Finland joins IEC Canada countries

As of March 1, 2024, Finnish youth aged 18 to 35 will be able to submit their profile to the International Experience Canada (IEC) pool of candidates. The first IEC draw for Finns is expected to happen during the week of March 11.

The IEC allows Canadian and international youth to work and travel in each other’s countries. There are three categories under IEC: Working Holiday, International Co-op (internship) and Young Professionals. Eligible youth will be able to participate in the program for up to 12 months per category.

Canada and Finland celebrated 75 years of formal diplomatic relations in 2022. This agreement, announced May 19, 2023, is intended to provide a new basis to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

“Canada and Finland share a strong bilateral relationship based on common values and people-to-people ties,” Immigration Minister Marc Miller said in a media release. “IEC will allow Canadian and Finnish youth to learn from new cultures and experiences while developing skills, enhancing career prospects and strengthening friendships they will benefit from for the rest of their lives.”

Through the IEC, Canadian and Finnish youth, including Francophone and Indigenous youth, will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures while developing life skills and improving future job prospects.

For the 2024 season, nearly 90,000 international youth will be able to participate in the IEC.

In Canada, there are about 144,055 Canadians of Finnish descent according to the 2021 Census.

Youth who need help planning their IEC experience may consider using a recognized organization. They are typically youth service organizations that offer work and travel support to youth. They can be non-profit, for profit or educational organizations.

If you’re interested in moving to Canada under the IEC, learn more about what you need to apply and prepare by taking Moving2Canada’s free Canada Immigration Quiz. You will get access to a Moving2Canada account where you’ll find special offers, useful info tailored to your move, as well as a checklist that will keep you organized on your journey.

Get the latest IEC info at Moving2Canada’s IEC News Hub.