International Experience Canada

International Experience Canada

What Is International Experience Canada?

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a program administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows citizens of countries with a Youth Mobility Agreement (YMA) with Canada to work and travel in the country for up to two years, depending on their nationality and chosen category. Canadian youth can also use IEC to work abroad in over 35 countries and territories.

IEC Work Permit

Who Is Eligible? 

To qualify for International Experience Canada, you generally need to:

  • Be a citizen of a country or territory that holds a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada
  • Be between 18 and 35 years old (varies by country) 
  • Meet the participation limits set for your country, as some allow only one IEC participation, others allow two in different categories
  • Meet the requirements for the IEC category you want to choose.

IEC Work Permit Categories

IEC covers three categories, and not every country offers all three:

Working Holiday: An open work permit that lets you work for almost any employer across Canada. No job offer needed; it is ideal for those who want the flexibility to travel and work as opportunities arise. 

Young Professionals: An employer-specific work permit for applicants with a job offer in Canada will help advance their careers. The job has to be in a field, and the company has to follow Canadian rules. 

International Co-op (Internship): Also, employer-specific, this category is for post-secondary students completing a required work placement or internship in Canada as part of their academic program.

Is India Eligible for IEC Canada?

Currently, Indian passport holders are not directly eligible for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program because India does not have a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada. However, Indians can still explore several excellent alternatives, including:

  • Express Entry
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
  • Employer-specific Work Permits
  • Study Permit pathways
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • Family Sponsorship

Processing Times & Fees

Processing times vary depending on your country of citizenship, the IEC category you apply under, and the number of applications being processed. 

Applicants are required to pay the applicable IRCC processing fees, which may include the IEC participation fee, biometrics fee, and other fees based on the selected category. Since fees and processing times may change, always check the latest information on the official IRCC website before applying.


Why Choose International Experience Canada (IEC)?

  • Work and travel in Canada without needing an LMIA
  • Build genuine, resume-worthy Canadian or international work experience
  • Explore multiple provinces and industries (Working Holiday category)
  • Strengthen your profile for future immigration pathways, subject to program conditions

International Experience Canada (IEC) Country List

Canada currently has Youth Mobility Agreements with more than 35 countries and territories.

Some participating countries include:

  • Australia

  • United Kingdom

  • Ireland

  • France

  • Germany

  • Italy

  • Spain

  • Portugal

  • Japan

  • South Korea

  • New Zealand

  • Belgium

  • Denmark

  • Sweden

  • Norway

  • Poland

  • Czech Republic

  • Croatia

  • Latvia

  • Lithuania

  • Netherlands

  • Austria

  • Chile

  • Costa Rica

  • Hong Kong

  • Taiwan

The available categories, age limits, and duration of participation vary by country.



How to Apply?

At Can-America Immigration, our CICC-licensed consultants provide personalised consultations to assess your profile, explain your available options, and guide you through the application process. Whether you're applying under an eligible IEC category or exploring other Canadian immigration pathways, our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact Us