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International Experience Canada (IEC) Program

Published on July 9th 2025 by Fairworld Immigration

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program provides youth from select countries the chance to gain valuable international work experience in Canada for a limited time. With open work permits available, participants can work for nearly any employer across the country. IEC fosters stronger economic, cultural, and social ties between Canada and its partner nations.

Program Overview

Citizens aged 18 to 35 from countries that have a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada may qualify for IEC work permits. These permits are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is normally required to assess how hiring a foreign worker affects Canada’s labour market.
Since IEC is designed to strengthen international relationships, applicants can apply under three main streams:

  1. Working Holiday
    This stream offers an open work permit valid for up to one or two years, allowing participants to work for nearly any employer across Canada. The specific duration may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality.
    This category is ideal for individuals who:
    • Do not have a job offer;
    • Wish to work for multiple employers;
    • Plan to travel and work across different locations in Canada;
    • Want to fund their travels through temporary work.
  2. Young Professionals
    This stream allows participants to gain professional experience in Canada by working with a specific employer. Successful applicants receive an employer-specific work permit.
    To qualify, applicants must:
    • Have a valid, paid job offer that supports their career development;
    • Commit to working for one employer throughout their stay;
    • Submit a signed job offer or contract in a role that aligns with NOC Skill Type 0, A, or B.
  3. International Co-op (Internship)
    This stream targets post-secondary students who wish to complete a work placement or internship in Canada as part of their academic program.
    Applicants must:
    • Be enrolled in a post-secondary institution in their home country;
    • Have a job offer relevant to their field of study;
    • Plan to work for one employer during their time in Canada.

A placement must be arranged with a Canadian employer prior to applying.

Employer-Specific Work Permits

These permits list the name of the employer, job role, location, and duration of employment.

For Young Professionals and International Co-op participants:

  • Multiple work locations may be permitted if all locations operate under the same Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number.
  • The same job duties, occupation, and pay must apply across locations.
  • The work must align with the participant’s academic background, training, or professional experience.

Participants may request a change of employer, but they must submit new documentation and a justification (e.g., business closure). Approval is at the discretion of Canadian immigration authorities. Any approved change shortens the remaining period of authorized work by the time already spent in Canada.

Participating Countries and Visa Durations

The duration of IEC work permits and eligibility varies by country and stream. For example:

IEC program eligibility chart by Fairworld Immigration

General Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the IEC program, applicants must:

  • Hold citizenship in a country with a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada;
  • Be aged 18–30 or 18–35 (age limit depends on nationality);
  • Have a valid passport for the duration of their stay;
  • Possess at least CAD $2,500 upon entry to support themselves;
  • Obtain health insurance for the full duration of stay;
  • Be admissible to Canada;
  • Have a return ticket or financial means to purchase one;
  • Not be accompanied by dependents;
  • Pay the required application fees.

How the IEC Application Process Works

IEC operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

  1. Complete the Come to Canada questionnaire to receive a personal reference code.
  2. Use this code to create an online IEC profile.
  3. Submit your profile and select the desired IEC stream(s).
  4. Await an Invitation to Apply (ITA). If received, you have 10 days to accept or decline.
  5. Upon acceptance, you’ll have 20 days to submit your work permit application and pay fees.
  6. For Young Professional and Co-op applicants, your employer must:
    • Pay a $230 Employer Compliance Fee via the Employer Portal;
    • Provide you with an Offer of Employment number, which you’ll use in your application.
  7. Upload all required documents (e.g., police certificate, medical exam).
  8. Pay the participation fee of CAD $179.75 online.
    • Working Holiday applicants must also pay a CAD $100 open work permit holder fee.
  9. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes the application—usually within 8 weeks.
  10. If approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Introduction Letter, which you must present upon arrival in Canada to obtain your work permit.

Note: While work permit extensions are generally not permitted under IEC, there may be exceptions for those granted a shorter duration than allowed under their category upon arrival.

For more information on how you can apply for a work permit through the International Experience Class program, you may contact Fairworld Immigration Consulting at +1 604 902 6356 or mgn@fairworldimmigration.ca

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