Working Holiday - International Experience Class (IEC) work in canada
The International Experience Class program is designed for those aged 18-35 who want to work temporarily (1-2 years) and experience Canada. For citizens of specific countries, there are three possible categories of participation through bilateral agreements and arrangements under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program:
Working Holiday (travel and work):
Participants are eligible to apply for an open work permit (1-2 years) which allows them to work in Canada for any employer in any location. The intention is to help cover the costs for their stay in Canada as they travel and discover the country.
Young Professionals (career development):
Participants are eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit to help them gain professional work experience in Canada. The job offer must be considered as contributing to your “professional development” and classified as a National Occupational Classification (NOC) Code Skill Type Level 0, A or B. A NOC C job can also be considered if a post-secondary diploma, certificate or degree has been completed and included with the work permit application.
International Co-op (internships for students only):
Participants are eligible to apply for an employer-specific work permit to help them gain experience in their field of study. The internship offered in Canada must be directly linked to your field of studies and classified as a (NOC) Code Skill Type Level 0, A or B. It is possible for NOC C to be considered as well. Applicants must be registered students in their home country for the duration of their internship in Canada. In addition, the Co-op placement must be prearranged before applying.
Eligibility requirements candidates must meet:
- be a citizen (passport holder) of one of the 33 countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada
- have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Canada (the work permit issued will not be longer than the validity of the passport)
- be between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35 at the time of application (the upper age limit depends on the applicant’s country of citizenship)
- have the equivalent of $2,500 CAN upon landing to help cover initial expenses
- be able to take out health insurance for the duration of their stay (participants may have to present evidence of this insurance at the point of entry in Canada)
- be admissible to Canada
- have, prior to departure, a round-trip ticket or the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket for the end of their authorized stay in Canada
- not be accompanied by dependents
- pay the appropriate fees
Eligible Countries:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong SAR
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Korea, Republic
Latvia Republic
Lithuania
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Ukraine
United Kingdom