International Experience Canada (IEC): all you need to know
There are various programs to immigrate to Canada. It can be objective-based (e.g., live, work, visit, and study) or duration-based (e.g., permanent or temporary).
This article will discuss one of the temporary residency options called International Experience Canada; IEC from zero to hero. Let’s get started! 😉
What is International Experience Canada (IEC)?
International Experience Canada (IEC) is one of Canada’s immigration programs that typical immigrants give the slightest attention to. Yet, it includes an efficient and lucrative set of temporary residency programs that you can take advantage of, especially when you are a careful decision-maker (or if you’re generally adventurous).
If you want to work or travel in Canada temporarily, IEC is your best go-to option. Eligible foreigners are authorized to apply for a Canadian work permit without having Labour Impact Market Assessment (LMIA). In addition, you are allowed to live and work in Canada for a maximum of 2 years. This is possible thanks to Canada’s international agreement with multiple countries! See EIC Eligibility.
Keep in mind: there are plenty of high-paying jobs for foreigners in Canada – make sure to check them out!
The selection of applicants happens through a randomized draw system. Much like other immigration programs, not everyone who expresses interest is automatically granted an IEC Work Permit. Interested applicants should verify their qualifications depending on the program they opt for, not to mention Canada’s agreement with their country of origin.
Table of Contents
3 Types of IEC Programs
There are three types of programs under IEC. These are Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op.
To have the freedom to work in Canada as you travel and explore the country is the primary goal of this program. This is ideal if you want to have complete travel plus work experience or fund your trip. Successful applicants will have an open work permit which enables them to find their employer. With this permit, you have the flexibility to change employers and jump from one location to another.
Typically, you don’t need a job offer to be eligible for the program. But because of the pandemic, all applicants must have a valid job offer. In addition, some employers may require a medical examination.
This program is perfect for young foreign nationals who want to have professional work experience in Canada. Individuals under this program are given an employer-specific work permit. This means you are not allowed to change your employer nor jump locations during your stay in Canada.
A job offer is required to be considered for this program. You must also have National Occupation Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B. NOC Level C may qualify if presented with a post-secondary diploma, certificate, or degree.
If you’re a student seeking an internship abroad, this program is for you. Similar to the Young Professionals Program, successful applicants under International Co-op are given employer-specific work permits.
You must be a student currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution or university to be eligible for this stream. In addition, a valid job offer for a work placement internship in Canada is a must.
IEC Eligibility: Who can Participate in International Experience Canada Programs?
Suppose you have all the qualifications discussed in the three programs above. In that case, they will not be honored if you’re not using any of Canada’s Recognized Organizations (RO) or if your country of citizenship does not have an agreement with Canada. In addition, only IEC participants are eligible to join and apply for an IEC work permit.
International Experience Canada Participating Countries
Currently, there are 34 confirmed participating countries in IEC. However, Canada has unique relationships with each participating country. This means the eligibility, validity, type of visa, and programs vary depending on Canada’s agreement with a specific nation.
Below is the complete list of countries, as well as their IEC specifics.
Country or Territory
Type of IEC
Type of Visa
Age Limit
Maximum Validity
Andorra
Working Holiday
Open
18-30
12 months
Australia
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
24 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
24 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
24 months
Austria
Working Holiday
Open
18-30
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
6 months
Belgium
Working Holiday
Open
18-30
12 months
Chile
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Costa Rica
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Croatia
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Czech Republic
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Denmark
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Estonia
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
France
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
24 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
24 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Germany
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Greece
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Hong Kong
Working Holiday
Open
18-30
12 months
Ireland
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
24 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
24 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Italy
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
6 months
Japan
Working Holiday
Open
18-30
12 months
Latvia
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Lithuania
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Luxembourg
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Netherlands
Working Holiday
Open
18-30
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-30
12 months
New Zealand
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
23 months
Norway
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Poland
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
12 months
Portugal
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
24 months
Young Professionals
Employer-specific
18-35
24 months
International Co-op
Employer-specific
18-35
24 months
San Marino
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months
Slovakia
Working Holiday
Open
18-35
12 months