved, IRCC will send you a Port of Entry letter, which you’ll use upon arrival in Canada to activate your work permit.
   
   

Fees and Documents

All IEC participants must pay an IEC participation fee when invited to apply. Depending on the category, additional costs may apply, such as a biometrics fee, a fee for the open work permit (in Working Holiday), and — for Young Professionals or Co-op — an employer compliance fee paid by your Canadian employer.

You’ll typically need:

• a valid passport
  
  
• proof of funds to support your stay
  
  
• health insurance for the entire duration of your stay
  
  
• police certificates and medical exams if required by your job category
  
  

Work and Travel — What to Expect

Once in Canada, IEC participants can:

• work legally for the duration of their valid work permit
  
  
• travel and explore the country in their free time
  
  
• gain valuable work experience and cultural exposure
  
  

Working Holiday holders can change jobs and locations freely, while Young Professionals and Co-op participants must work according to their permit conditions.

Good to Know

• You can participate in IEC more than once only if your specific country’s agreement allows it and only under different categories.
  
  
• IEC work experiences are seen as valuable for personal and professional development, often giving young people a leg up in global careers.
  
  
• IRCC may update fees or rules, so always check the latest details on the official Government of Canada website before applying.