International Experience Canada (IEC)
IEC program allows young individuals to come to Canada and work on a temporary basis (1-2 Years).
The mandate of International Experience Canada (IEC) is to enhance key bilateral relationships between Canada and other countries and emphasize the importance of improved reciprocity.
Citizens of countries with a bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada who are between the ages of 18 and 35 may be eligible for IEC work permits. Work permits issued under IEC are exempt from the requirement for a Labour Market impact Assessment.
Applicants can not extend their work permit under the IEC program. However, IEC participants may be able to extend the validity period of their work permits beyond what was initially granted by the border services officer at the time they entered Canada.
There are following 3 categories under this program:
- Working Holiday
- Young Professionals
- International Co-op Internship
Working Holiday
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.
Young Professionals
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 TEER 0,1,2 OR 3 as per National Occupation Classification.
International Co-op
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.
Eligibility Requirements
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.