What is IEC? The **International Experience Canada (IEC)** program is a youth mobility agreement allowing citizens of over 35 countries to obtain temporary work permits to travel and work in Canada.
IEC Stream & Age Eligibility Checker
Evaluate if you meet the age parameters for the IEC program based on your citizenship:
The Three Main IEC Streams
Depending on your agreements and goals, you can apply under one of three streams:
- Working Holiday: Yields an **Open Work Permit**. You do not need a job offer before arriving and can work for any employer in Canada. Perfect for travelers.
- Young Professionals: Yields an **Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit**. You must have a signed job offer in your field of study/profession. The role must fall under NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- International Co-op (Internship): Yields an **Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit**. Designed for post-secondary students who must complete a work placement or internship in Canada to complete their studies.
Country Agreements & Work Permit Limits
Review the exact bilateral parameters for our primary expat cohorts:
| Citizenship | Age Parameters | Max Permit Duration | Allows Working Holiday? |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom 🇬🇧 | 18 – 35 years | 24 months (2 years) | Yes (Open) |
| Australia 🇦🇺 | 18 – 35 years | 24 months (2 years) | Yes (Open) |
| Germany 🇩🇪 | 18 – 35 years | 12 months (up to 24 in Co-op) | Yes (Open) |
| France 🇫🇷 | 18 – 35 years | 24 months (2 years) | Yes (Open) |
Health Insurance Mandate: You must purchase comprehensive medical insurance covering hospitalization and repatriation for the **entire duration** of your approved work permit. CBSA border officers will verify this upon entry; if your insurance is only for 3 months, they will truncate your work permit to match the 3-month insurance validity!