
Work and Travel in Canada Through IEC
Choose the Right Stream for You
International Experience Canada (IEC) is a unique initiative that allows eligible youth from select countries to gain international work experience in Canada while enjoying the cultural richness and natural beauty the country offers. The program fosters youth mobility, career growth, and cross-cultural exchange through LMIA-exempt work permits issued under three main categories.
IEC Program Categories
Choose the Right Stream for You
Working Holiday – Offers an Open Work Permit. Ideal for travelers who:
- Do not yet have a job offer
- Wish to work for multiple employers or in different cities
- Want flexibility to fund their Canadian travel through temporary jobs
Young Professionals – Offers an Employer-Specific Work Permit. Designed for those who:
- Have a valid job offer aligned with their career path
- Seek to gain paid, professional experience in Canada
- Plan to stay with one employer
International Co-op (Internship) – Offers an Employer-Specific Work Permit. Best for students who:
- Are enrolled in a post-secondary institution abroad
- Have an internship offer in Canada required for academic credit
Plan to intern with the same employer for the duration of their stay
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a participating country with a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada
- Be within the age range of 18 to 30 or 35 (varies by country)
- Hold a valid passport for the duration of the stay
- Have at least $2,500 CAD upon entry
- Purchase health insurance for their stay
- Be admissible to Canada
- Provide a round-trip ticket or funds to purchase one
- Not be accompanied by dependents
📌 Participating countries include: Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, South Korea, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Switzerland, Netherlands, Taiwan, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Hong Kong, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, and more.
🔗 Check your exact eligibility using this IRCC tool:
Work Permit Details
- Working Holiday: Open Work Permit (work for almost any employer)
- Young Professionals & Co-op: Employer-Specific Work Permit (details must match the job offer)
For employer-specific permits, applicants must provide employer details such as job title, location, and duration. Any change in employer requires a new application and approval.
Application Steps
- Create a profile under your chosen IEC category
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Submit your application online and pay the applicable fees
- Provide biometrics if required
- Receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter and travel to Canada
It is important to apply early as some countries have limited annual quotas.
How Sapra Immigration Can Assist ?
End-to-End Support for IEC Applicants
Our RCIC-led team at Sapra Immigration Services Inc. provides:
- Help in selecting the right IEC stream
- Profile creation and document guidance
- Employer-specific work permit application assistance
- Support with biometrics and travel documentation
- Ongoing immigration advice post-arrival

- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Step 2: Create Your Express Entry Profile
- Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
- Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Step 5: Prepare Your Application
- Step 6: Submit Your Complete Application within timeframe
- Step 7: Respond to Additional Information Requests
- Step 8: Receive Your Decision
- Step 9: If Approved, Receive Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) Document