International Experience Canada (IEC)

IEC Overview

IEC work permits are 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. The IEC operates three separate programs. While IEC has general requirements, interested applicants should verify the requirements for the separate programs. Each program has unique requirements and can result in a different form of work authorization:

• Working Holiday
• Young Professionals
• International Co-op Internship

It should be noted that while IEC encompasses these three programs, Canada has a unique relationship with each of the participating countries. For this reason, some participating countries may only offer one or two of the IEC programs, while others will offer all three options.

International Experience Canada is based on reciprocal bilateral agreements between Canada and other nations. This means that Canadian citizens are eligible for similar opportunities to travel and work in IEC participating countries!

Eligibility for the IEC Program

To participate in International Experience Canada, a foreign national must be within the accepted age range for their country’s program (maximum age of 35) and their country of citizenship must have an agreement with Canada that allows the foreign national to apply for a work permit. The following countries have agreements with Canada under IEC:

IEC encompasses three separate programs. Member countries may not participate in all three types of programs. Additionally, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and likelihood of success vary from program to program and from country to country. Full details about participating countries’ program requirements can be accessed on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. If a country is not listed, it may still be possible to participate in IEC. However, in this case, the foreign national must access the program through the assistance of a Recognized Organization.

Working Holiday Visa

The Working Holiday visa is ideal for individuals who want the freedom to work for any employer while travelling in Canada. Applicants who are successful through the Working Holiday program receive an open work permit. Open work permits are not tied to specific employers, so individuals have the freedom to change employers and locations while living in Canada. The Working Holiday program is a good option for foreign nationals from participating countries who are seeking the following:

• Those without a job offer from a Canadian employer
• Those who want the freedom to work for more than one employer
• Those who would like the freedom to live in more than one location
• Those wishing to earn money while travelling

Because the Working Holiday program has relatively relaxed requirements, it is incredibly popular. Canada approves predetermined quotas of applicants for this program on a per-country basis. Applicants interested in this program should verify their country’s quotas to gain an accurate understanding of their probability of success.

Young Professionals

The Young Professionals program allows foreign nationals to gain Canadian professional work experience by working with a Canadian employer. This program requires applicants to have a job offer from a Canadian employer to apply. Applicants who are successful through the Young Professionals program will be issued an employer-specific work permit. This means they must work for the same employer in the same location during their stay in Canada. The Young Professionals program is a good option for foreign nationals from participating countries who are seeking the following:

• Those with a job offer from a Canadian employer which contributes to their professional development.
• Those who intend to work for the same employer in the same location while in Canada
• Those whose work will be paid and not self-employed

Generally, a position must be at National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category 1, 2, or 3 to be considered a contribution to professional development. Participating countries have varying quotas to be filled annually for this program. Interested applicants should verify their country’s quotas to understand their chances of success.

International Co-op

The International Co-op Internship program allows international students to complete an internship or work placement in Canada as a requirement for their post-secondary education. This program requires that applicants have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada, which is required to complete their studies.

Applicants who are successful through this program receive an employer-specific work permit, meaning that they must work for the same employer in the same location during their stay in Canada. The International Co-op Internship program is a good option for foreign nationals from participating countries who are seeking the following:

• Those who are international students registered at a post-secondary institution
• Those with a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada
• Those requiring a work placement or internship to complete their studies
• Those willing to work for the same employer in the same location during their stay in Canada

Interested applicants should consult their country’s requirements to verify the exact application procedures and program quotas.

IEC Application Procedure

Foreign nationals interested in applying to an IEC program must follow a five-step process:

1. Create an IEC profile: Once a foreign national determines that their country participates in IEC and selects their preferred program, they may create an account on the IEC website. As long as they meet the eligibility requirements, their account is automatically entered into the IEC candidate pool.
2. Receive an Invitation to Apply: IEC regularly conducts random draws of IEC candidates. If a candidate is selected in the draw, they will be issued an Invitation to Apply, which allows them to proceed to step three. Quotas vary by program and country, so candidates should verify their country’s quotas to better understand their likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply.
3. Accept the Invitation to Apply: If a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply, they have 10 days to accept it. After acceptance, they are given 20 days to submit an online work permit application. If an applicant declines an invitation, they will be returned to the pool of candidates and will continue to be considered in future draws.
4. Submit Work Permit Application: After accepting an Invitation to Apply, a foreign national has 20 days to submit a work permit application online using the IRCC web portal. Applicants should review the documentation requirements in advance to ensure they have sufficient time to prepare the application.
5. Receive Work Permit: If an application is successful, the applicant will receive confirmation of their work permit and information about the validity period of their authorization to work in Canada.