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International Experience Canada (IEC)

If you are interested in experiencing what Canada has to offer all while working? If you are eligible you may qualify for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program that allows young adults to work and travel in Canada.

What is the IEC Program in Canada?

IEC Canada work permits provide young people from around the world with the opportunity to travel and work in Canada. The intention of the IEC Programs is to allow young adults to enter Canada to gain important experience and knowledge of Canada. 

There are three categories of the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program:

  1. Working Holiday
  2. Young Professionals
  3. International Co-op

There are different eligibility requirements for each program. 

There are over 30 countries that participate in at least one of the International Experience Canada programs. 

Each country has its own age limit, program participation, and visa validity. Below you will find a table with the participating countries. 

Working Holiday IEC

The Working Holiday Program of the IEC allows participants to obtain a work permit which will be valid for one to two years. The Open Work Permit will let the individual work anywhere in Canada for almost any Canadian employer! 

Who is the Working Holiday for?

The Working Holiday Visa is for individuals who:

  • Do not have a job offer.
  • Want to work in Canada
  • Want to work in more than one location.
  • Want to travel and explore Canada while working.

Learn more about the Working Holiday Visa in Canada.

International Co-op Internship IEC

The International Co-op Internship category allows individuals in a post-secondary institution in their country to stay in Canada to intern for a Canadian company. 

Who is the International Co-op Internship for?

The International Co-op Internship is for individuals who:

  • Is an active student at a post-secondary institution (like a college or university) outside of Canada.
  • Have a job offer in Canada that is required to complete their studies.
  • Plan on only working with this one employer during their time in Canada.

Young Professionals IEC

The Young Professionals category of the IEC allows individuals in participating countries to gain experience working for a Canadian company. Under this program, a foreign worker will receive an employer-specific work permit. 

Who is the Young Professionals for?

The Young Professionals is for individuals who:

  • Have a valid job offer in Canada that contributes to their professional work development
  • Plan on working with that one employer during their time in Canada

What Countries Participate in the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?

There are a specific amount of countries that particpate in the IEC program. Each country or territory holds a bilateral agreement or arrangement with Canada’s IEC program. 

Country Working Holiday Young Professionals International Co-op Age Limit
Australia 24 Months 24 Months 24 months (unless it is the applicant’s second participation since 2015, in which case, 12 months) 18-35 Years
Austria 12 Months 12 Months 6 Months 18-30 Years (Working Holiday) 18-35 (Young Professionals & International Co-op)
Belgium 12 Months - - 18-30 Years
Chile 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Costa Rica 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Croatia 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Croatia 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Denmark 12 Months - - 18-35 Years
Estonia 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
France 24 Months 24 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Germany 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Greece 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Hong Kong 12 Months - - 18-30 Years
Ireland 24 Months 24 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Italy 6-month work permit; may apply to stay an additional 6 months as a visitor - - 18-35 Years
Japan 12 Months - - 18-30 Years
Latvia 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Lithuania 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Luxembourg 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-30 Years
Mexico 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-29 Years
Netherlands 12 Months 12 Months - 18-30 Years
New Zealand 23 Months (starting in 2015) - - 18-35 Years
Norway 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Poland 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Portugal 24 Months 24 Months 24 Months 18-35 Years
San Marino 12 Months - - 18-35 Years
Slovakia 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Slovenia 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
South Korea 12 Months - - 18-30 Years
Spain 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Sweden 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-30 Years
Switzerland - 18 months - Total duration of the 2 permits combined cannot exceed 18-months 18 months - Total duration of the 2 permits combined cannot exceed 18-months 18-35 Years
Taiwan 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
Ukraine 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months 18-35 Years
United Kingdom 24 Months - - 18-30 Years

Recognized Organization (RO)

If you want to come to Canada to work and travel under International Experience Canada (IEC), you can contact a recognized organization (RO) for help. They can help you:

  • get information about Canadian
    • culture
    • languages
    • laws
    • taxes
  • find a job
  • find transportation
  • with general support and advice

ROs are youth service organizations that offer work and travel support to youth. They can be non-profit, for-profit, or educational.

Why Seeking Professional Immigration Help is Essential

Often, employment and business opportunities are time sensitive and for that reason having a legal representative in Canada with expertise in the area of work permits is the most efficient way to proceed. For work permits, there is a higher risk of refusal in cases where the application is not properly prepared. The standards are very high. The documentation and processes involved in successfully obtaining a work permit are complex and usually require legal expertise. You are also not guaranteed a work visa renewal if you have received one before. Legal representation will better your case to ensure a renewal for a Canadian work visa. It is recommended that you seek professional immigration help to consult with your particular case. Many professional immigration law offices will help people from all around the world without the need for a face-to-face interview or consultation. These agencies use online tools such as video chat, phone calls, and email to speak with those looking for help obtaining a visa.

Why Hire Us to Help You With Your Work Visa Applications

We have helped thousands and thousands of people worldwide successfully enter Canada on a work permit, and we are very certain we can help you too. No one can guarantee approval (not even us), but we are confident with our years of experience and current success rate that we can significantly increase your chances at a positive outcome for your case.

Need Canadian Immigration Help?

The first step towards moving to Canada is to get an assessment of your specific situation. Call us today at +1.647.792.3035 for an assessment to see if you are eligible to move to Canada, or fill out our online assessment form. 

VisaPlace is the perfect place to start your path to immigration.