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Youth from over 30 countries can live and work in Canada under the International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit program. Here is a list of resources to help you succeed in the 2025 IEC program.

What is the International Experience Canada (or 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.
  • 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). Your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for an IEC work permit can vary each week. These fluctuations depend on factors like the number of applicants from your country currently in the pool and how close the program is to reaching its annual limit.

Check out our IEC tracking tool to view the latest updates on your likelihood of receiving an ITA. Invitations are issued in rounds throughout the year. During this period, invitations will be sent every week, so keep an eye on your account. Check our IEC Draws and News page to follow closely every draw

📄 Step 4: Submit Your Application and Biometrics

Once you have received and accepted 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.

What are the IEC-recognized organizations (ROs), and how can they support my IEC work permit application?

The IEC-recognized organizations (ROs)  are Canadian organizations approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assist individuals taking part in the IEC program. These organizations may offer services such as help with securing a job, arranging accommodation, or providing travel support before and during your stay in Canada. Some ROs focus on particular types of experiences, including internships, volunteering, or seasonal work.

Participation through a recognized organization is optional for citizens of countries with a youth mobility agreement with Canada. However, since these services can cost upwards of $4,000, many participants feel the benefits do not justify the expense.

However, for individuals from countries without such an agreement, applying through an RO is the only way to participate in the IEC program. In these cases, applicants must include documentation from the RO when submitting their work permit application.

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:

Essential Documents for IEC Application
  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

What do I need to enter Canada After Getting my IEC Permit?

After your application is processed, you typically have one year to enter Canada and activate your work permit. This is a good time to prepare for your arrival as an IEC permit holder.

If your application is successful, you will receive a Port of Entry, or POE, letter of introduction. This is the document you’ll present to an immigration official at an airport, ferry port, or land border in Canada to receive your IEC Canada work permit.

The POE Letter indicates the exact date by which you must enter Canada.

Important Note: POE letters cannot be extended!

IEC participants only require the following to enter Canada:

  • IEC health insurance coverage
  • A bank statement (no more than seven days old) showing proof of funds in the amount of CAD$2,500.
  • Up-to-date passport.
  • Your Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction letter from the IEC.
  • Any additional paperwork you may be requested to bring.
  • A return ticket or additional funds to show you can pay for a flight home.

Be prepared to provide the address where you’ll be spending your first few nights in Canada. This could be a friend’s house, or a hostel, if you don’t yet have your own long-term accommodation sorted.

Do I also need an eTA to enter Canada?

Foreign workers, including IEC participants, from Canada visa-exempt countries will automatically be issued an eTA, along with their Port of Entry Letter of Introduction. Check your letter to ensure it mentions approval of your eTA before you depart, because you need this to board your flight to Canada. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport, so if you have changed your passport since receiving your POE Letter of Introduction, you need to apply for a new ETA.

There is only one country within the IEC program that is not currently visa-exempt: Costa Rica. If you’re an applicant from Costa Rica, a different sort of visa will be required, approval for which should be clear on your POE Letter of Introduction.

Can I leave Canada and re-enter during my IEC work permit?

Yes, you may exit and re-enter Canada as often as you please. You will need to ensure that your health insurance policy permits this.

Make sure you bring your passport and work permit with you so you can present them when you return to Canada.

Can I study in Canada while on an IEC work permit?

Yes, but only for up to six months.

You are allowed to enroll in individual courses under any of the IEC categories (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op). The course(s) must be completed within a six-month period. The course(s) also must not be part of a program lasting longer than six months, such as a two-year program or four-year degree. If the course or program is longer than six months, you will need to apply for a study permit.

 

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