IEC is a program designed to allow youth the opportunity to work in Canada for temporary periods.

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers youth the chance to work in Canada temporarily. With participants from 30+ countries, it provides an open work permit, enabling youth to work for any employer in Canada. IEC fosters economic, social, and cultural connections between Canada and partner countries.

Overview

Youth between the ages of 18 and 35 from countries with a bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada may be eligible for an IEC work permit. Work permits issued under IEC are not subject to the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a test used by the Canadian government to evaluate the impact of foreign workers on the local job market. IEC is designed to strengthen Canada’s economic, social, and cultural ties with partner countries. This allows participants to secure a Canadian work permit through various options.

Working Holiday

Participants in the Working Holiday category can receive an open work permit valid for 1 to 2 years, allowing them to work anywhere in Canada for nearly any employer. The length of stay may vary based on the participant’s nationality.

Eligibility for Working Holiday:

• No job offer required.
• Work for multiple employers across Canada.
• Work in different locations.
• Earn money to fund travel.

Young Professionals

The Young Professionals category allows citizens from participating countries to gain valuable international experience by working for a Canadian company. Approved applicants receive an employer-specific work permit.

Eligibility for Young Professionals:

• Must have a valid, paid job offer in Canada that supports professional development.
• Plan to work for the same employer throughout their stay in Canada.
• A signed job offer or contract from a Canadian employer is required.
• The job must be classified under NOC Skill Type Level 0, A, or B.International Co-op Internship
• The International Co-op Internship category allows citizens of participating countries, enrolled in post-secondary institutions in their home country, to intern with Canadian companies. Approved applicants receive an employer-specific work permit.
• Eligibility for International Co-op Internship:
• Must be enrolled at a post-secondary institution outside Canada.
• Must have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada required for completing their studies.
• Plan to work for the same employer during their stay in Canada.
• Co-op placements must be arranged with Canadian employers before applying.

Employer-specific Work Permits

An employer-specific work permit specifies the employer, job title, work location, and the duration of the work period.

Key Details:

• Young Professionals and International Co-op Interns may work for the same employer across multiple locations if those locations share the same Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) number.
• The occupation, duties, and wages must remain consistent across locations.
• Employment must be relevant to the participant’s studies, training, or professional experience.

Changing Employers:

• Participants may request a change of employer, providing necessary documentation and justification (e.g., company closure).
• Requests are subject to approval and may shorten the authorized work period depending on the time already spent in Canada.

Countries with Bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements with Canada

The validity and length of each visa type depend on the applicant’s nationality and the specific visa they apply for. These details are outlined in the three central columns.

Country	Working Holiday	Young Professionals	International Co-op	Age Limit
Andorra	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-30
Australia	Up to 24 months	Up to 24 months	Up to 12 months (unless it is the applicant’s second participation since 2015, in which case, 12 months)	18-35
Austria	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 6 months (internship or work placement must be in forestry, agriculture, or tourism)	18-35
Belgium	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-30
Chile	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Costa Rica	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Croatia	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Czech Republic	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Denmark	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-35
Estonia	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
France*	Up to 24 months	Up to 24 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Germany	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Greece	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Hong Kong	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-30
Ireland	Up to 24 months	Up to 24 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Italy	Up to 12 months **	Up to 12 months **	Up to 12 months **	18-35
Japan	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-30
Latvia	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Lithuania	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Luxembourg	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-30
Mexico	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-29
Netherlands	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	N/A	18-30
New Zealand	Up to 23 months	N/A	N/A	18-35
Norway	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Poland	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Portugal	Up to 24 months	Up to 24 months	Up to 24 months	18-35
San Marino	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-35
Slovakia	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Slovenia	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
South Korea	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-30
Spain	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Sweden	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-30
Switzerland	N/A	Up to 18 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Taiwan	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Ukraine	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
United Kingdom	Up to 24 months	N/A	N/A	18-30

Extending IEC Work Permits: Key Scenarios

Generally, work permit extensions are not allowed under the IEC program. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may permit extensions under specific circumstances to help participants reach the maximum validity period allowed within their category.

While no automatic extensions are granted, participants may extend their work permits beyond the initial period provided by the border services officer upon entry to Canada under the following outlined scenarios.

International Experience Canada (IEC) Program – FAQs

1. What is the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?
   The IEC program allows youth from partner countries to gain international work experience in Canada through three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op Internship.
2. Who is eligible for the IEC program?
   Youth aged 18-35 from countries with a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada may be eligible, depending on the specific visa category.
3. What is the Working Holiday category?
   The Working Holiday category offers an open work permit, allowing participants to work for any employer in Canada. It is ideal for those who want to earn money and travel.
4. What is the Young Professionals category?
   This category is for individuals with a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that contributes to their professional development. Participants work for the same employer during their stay.
5. What is the International Co-op Internship category?
   This category is for students enrolled in post-secondary institutions who need to complete an internship in Canada for their studies. Participants receive an employer-specific work permit.
6. Can I work for multiple employers in Canada?
   Participants in the Working Holiday category can work for any employer in Canada. For Young Professionals and International Co-op Internships, participants are generally required to work for one employer, though Young Professionals may work at different locations if they share the same Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) number.
7. How long can I stay in Canada under the IEC program?
   The length of stay varies based on the applicant’s nationality and the visa category. Typically, participants can stay for 1-2 years.
8. Do I need a job offer to apply for IEC?
   A job offer is required for the Young Professionals and International Co-op Internship categories. The Working Holiday category does not require a job offer.
9. Can I change my employer while in Canada under IEC?
   Participants in the Young Professionals or International Co-op Internship categories can request a change of employer, but must provide necessary documentation and justification for approval.
10. How do I apply for the IEC program?
    Applications can be submitted online through the official IEC website, where you can choose the category that best suits your needs.