International Experience Canada (IEC)

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a set of programs which offer the youth with the opportunity to travel and work in Canada for up to 24 months, depending on which countries the applicants are coming from. Your country must be a participating country in IEC.

There are 3 different pools in this program:

• Working Holiday Program.
• Young Professionals.
• International Co-op

Depending on the relationship between Canada and the participating countries, some countries might be offer 1, 2 or 3 pools.

Working Holiday Program

Successful applicants for this program will be granted an Open Work Permit, which allows its holders to work for any companies in Canada. It is, therefore, suitable for someone who wants to travel and explore Canada and work to earn money. This program does not require applicants to have a job offer from any Canadian employers (however, during Covid19, a job offer is compulsory).

You can only apply for this program if you are from a participating country with Canada for this program (check the table below). Moreover, each country will have a quota each year, and their own requirements. Applicants must therefore check the quota and requirements for their particular country to understand their chance of success.

Young Professionals

This program is suitable for those who wants to earn professional work experience in Canada. To be eligible for this program, you must:

• Be from a participating country for this program (please check the table below).
• Have a current job offer from a Canadian employer.
• The position you are offered must be in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) skill level 0, a or B.
• Only work for the employer that offers you the job. You cannot change your employer or location after you come to Canada.

Like the Working Holiday Program, each country will have its own quota every year. Candidates should check the quote to know they are still eligible to apply for this program for the year.

International Co-op

This program enables international students to do an internship or work placement in Canada to complete their post-secondary education courses. To be eligible for this program, you must:

• Be from a participating country for this program.
• Have a current job offer for work placement or internship in Canada.
• Only work for the employer that offers you the job. You cannot change your employer or location after you come to Canada.

Like the Working Holiday Program, each country will have its own quota every year. Candidates should check the quote to know they are still eligible to apply for this program for the year.