International Experience Canada (IEC) allows young people from over 30 countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years. The program is open to foreign youth aged 18 to 35 (or 18 to 30 depending on nationality) and also offers opportunities for Canadian youth to gain international experience abroad.
IEC has three work and travel categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals and International Co-op (Internship). Each offers a different type of work permit and experience.
You can apply on your own or through a Recognized Organization (RO) for additional support. The program operates through a pool and invitation system. You must first create an IEC profile to enter the pool for your eligible categories.
On This Page You Will Find
- Who can apply for International Experience Canada
- Descriptions of the 3 IEC categories
- How the IEC pool and invitation process works
- List of IEC partner countries and age limits
- How Recognized Organizations (ROs) can support you
- What rights you have as a worker in Canada
- Steps to apply for an IEC work permit
IEC Categories
Working Holiday
This category is ideal if:
- You do not have a job offer
- You want to work for multiple employers
- You plan to travel across Canada
- You want to earn money while exploring the country
Work Permit Type: Open work permit – lets you work for almost any employer. Some jobs require a medical exam.
Young Professionals
This category is for:
- Those with a job offer related to their career
- Workers staying with one employer in one location
- Paid jobs only – self-employment is not allowed
Work Permit Type: Employer-specific work permit
Job Requirements: Must fall under NOC TEER 0–3. TEER 4 jobs may qualify if they match your field of study. You must submit a diploma, certificate or degree (with translation, if needed).
International Co-op (Internship)
This category is for:
- Students at a post-secondary institution
- Those with a job offer for a required internship or placement
- Internships tied to your studies in the same field
Work Permit Type: Employer-specific work permit
Labour Laws: Internships must follow provincial wage and labour standards. Some may be unpaid, depending on the province’s regulations.
How IEC Pools Work
One Profile, Multiple Pools
You can only submit one IEC profile but may be eligible for more than one category (e.g., Working Holiday and Young Professionals). You’ll be placed into all available pools for your nationality.
Invitations to Apply
Invitations are sent in this order:
- International Co-op (Internship)
- Young Professionals
- Working Holiday
You may only receive an invitation for your top-ranked category with available spots. If you decline it, you may remain in other pools.
IEC Season and Deadlines
Your profile remains in the pool until:
- You get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- You become ineligible
- All profiles are cleared at the end of the season
You can submit your profile anytime before the final round of invitations for your country. Rounds of invitations run regularly throughout the season. Monitor your chances using the IRCC invitation schedule.
Supporting Documents
Receiving an ITA does not guarantee a work permit. You must:
- Prove all claims in your IEC profile
- Submit documents about your education, work history, and background
- Upload any other documents requested by IRCC
Start preparing early – some documents may take months to obtain.
Participating Countries and Age Limits
IEC is available to citizens of more than 30 countries. Age eligibility and participation rules vary. Medical exams are required for some countries or occupations.
| Country | Age Limit | Available Categories | Max Validity | Participation Limit | Medical Exam? |
| Andorra | 18-30 | Working Holiday | 12 months | 1 | No |
| Australia | 18-35 | All 3 | 24 months | 2 | No |
| Austria | 18-30 | All 3 | 12 months | 3 | No |
| Belgium | 18-30 | Working Holiday | 12 months | 1 | No |
| Chile | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| Costa Rica | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| Croatia | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| Czech Republic | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| Denmark | 18-35 | Working Holiday | 12 months | 1 | No |
| Estonia | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| France | 18-35 | All 3 | 24 months | 2 | No |
| Germany | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| Greece | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| Hong Kong | 18-30 | Working Holiday | 12 months | 1 | Yes |
| Ireland | 18-35 | All 3 | 24 months | 2 | No |
| Italy | 18-35 | All 3 | 24 months | 2 | No |
| Japan | 18-30 | Working Holiday | 12 months | 1 | No |
| Latvia | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | Yes |
| Lithuania | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | Yes |
| Luxembourg | 18-30 | All 3 | 12 months | TBD | No |
| Mexico | 18-29 | All 3 | TBD | 0 (paused) | No |
| Netherlands | 18-30 | Working Holiday, Young Professionals | 12 months | 2 | No |
| New Zealand | 18-35 | Working Holiday | 23 months | 1 | No |
| Norway | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| Poland | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| Portugal | 18-35 | All 3 | 24 months | 1 | No |
| San Marino | 18-35 | Working Holiday | 12 months | 2 | No |
| Slovakia | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| Slovenia | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| South Korea | 18-35 | All 3 | 24 months | 2 | Yes |
| Spain | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| Sweden | 18-30 | All 3 | 12 months | 2 | No |
| Switzerland | 18-35 | Young Professionals, Co-op | 18 months | 2 | No |
| Taiwan | 18-35 | All 3 | 12 months | 1 | Yes |
| Ukraine | 18-35 | All 3 | TBD | 0 (paused) | Yes |
| United Kingdom | 18-35 | All 3 | 36 months | 2 | No |
Recognized Organizations (ROs)
ROs are Canadian-based organisations that help youth apply to IEC. Some can also assist youth from non-partner countries. Services may include job support, housing help, and travel arrangements.
