Canada has a bilateral youth mobility agreement with approximately 35 countries, allowing international youth to live, work and travel in Canada for 12 – 24 months (depending on your nationality). This program is called International Experience Canada (IEC). There are three categories of the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program:

1. Working Holiday

2. Young Professionals

3. International Co-op
    

There are different eligibility requirements for each program. 

WORKING HOLIDAY

It provides temporary work permits to young people from over 30 countries, so they can legally live and get a job in Canada. The permits are valid for either 12 or 24 months, depending on your country of citizenship.

Candidates must first create a profile, which notifies Canadian authorities of their desire to receive a working holiday visa in Canada. Successful candidates will receive an invitation to formally complete their application for a work permit, however this success is subject to eligibility and availability.

 

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Under the Young Professionals category, citizens of participating countries can gain valuable international experience by working for a Canadian company. Applicants to this category receive an employer-specific work permit if approved.

This category is for individuals who:

• have a valid job offer in Canada for a paid position that contributes to their professional development; and

• plan on working for the same employer during their stay in Canada.

A signed job offer letter or contract of employment with a Canadian employer related to the applicant’s professional development is required before applying. The job offered must be classified as a National Occupation Code TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 to be considered professional experience. A TEER 4 job might be accepted if the applicant can submit a post-secondary diploma, certificate or degree with their work permit application, demonstrating that the job offer is in their field of study and contributes to their professional development. This rule also applies to those intending to work in the agricultural industry.

No self-employment should be accepted for this category. Under the Young Professionals category, work is required to be paid, and remuneration can come from a foreign source.