International Experience Canada (IEC): work and travel for young people
Youth aged 18 to 35 (some countries 29 or 30) from a participating country or territory, or through a recognized organization, who want to work and travel in Canada.
Steps, in order
- Check whether your country or territory participates and which categories are open to you: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op (Internship).
- Create a profile and enter the pool for your category, if a pool applies.
- If invited, apply for the work permit, show proof of funds and insurance as required, and give biometrics.
- IEC work permits are LMIA-exempt; Working Holiday permits are open, while Young Professionals and Co-op permits are employer-specific.
Who is eligible — the essentials
- Age limits, quotas, and category availability depend on your country or territory's agreement with Canada.
- Working Holiday is for open work; Young Professionals requires a job offer in your field; International Co-op requires an internship or work placement tied to your studies.
- IEC permits are issued under the International Mobility Program and do not require an LMIA.
Documents you will usually need
- Valid passport from a participating country or territory
- Proof of funds and health insurance as required for the category
- Job offer (Young Professionals) or internship offer (Co-op), where applicable
- Police certificates and medical exam if requested
Common mistakes
- Assuming every country has all three categories or the same age limit — both vary by agreement.
- Applying for a Working Holiday permit expecting employer-specific conditions, or vice versa.
- Missing the invitation and document deadlines after entering a pool.
Check before you apply: Country lists, age limits, quotas and pool status change every season. This page deliberately does not hardcode a country table — check the current official IEC country list through the official program page linked above before applying.
Official source
General information only — not legal advice. Immigration rules change. Always check the official source above before applying.