Examples of ROs include:
AIESEC Canada
AIESEC Canada is a non-profit organization that helps develop leadership in youth.
Types of work permits:
- Young Professionals (employer-specific work permit) for career development
Target ages: 18 to 30
Eligible to: IEC countries/territories, Brazil, India
GO International
GO International is a Canadian organization that offers work and travel opportunities.
Types of work permits:
- Working Holiday (open work permit)
Target ages: 18 to 35
Eligible to: IEC countries/territories, the United States
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE)
IAESTE offers opportunities in technical career-related jobs.
Types of work permits:
- Young Professionals (employer-specific work permit) for career development
- International Co-op (Internship) (employer-specific work permit) for students
Target ages: 18 to 35
Eligible to: IEC countries and other IAESTE country partners
A-Way to Work/International Rural Exchange Canada Inc.
The non-profit International Rural Exchange Canada offers paid opportunities to youth in:
- agriculture
- hospitality
- culinary arts
- tourism
- horticulture
- landscaping
- other sectors.
Types of work permits:
- Working Holiday (open work permit)
- Young Professionals (employer-specific work permit) for career development
Target ages: 18 to 35
Eligible to: IEC countries/territories only
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
Memorial University offers internships for students and recent graduates.
Types of work permits:
- Working Holiday (open work permit)
- International Co-op (Internship) (employer-specific work permit) for students
Target ages: 18 to 35
Eligible to: IEC countries/territories only
Stepwest
Stepwest offers work experiences ranging from paid ski resort jobs to industry-specific student internships.
Types of work permits:
- Working Holiday (open work permit)
- Young Professionals (employer-specific work permit) for career development
Target ages: 18 to 35
Eligible to: IEC countries/territories only
SWAP Working Holidays
SWAP Working Holidays helps with working holidays and young professional work and travel opportunities.
Types of work permits:
- Working Holiday (open work permit)
- Young Professionals (employer-specific work permit) for career development
Target ages: 18 to 35
Eligible to: IEC countries/territories, the United States
Unlike paid immigration representatives, ROs offer program-specific support before and during your IEC experience.
Rights as a Worker in Canada
IEC participants are protected under Canadian labour laws. Employers must:
- Pay minimum wage or more
- Ensure a safe work environment
- Not confiscate your passport or work permit
You are not allowed to work for employers banned by IRCC. If your rights are violated, you can report it to the government.
Steps to Apply for IEC
- Create Your Profile: Enter your details and submit to eligible pools
- Receive an ITA: If invited, accept within 10 days
- Apply for a Work Permit: You’ll have 20 days to apply online
- Gather Documents: Submit required forms, biometrics, and fees
- Wait for Approval: Most applications are processed in 11 weeks
Staying in Canada After IEC
IEC is a temporary program. If you want to stay in Canada longer, consider applying for permanent residence. Your Canadian work experience can count toward eligibility for Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for International Experience Canada?
You must be a citizen of a country with a youth mobility agreement with Canada, meet the age limit (usually 18–35), and meet category-specific requirements.
What is the difference between the three IEC categories?
Working Holiday allows flexible jobs with an open permit. Young Professionals is for career-related work with a job offer. Co-op is for internships linked to your studies.
Can I apply to more than one IEC category?
Yes. You can submit one IEC profile and be placed in all eligible pools. You’ll receive an invitation to apply in priority order if spots are available.
Do I need a Recognized Organization to apply?
Not if you are from an IEC partner country. But ROs can provide helpful support. If you are not from a partner country, an RO may be the only way you can join IEC.
Can I stay in Canada after my IEC permit ends?
Yes, if you qualify for permanent residence. Your work experience under IEC can improve your chances through Express Entry or other immigration programs.
