Youth Mobility
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Complete guide to Working Holiday open permits, Young Professional closed permits, and Co-op internships.
⚡ LMIA-Exempt Work Permits:
The IEC program allows youth from participating countries to live and work in Canada. All IEC work permits are **LMIA-exempt**, removing the employer's requirement to prove they could not find a Canadian citizen to fill the position.
IEC Country Eligibility Diagnostic
Select your country of citizenship to check age restrictions and stream rules:
The Three IEC Work Permit Streams
Candidates can apply to enter one or more pools depending on their country’s bilateral agreements:
- 1. Working Holiday: Offers an **Open Work Permit**. You do not need a job offer to apply. You can work for any employer in Canada in almost any industry. Ideal for general travel and work.
- 2. Young Professionals: Offers an **Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit**. You must have a signed job offer in Canada that contributes to your professional development (usually TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
- 3. International Co-op (Internship): Offers an Employer-Specific Work Permit. Designed for university/college students who must complete a work placement in Canada as part of their curriculum.
Program Highlights
LMIA Exemption CodeC21 (Open) / C20 (Closed)
Participation LimitUsually 1-2 times
Application Cost$180 CAD + Biometrics
Open permit holder fee$100 CAD