IEC Documents Checklist 2026: Prepare your Work Permit Application

Before diving into the list of documents, it is important to clarify some previous steps and remind you that the entire International Experience Canada (IEC) application process is through an online application system designed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

You have to begin by creating an account with IRCC. Then you can build your IEC profile and submit yourself to be considered for the IEC pools for which you’re eligible. Finally, if you receive an invitation, you must then complete and submit your application for a work permit.

You’ll only be asked to upload documents once you reach the work permit application stage—but it’s a good idea to plan ahead.

What Documents are Required for IEC Canada?

To help you get organized, we’ve grouped everything below into two clear sections: Documents for work permit application submission and Documents required after application submission. This way, you can start gathering the necessary paperwork in advance and avoid last-minute stress. Let’s dive into the first group.

You will only be asked to upload documents once you reach the stage of the application where you are applying for a work permit. But! You can still plan ahead. Take a look at the documents listed below to determine which ones you can start gathering ahead of time.

1. 1. Police Certificates
   2. CV/Resume
   3. Passport
   4. Digital photo
   5. Family Information
   6. Proof of residency
   7. Program-specific Documents

1. Do I need a police certificate for IEC Canada?

You may need a police certificate for the Working Holiday visa if you have lived in another country for six months or more since the age of 18.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada uses police certificates to verify criminal admissibility. If required, you must upload the document during your IEC application or provide proof that you have requested it.

Check out our complete guide on IEC police certificates for full details.

2. CV/Resume

You’ll need to provide a copy of your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. This is a document describing your education, qualifications, and work experience.

Note that this particular document, at this stage, has no bearing on getting you a job in Canada. You can upload a basic resume here. (But later, when you’re actually looking for work in Canada, it’s crucial to have a great resume.We have a guide on how to write a resume, plus you can access a free resume template in your Moving2Canada account.)

3. Passport

You must provide a clear, readable copy of your passport, and the country of citizenship indicated on your passport must be the same as the country whose IEC pool you are applying through.

Your passport must be valid at the time you submit your application and must remain valid when you enter and depart from Canada.

Your IEC work permit will not be issued for a period longer than the validity of your passport, so if your expiry date is occuring in the near future, you may want to consider renewing your passport before you apply.

4. Digital photo

You have to upload a digital photo of yourself.

The photo must show the full front view of your head and tops of shoulders with your face in the middle of the photo. The final photo frame size must be at least 35mm x 45mm and the size of your head must be between 31mm and 36mm. In pixels, the dimensions must be at least 420 x 540.

If you scan a photo you already have, it must have a minimum resolution of 600 PPI. The digital photo file format must be either JPEG or JPEG2000. It must have a file size of no less than 60 kB, with an ideal size of 240 kB. Finally, the image must be in colour (24 bits per pixel) in RGB colour space.

Be sure that you check the specs of your digital photo file before uploading. You can do this simply by right-clicking on the file on your desktop computer.

5. Family Information

With your application, you will have to provide a completed “Family Information” form, also called the IMM 5707 form. This form requests information about your spouse or common-law partner, parents, and children.

6. Proof of residency

In some cases you may be asked to provide a proof of residency from your country of citizenship. This can be a residential or mailing address.

Italian citizens are required to provide a residential certificate (certificato di residenza) proving they live in Italy. Make sure you provide a certified English or French translation. You can save 5% on your certified translation with our partner, Translation Agency of Canada, using the promo code M2C.

After you submit your application, be sure to check your account regularly, as sometimes IRCC may contact you to request additional information. If IRCC requests additional documents, consult our guide on how to upload documents to your IEC application after submitting.

7. Program-specific Documents

You may be required to submit the following documents if you are applying through a specific program or organization.

