The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers youth from countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs) the chance to live and work in Canada for one to two years—without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
These permits are faster and easier to obtain than those under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), making them an attractive option for early-career professionals.
Eligibility by Country
Youth from 36 partner countries/territories can participate, with age limits ranging from 18–30 or 18–35 depending on nationality. Many can participate more than once (subject to category restrictions).
Examples:
- Australia, Austria, France, Ireland, New Zealand – Upper age limit 35, multiple participations allowed.
- Belgium, Andorra, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Sweden – Upper age limit 30, limited to one or two participations.
For the full list of countries, age limits, and participation rules, visit IRCC’s “Who Can Apply” page.
General IEC Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Hold citizenship from a partner country or be a resident of a territory with a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
- Be 18–30 or 18–35, depending on your country.
- Have private health insurance for your entire stay.
- Hold a valid passport for your full stay in Canada.
- Have at least $2,500 CAD in funds for initial expenses.
- Have a return ticket or enough funds to buy one.
- Be admissible to Canada (no immigration bars).
Some non-partner country citizens can still apply through recognized organizations (ROs) in Canada.
IEC Categories
IEC offers three streams:
| Category | Work Permit Type | Job Offer Needed? | Competitiveness | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday | Open | No | Very competitive | Lottery-based in most countries. |
| Young Professionals | Employer-specific (Closed) | Yes | Less competitive | Job must be TEER 0–3 or TEER 4 in your study field; no self-employment. |
| International Co-op (Internship) | Employer-specific (Closed) | Yes | Least competitive | Must be a student; internship must match your studies. |
💡 Tip: If you have a job offer, apply under Young Professionals for a better chance than the Working Holiday lottery.
How to Apply
- Create a profile in your IRCC account.
- Enter one or more IEC pools based on eligibility.
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in upcoming rounds.
- Accept ITA within 10 days, then submit work permit application within 20 days.
- Submit forms, documents, and fees:
- $179.75 participation fee.
- $100 Open Work Permit holder fee (Working Holiday only).
- $230 employer compliance fee (Young Professionals & Co-op).
- $85 biometrics fee (if required).
- Processing time target: 6 weeks for 2025 season.
Important Notes
- You cannot add family members to your IEC application—they must apply separately for their own permit or visa.
- Participation limits and rules differ by country and category.
- Some internships may be unpaid depending on provincial labour laws.