International Experience Canada
Provides young people aged 18 to 35 from over 35 partner countries the opportunity to live and work in Canada under Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op streams.
Who this pathway suits
Youth and young professionals holding citizenship in an IEC bilateral agreement country.
Eligibility at a glance
- Citizen of an IEC agreement country with a valid passport
- Aged 18 to 30 or 35 (depending on country agreement)
- Working Holiday stream grants open work permit; Young Professionals requires pre-arranged skilled job offer
- Health insurance covering entire stay and CAD $2,500 initial settlement funds
How the process works
- Create IEC profile and enter country pool
- Receive Invitation to Apply in periodic rounds
- Submit work permit application within 20 days
- Receive Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction
Documents you will typically need
- Passport, police clearances, proof of financial support, travel insurance policy
What to keep in mind
Canadian work experience gained on an IEC permit can be used towards Express Entry Canadian Experience Class eligibility.
Official source: IRCC — International Experience Canada. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.
Parallel Options & Supporting Tools for International Experience Canada
Explore supporting intelligence briefings, interactive points assessment tools, institutional services, and parallel global migration pathways.
Supporting Tools & Verification Checklists
Supporting Briefings & Advisory Articles
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Canada: What UAE Expats Must Know When Visas Expire
Securing Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) is a major milestone for expatriates and skilled professionals relocating from the UAE. However, the immigration journey often presents a critical timing challenge: What happens...
Read briefing arrow_forward4 min readCanada RCIP Program FAQs: The Rural Community Immigration Pilot for UAE Expats
As Canada continues to expand its economic horizons, smaller cities and rural regions are experiencing unprecedented growth—and they urgently need global talent to sustain it....
Read briefing arrow_forwardInstitutional Legal Services & Representation
Comparable Pathways Across Other Destinations
Related Category Pathways
Employer-specific work permit
Verify current official rules and scope before publication.
Open work permits
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LMIA-based work permits
Verify current official rules and scope before publication.
LMIA-exempt work permits
Verify current official rules and scope before publication.

