International Experience Canada (IEC) is a program that lets young people from partner countries work and travel in Canada temporarily while gaining cultural and professional experience.
Have you ever dreamed of traveling and Working in Canada? Imagine exploring vibrant cities, breathtaking nature, and meeting people from all over the world, all while gaining valuable work experience. That’s exactly what the International Experience Canada (IEC) 2025 program offers.
IEC is a government initiative that allows young people from partner countries to live and work in Canada temporarily. It’s not just about earning money; it’s about adventure, learning, and growing both personally and professionally. IEC work permits do not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Whether you’re looking for a flexible job to support your travels, a professional role to boost your career, or a student internship to gain real-world experience, IEC has a path for you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility and categories to applying and preparing for your Canadian adventure.
IEC Overview
- LMIA requirement: Not required (IEC work permits are LMIA-exempt)
- Work permit type: Mostly open work permit (except Young Professionals and Co-op, which are employer-specific)
- Duration: Usually 6–24 months, depending on your country and category
- Categories:
- Working Holiday – flexible, open work permit, travel and work anywhere
- Young Professionals – employer-specific, professional experience in your field
- International Co-op (Internship) – employer-specific, student internship required by school
✅️ Curious if you qualify? Find out today by
What Is International Experience Canada (IEC)?
Imagine this: traveling to Canada, exploring its beautiful cities, and earning money while doing it. Sounds fun, right? That’s exactly what the International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers.
IEC is a program by the Canadian government for young people from other countries. It allows temporary work and travel in Canada. It’s not just about earning money; it’s about meeting new people, learning about a new culture, and gaining work experience that looks great on a resume.
IEC Program Categories
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program isn’t just one type of work permit, it offers three categories depending on what you want to do in Canada. Each path gives you the chance to work, travel, and gain experience, but the choice depends on your goals.
1. Working Holiday
- Who it’s for: Adventurous travelers who want flexibility.
- What it offers: An open work permit, which means you can work for almost any employer in Canada.
- Why it’s great: You can support your travels, explore different cities, and meet people from around the world.
Imagine starting in a café in Toronto, then exploring Vancouver on your days off, it’s freedom and adventure combined!
2. Young Professionals
- Who it’s for: People with a job offer in their career field.
- What it offers: A work permit tied to your specific employer.
- Why it’s great: Gain professional experience that enhances your resume and can open doors to future opportunities in Canada or your home country.
✅️ Tip: This is perfect if you want Canadian work experience in your field but still have the chance to travel during your free time.
3. International Co-op (Internship)
- Who it’s for: Students needing a work placement for school credit or program completion.
- What it offers: A work permit specifically for your internship.
- Why it’s great: Gain real-world experience while learning about Canadian workplace culture.
| Category | Who It’s For | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday | Adventurous travelers | Open work permit; work anywhere and explore freely |
| Young Professionals | Those with a career job offer | Gain professional experience in your field |
| International Co-op (Internship) | Students needing a work placement | Complete a school-required internship in Canada |
Friendly Advises:
- Working Holiday is perfect if you want flexibility.
- Young Professionals is great for boosting your career.
- Co-op Internship is only for students needing real-world experience.
Which Countries Can Apply for IEC?
Currently, IEC is open to citizens of partner countries, each with specific age limits and quotas. Some of these countries include:
Click to See the List of Partner Countries
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
South Korea
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
Full details: Official IEC country list
Why Choose IEC?
- Flexible work options
- Travel and explore Canada
- Gain professional or internship experience
- Meet people from all over the world
Many young people describe it as a “life-changing adventure.” You get both memories and work experience in one go!
✅️ Tip: Start planning early. IEC spots can fill quickly, especially for popular countries.
Who Can Join IEC? (Eligibility)
- Age: Usually 18–35 years old (varies by country)
- Citizenship: Must be from a country with a youth agreement with Canada
- Passport: Valid for the full duration of stay
- Health & Character: Good health and no serious criminal record
Additional requirements may include:
- Proof of funds (approx. CAD $2,500)
- Student documents for internship categories
How to Apply for IEC 2025
Applying for IEC may sound complicated, but it’s really doable if you follow the steps carefully. Here’s a simple guide:
Step 1: Create Your IEC Profile
- Go to the official IEC website.
- Answer some questions about your age, citizenship, and category.
- Submit your profile to the IEC pool.
Step 2: Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- IEC randomly selects profiles from the pool.
- If chosen, you’ll receive an ITA.