International Co-op applicants

• Proof of school registration: If you are applying through the International Co-op program you must include a letter from your educational institution showing that you are currently registered as a student.
• Internship Agreement: This is an agreement signed by you, your employer, and your training centre. It must include the following:
  • your position title,
  • the description of the tasks you will perform,
  • the exact start and end dates of your internship,
  • the complete address of your internship site, AND
  • your employer’s contact information, OR
  • a letter from your education institution, on official letterhead, that confirms your job offer is linked to your field of studies

Applicants using Recognized Organizations

• Recognized Organization acceptance letter: If you are applying through a Recognized Organization you may be asked to provide a copy of the confirmation letter from your RO. Ask your RO if this requirement applies to you.

Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) applicants

• VIE letter: If you are applying through France’s VIE program, you need to include an official certificate from Business France (the organization managing the program). This certificate must identify you and your employer.

Documents for IEC After Application Submission and for Arrival

Certain documents will only be requested after you have already submitted your application, and some documents will only be requested when you land in Canada to activate your work permit.

If you need more details, we have written a specific guide on the steps to upload your documents once the application is submitted.

1. Biometrics
2. Port of Entry Letter
3. Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization
4. Proof of funds or financial support
5. Health insurance

1. Biometrics

Biometrics refers to your fingerprints and photo, both submitted electronically. These are required for most applicants, but they are usually only requested after you’ve submitted your application.

After you pay your fees and submit your application, check your account regularly, as you will likely receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) within 24 hours. You will have 30 days to follow the instructions on that letter and provide your biometrics.

2. What is a POE Letter for IEC?

The Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction is the approval letter issued by IRCC after your IEC work permit application is accepted.

This letter does not grant your work permit directly. Instead, you must present it to a Canadian border officer when you arrive in Canada, who will then issue your IEC work permit if all requirements are met.

3. Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization

If your work permit application is approved, you should receive either a visitor visa or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) with your POE letter.

To travel to Canada you need the proper authorization. Citizens of some countries require a visitor visa in order to travel to Canada. Citizens of visa-exempt countries require an eTA if they are travelling to Canada by air (except for citizens of the U.S.).

Thankfully, you should not need to apply for these on your own. The proper travel document should be automatically issued with your POE letter.

4. Proof of funds or financial support

IEC requires that you have at least CAD $2,500 available to help cover your expenses in Canada. As well, you must demonstrate that you have the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket at the end of your stay in Canada (or have proof that you have already purchased a departure ticket).

You must have your proof of financial support when you travel to Canada, as the immigration officer who completes your landing will likely request it. A statement of your bank account issued no more than one week before you depart for Canada will suffice.

What proof of funds do I need for IEC?

Acceptable proof of funds may include cash, recent bank statements, or financial instruments such as securities in bearer form (e.g., stocks, bonds, debentures, or treasury bills). Border officers may also accept bank drafts, certified cheques, travellers’ cheques, or money orders as evidence of available funds. These documents may be reviewed by a Canadian border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

5. Do I need health insurance for IEC?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all IEC participants entering Canada.

Your insurance must cover the entire duration of your work permit and include medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation. If your insurance coverage is shorter than your intended stay, the border officer may issue a shorter work permit.

Important info: Purchase health insurance just after you receive your POE letter of introduction.

If you want to find the most affordable and comprehensive IEC health insurance coverage, we recommend checking out BestQuote Travel Insurance. BestQuote allows you to compare insurance rates for different providers so you can find the best one for your needs — get started with a free quote here.

Further Resources for IEC Candidates 

• Check your real-time odds of receiving an Invitation to Apply for IEC. 
• Check the latest IEC draws and pool updates. 
• Increase your chances by applying for the best IEC program for your profile. Read our article about  Which IEC Category is Right for me?
• Improving your chances: Can You Enter More Than One IEC Pool at the Same Time? Find out here.

Need Help with your IEC Documents and Application?

Not sure if you have the right document? Have a question about your IEC work permit application that we didn’t answer here? Check out the Moving2Canada IEC Facebook Group. You can connect with others who have already gone through the application process, ask your questions, and get tons of insider knowledge about how to make the most of your IEC adventure.

If you feel you need professional guidance for your application, we suggest booking a consultation with one of our recommended Canadian immigration consultants. Book a consultation here.