Youth Mobility
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Travel and work in Canada for up to 2 years through the Working Holiday program.
Important for Indian Applicants
India is not on IRCC's list of IEC participating countries, so Indian citizens cannot create an IEC profile or receive an invitation. This page explains the program for readers who hold a passport from a participating country.
Indian applicants who want to work in Canada can look at studying in Canada, an employer-supported job offer (see the LMIA guide), or a provincial nominee program. IRCC's IEC page states that the pools for the 2026 season are closed.
Overview
International Experience Canada (IEC) provides youth with the opportunity to travel and work in Canada. It operates through bilateral youth mobility agreements with over 35 countries and territories.
The program allows young people to gain international work experience, explore Canada, and develop their skills in a multicultural environment.
IEC Categories
Working Holiday
Fund your travels by working for any employer in Canada. No job offer required to apply.
Open Work Permit
Young Professionals
Gain professional work experience in your field to advance your global career.
Employer-Specific
International Co-op
Complete an internship as part of your post-secondary studies in your home country.
Employer-Specific
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: Be a citizen (passport holder) of one of the 35+ countries that have an agreement with Canada.
- Valid Passport: Have a valid passport for the duration of your stay.
- Age: Be between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35 (depending on your country of citizenship).
- Funds: Have the equivalent of $2,500 CAD to help cover your expenses.
- Health Insurance: Have health insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Admissibility: Be admissible to Canada (no criminal inadmissibility).
- Return Ticket: Have a round-trip ticket or the resources to purchase a departure ticket.
- No Dependents: Not bring any dependents with you to Canada.
Participating Countries
IEC has agreements with over 35 countries including:
- Europe: UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, and more
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong
- Americas: Chile, Costa Rica
- Note: India is NOT currently part of the IEC program, and Mexico is not on IRCC's current participating-country list
Application Process
- Step 1: Create an IEC profile in the IRCC portal during the pool opening period.
- Step 2: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through random draws.
- Step 3: Accept the invitation within 10 days. After you accept, you have 20 days to submit your work permit application.
- Step 4: Pay the fees: the CAD 184.75 IEC fee, plus the CAD 100 open work permit holder fee for Working Holiday. For Young Professionals and International Co-op, your employer pays a CAD 230 employer compliance fee.
- Step 5: Provide biometrics if required.
- Step 6: Receive your Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.
- Step 7: Travel to Canada and get your work permit at the border.
Fees & Costs
- IEC Fee: CAD 184.75
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee (Working Holiday only): CAD 100
- Employer Compliance Fee (Young Professionals and International Co-op, paid by the employer): CAD 230
- Biometrics: CAD 85 per person (if required)
- Proof of Funds: $2,500 CAD minimum
- Health Insurance: Varies by provider
