International Experience Canada (IEC) – Work and Travel for Youth Aged 18 to 35

Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program gives young people from around the world the chance to live, work, and travel in Canada. Open to individuals aged 18 to 35 (depending on their country of citizenship), IEC is an exciting way to explore Canada while gaining valuable work experience.

What is IEC?

International Experience Canada is a program that allows foreign youth to obtain temporary work permits in Canada. The most popular stream is the Working Holiday, which provides an open work permit—meaning participants can work for almost any employer in Canada while funding their travels.

IEC Categories

The program has three main categories:

1. Working Holiday

• Participants receive an open work permit.

• They can work for any employer in Canada.

• Ideal for those wanting job flexibility while traveling.

2. Young Professionals

• Employer-specific work permit.

• For youth with a job offer in their field of study or career.

• Provides valuable professional Canadian work experience.

3. International Co-op (Internship)

• Employer-specific work permit.

• For students who have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada.

• Designed to support academic or professional development.

Eligibility

To participate in IEC, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that has a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada.
• Be within the eligible age range (18–35 years old) — some countries have lower maximum ages (30).
• Hold a valid passport for the duration of your stay.
• Have enough funds to support yourself at the beginning of your stay.

Benefits of the IEC Program

• Work and travel in Canada at the same time.
• Flexible employment options, especially under the Working Holiday stream.
• Cultural exchange and networking opportunities with Canadians and other international youth.
• Pathway to future immigration: Canadian work experience gained may later support permanent residence applications.