Work Permits · International Experience Canada
Work & Travel in Canada on a Working Holiday
International Experience Canada lets young people from partner countries live, work and travel here, often on an open work permit that isn’t tied to a single employer. Here’s how it works, and how I help you get it right.
18–35
Eligible age, by country
30+
Partner countries
12–24
Months in Canada
3
IEC categories
The program
What is International Experience Canada?
IEC is a youth mobility programme that lets citizens of countries with an agreement with Canada come to work and travel here temporarily. It runs on a pool system, you create a profile, and if eligible you receive an invitation to apply for a work permit.
There are three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals and International Co-op. The Working Holiday is the most popular because it gives you an open work permit you can use almost anywhere.
It isn’t first-come, first-served. If you don’t qualify for IEC, an employer-supported LMIA-based work permit may be the alternative. Getting your profile and category right the first time is what keeps you from missing a round.
Choose your path
The three IEC categories
Which one fits depends on whether you want freedom to roam, or a specific role that builds your career.
Most popular
Working Holiday
Work for almost any employer, anywhere in Canada, and fund your travels as you go.
- No job offer needed
- Change jobs & cities freely
- Valid 12–24 months
Young Professionals
Career-advancing work under a signed contract with a Canadian employer.
- Requires a job offer
- Must advance your career
- Tied to one employer
International Co-op
A work placement or internship that’s part of your studies abroad.
- For enrolled students
- Must relate to studies
- Fixed placement term
Step by step
How IEC works
01
Create your profile
Set up your IEC profile and choose a category.
02
Enter the pool
Join the pool for your country and category.
03
Get invited
Receive an invitation to apply in a round.
04
Apply & give biometrics
Submit your work permit and pay the fees.
05
Activate in Canada
Get your LOI and activate it on arrival.
Are you eligible?
The essentials, before you apply
Details change every season. I’ll confirm the current numbers for your country and category.
- Citizen of a partner country with a youth mobility agreement
- Proof of funds to get started
- Health insurance for your entire stay
- Admissible to Canada
Why the Working Holiday stands out
Freedom to work, and to roam
The open work permit is what makes the Working Holiday special. No employer sponsors you, so you’re free to take almost any job, move between provinces, and change plans as you go.
It’s ideal if you don’t have a job lined up yet, want to travel first, or simply want the flexibility a single-employer permit can’t offer.
Work with me
How I help
For travellers
Applicants & candidates
- Confirming your eligibility, country and best category
- Building a strong profile to maximise your chances
- Preparing the work permit application after an invitation
- Extensions, category changes and next steps in Canada
For employers
Hiring IEC talent
- Hiring through Young Professionals or International Co-op
- Job offers and contracts that meet the requirements
- Options when a Working Holiday permit is ending
- Connecting IEC experience to a permanent residence plan
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
No. The Working Holiday gives you an open work permit, so you can apply without a job offer and work for almost any employer once you arrive.
Your permit length is set by your country’s youth mobility arrangement with Canada, typically 12 to 24 months.
Most travellers can participate a limited number of times per category, defined by their country’s agreement. I’ll confirm your specific limits.
Yes, you’ll need to show funds to support yourself on arrival and hold health insurance covering your entire stay.
There are often other routes, an employer-supported work permit, for example. That’s exactly the kind of strategy a consultation sorts out.
Work and travel in Canada
The pools open on a seasonal schedule and rounds of invitations don’t wait. Get your profile and category right before the season opens.