The International Experience Canada (IEC) program provides young people from 30 countries with the opportunity to travel and work in Canada. It includes 3 categories:
Working Holiday
Participants in this program are eligible for an open work permit, valid for one to two years, depending on their country. Open work permits allow participants to work anywhere in Canada for almost any Canadian employer.
Young Professionals
Applicants to this category gain professional work experience in Canada through a work permit issued for a specific employer. In order to apply under this category, a job offer from a Canadian employer is required.
International Co-op
This program is intended for students who are enrolled at a post-secondary institution in their home country and would like to spend a period of time as interns in a Canadian company. Obtaining a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada that is required to complete their studies is mandatory before applying.
Who is eligible?
Participants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of the participating countries.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35;
- Have a minimum of CAN$2,500 to help cover your expenses in Canada;
- Have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Canada;
- Have a job offer or internship offer (for the Young Professionals & International Co-op categories only)
How does the IEC work?
After an eligible candidate creates their IEC profile online, they will have to choose the IEC pool they want to be in. Once in the pool, candidates must wait until an Invitation to Apply is issued via their account. Invitations are issued randomly during several rounds and not all participants will receive one.
Any person can apply online with the required documents during the IEC season. However, Ingwe devices strategies and helps participants that are accepted and have the right qualifications or skills to:
- Become a Permanent Resident of Canada after their work permit expires;
- Extend their stay in the country as a visitor, student or worker;
- Get certified in their fields or professions.