- Only then can you apply for your work permit.
Patience is key here. Draws happen regularly, but not everyone gets an invitation immediately.
Step 3: Submit Your Work Permit Application
- Accept the ITA within the deadline.
- Upload all required documents (we’ll cover them in the next section).
- Pay the application fee (around CAD $250).
Step 4: Provide Biometrics (If Required)
- Some applicants must give fingerprints and photos.
- You’ll get instructions from the official website.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
- Typically, it takes 4–8 weeks.
- Once approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter.
✅️ Tip: Keep all documents ready and double-check them. A small mistake can delay your application.
Required Documents
Having your documents ready makes the process smooth. Here’s what you’ll usually need:
- Valid passport
- Resume or CV
- Proof of funds (CAD $2,500 minimum)
- Police certificate (if required)
- Job offer (for Young Professionals or Co-op categories)
- Digital photo following Canada’s specifications
Scan everything clearly and double-check the details. It will save a lot of stress later.
🎯 IEC Real Experiences: True Stories from Participants
Sofia, 24, Spain – Working Holiday
Sofia arrived in Toronto with a Working Holiday permit and started working in a café. Within months, she traveled across Canada, Montreal, Vancouver, and Banff, while also taking part-time internships in digital marketing. The IEC program gave her independence, professional experience, and lifelong friendships. Today, Sofia has transitioned to a long-term work permit and credits IEC for opening doors she hadn’t imagined.
Liam, 27, Australia – Young Professionals
Liam came to Canada with a job offer in IT through the Young Professionals category. The IEC permit allowed him to gain hands-on experience in a Canadian tech company while building his network. By the end of his one-year program, he received a permanent job offer and plans to apply for permanent residency.
Marie, 21, France – International Co-op (Internship)
Marie needed a school-required internship in Canada. Through the IEC Co-op program, she worked in an environmental research lab in Vancouver. Not only did she complete her academic requirements, but she also gained international research experience, which later helped her secure a graduate program in Canada.
2025 IEC Timeline
Knowing the key dates helps you plan better. Here’s a simple overview for 2025:
| Month | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec 2024 | IEC pool opens for 2025 |
| Jan 2025 | First invitations issued |
| Feb–Aug 2025 | Regular invitation rounds |
| Sep 2025 | Last major draw |
| Dec 2025 | End of the 2025 IEC season |
Preparing for Your Arrival in Canada
Once your IEC work permit is approved, it’s time to get ready for Canada. Here’s a friendly checklist:
Before You Travel
- Health insurance: Mandatory for IEC participants. Make sure it covers your full stay.
- Accommodation: Book at least your first few weeks. Hostels, shared apartments, or short-term rentals are great options.
- Money: Bring enough cash or have a bank card to cover initial expenses.
Once You Arrive
- Port of Entry (POE) Letter: Keep it safe. You’ll show it to Canadian immigration.
- Open a Canadian bank account: Makes paying rent, bills, and daily expenses easier.
- Learn about local culture: Small things like tipping, public transportation, and workplace etiquette make life smoother.
Tips for a Successful IEC Application
Getting selected for IEC is competitive, but a few simple strategies can help:
- Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Draws happen all year.
- Double-check documents: Make sure your passport, resume, and proofs are correct.
- Stay informed: Check official IEC websites regularly for draw announcements.
- Be flexible: Especially with jobs, sometimes the first role leads to better opportunities later.
Personal encouragement: One friend started in a small café in Toronto. She ended up traveling across Canada while saving money and gaining work experience. The experience opened doors she hadn’t imagined!
The Bottom Line
International Experience Canada (IEC) is more than just a work permit; it’s a chance to explore, grow, and create memories that last a lifetime.
The key is preparation: check your eligibility, pick the right category, gather your documents, and plan carefully. With a little effort, this program can be life-changing.
👉 Don’t wait! Fill out our free assessment form today and take your first step toward your Canadian journey.
FAQs
Young adults (usually 18–35) from countries with a youth mobility agreement with Canada. Passport, health, and character requirements must be met.
Working Holiday: Work anywhere in Canada.
Young Professionals: Work in your field with a specific job offer.
International Co-op (Internship): Students completing a required work placement.
Processing usually takes 4–8 weeks after you submit your application.
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for the entire stay in Canada.
Absolutely! Especially with a Working Holiday permit, you can work and explore different provinces.
Generally, around CAD $2,500 to cover initial expenses. Some categories may not require this.
