IEC Canada 2025: Categories, Eligibility and How to Apply

What is IEC Canada: The Basics

IEC Canada stands for International Experience Canada, a program run by the Government of Canada that allows young people from around the world to work and travel in Canada for up to two years. It’s also open to Canadian youth who want to work and travel abroad.

IEC offers three main categories of work permits:

1. Working Holiday: For those who want to travel and work for multiple employers across Canada. You will receive an open work permit, allowing flexibility in job choice and location.
2. Young Professionals: For individuals with a job offer, particularly post-secondary graduates, who wish to further their careers by gaining professional work experience in Canada. You will get an employer-specific work permit, meaning you must work for the same employer in the same location.
3. International Co-op (Internship): For students who need to complete a work placement or internship in Canada as part of their academic program. You will also get an employer-specific work permit, like the Young Professionals category.

Compare all three categories in our article: “Which IEC Category is Right for You?” to determine which one suits you best. You can also read the full guide for each category here:

Breaking Down IEC Canada Requirements

You are eligible to participate in the IEC program if:

• You are a citizen of a country that has a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada. You can find the full list of eligible countries here. (In certain situations, some IEC-recognized organizations (ROs) may assist a limited number of youth from countries without a formal agreement with Canada to join the IEC program.)
• You have a valid passport from your home country. The passport must remain valid throughout their stay in Canada.
• You are between the ages of 18 and 30 and 18 and 35, depending on the participating country.
• You can demonstrate that they have enough funds to cover your expenses in Canada (at least CAD 2,500). You must also prove that they have the financial resources to buy a departure ticket at the end of their stay in Canada (or have proof that they have already purchased a departure ticket).
• You have valid health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Canada.
• You show a clean criminal record by providing police certificates from the countries you have lived in.

How to Apply for IEC Canada

Applying for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program involves several key steps. Here’s a breakdown of the process to help you navigate your application smoothly:

📝 Step 1: Create Your Profile on the IRCC Portal

Start by creating an account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Once registered, you’ll need to complete your IEC profile with personal details, your country of citizenship, and the category you’re applying for (e.g., Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op).

🎯 Step 2: Enter the Pool for Your Category

After submitting your profile, you’ll be entered into a pool of candidates for your selected category. Each country and category has its own pool, and you can only be in one at a time per season.

✉️ Step 3: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If you’re selected from the pool, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This is your chance to officially apply for a work permit under the IEC program. Invitations are issued in rounds throughout the year, so keep an eye on your account.

📄 Step 4: Submit Your Application and Biometrics

Once you accept your ITA, you’ll need to:

• Fill out the full application form
• Upload required documents (passport, resume, police certificates, etc.)
• Pay the application fee
• Schedule and complete your biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photo)

Make sure to submit everything within the deadline—usually 20 days from the date you accept your ITA.

📬 Step 5: Receive Your Port of Entry (POE) Letter

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. This is not your work permit, but you’ll need to present it when you arrive in Canada to activate your permit.

✅ Pro Tip: Bring all supporting documents with you when entering Canada, including proof of funds and health insurance.

IEC Canada Application: Required Documents Checklist

Before you can receive your work permit under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, you’ll need to gather and submit several important documents. These documents help verify your identity, eligibility, and readiness to travel and work in Canada.

Here’s a checklist based on the official IRCC guidelines:

1. Valid Passport
   • Must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada.
   • Make two copies of the first two pages for backup.
2. Digital Photo
   • Meets IRCC specifications (head and shoulders, plain background).
3. Resume (CV)
   • Required for most categories to show your work or academic history.
4. Police Certificate(s)
   • From your country of citizenship and any country where you’ve lived for 6+ months since age 18.
5. Medical Exam Results (if applicable)
   • Required if you plan to work in healthcare, with children, or in certain jobs.
6. Proof of Funds
   • Minimum of CAD $2,500 to support yourself upon arrival.
7. Health Insurance
   • Must cover the entire duration of your stay.
   • Include proof of coverage (policy details, provider contact info).
8. Biometrics
   • Fingerprints and a photo taken at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) after receiving your ITA.
9. Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
   • Required for some applicants, depending on nationality.
10. Port of Entry (POE) Letter

• Issued after your application is approved. You’ll present this when entering Canada.

Important Note: In addition to the general documents listed above, each IEC Canada program category—Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op—may require additional documents specific to your country of residence and the type of work permit you’re applying for. Please make sure to thoroughly review the document checklist provided for the category you selected.

Join our community today and access a personalized checklist for your IEC application! Click here: Join the Moving2Canada Community