Navigating the International Experience Canada Program
Are you between 18 and 35 years old and from a specific country (18 to 30 in some countries)? Have you heard about the working holiday visa, which allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience and improve your English and French language skills?
How to obtain a Canadian working holiday visa?
The only way to participate in the International Experience Canada (IEC) pool. This is a Government of Canada program that lets eligible young people from partner countries work and travel in Canada.
It’s designed to offer international work experience, cultural exchange, and improved knowledge of Canada’s languages (English and/or French) to those granted a work permit.
🇨🇦 What are the countries listed as partner countries?
Not all countries participate in the International Experience Canada (IEC) agreements. Only citizens of participating countries are eligible to apply, and eligibility may be for some or all IEC categories, including Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship).
Please note that age limits, quotas, and available categories vary by country, and eligibility is determined by the specific bilateral agreement between Canada and each country.
Participating Countries:
🇦🇩 Andorra
🇦🇺 Australia
🇦🇹 Austria
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇨🇱 Chile
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
🇭🇷 Croatia
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇪🇪 Estonia
🇫🇮 Finland
🇫🇷 France
🇩🇪 Germany
🇬🇷 Greece
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
🇮🇪 Ireland
🇮🇹 Italy
🇯🇵 Japan
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇱🇻 Latvia
🇱🇹 Lithuania
🇱🇺 Luxembourg
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇳🇴 Norway
🇵🇱 Poland
🇸🇰 Slovakia
🇸🇮 Slovenia
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
United States under some requirements.
Because eligibility rules differ by country, a professional assessment is recommended to confirm which IEC category you may qualify for and the best strategy to apply successfully.
What are the benefits of International Experience Canada?
International Work & Travel: Opportunity to live and work in Canada, supporting your travels and cultural experience.
Language Skills: Great chance to improve English or French in a natural, immersive setting.
Life & Career Growth: A chance to gain international work experience, learn soft skills, build your résumé, and open doors for future immigration or work studies.
How It Works – Main Steps?
Country Eligibility Check:
This is the first step; we can assist by verifying whether your country has a bilateral IEC agreement with Canada.We can help in creating a Profile:
If you are an eligible participant, we ensure your participation in the pool by drafting a profile in the IEC system.Get Invited
Once your profile is accepted into a “pool,” you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Invitations are issued in "rounds" depending on your country and category. We will monitor your account and let you know if you get an invitation to apply.Apply for Permit
After you receive your Invitation to Apply, we submit your work permit application along with the required documents.Prepare for Arrival
Once approved, you get ready to come to Canada. Our assistance includes understanding how your permit is activated, what you must do upon arrival, and any additional requirements.
What is important to know & Tips?
Number of Spots / Rounds
IEC opens in “rounds” per country and category. This means there’s a limited number of participants in each round, so timing matters.Processing Fees & Biometrics
You’ll need to pay the required fees, complete biometrics, and ensure all documents are in order to avoid delays.Activate Your Work Permit Correctly
If you are already in Canada when your Invitation to Apply arrives, there are special rules about how/where your work permit is “activated”.If you are not in Canada, you will be assessed at the POE by an immigration officer regarding your eligibility for a work permit.
Why IEC Matters?
International Experience Canada offers more than just a job — it’s about experiencing life in Canada, developing professionally and personally, and making networks that span cultures. For many, it’s also a stepping stone toward longer-term opportunities, such as extending a stay, changing immigration status, or applying for permanent residence.
If you are considering applying to IEC, our firm is here to help. We can assist you in:
Checking if you are eligible.
Preparing your IEC profile & documents.
Navigating the invitation rounds.
Completing your work permit application.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities once in Canada.
If you need help to apply for this program, email me at alejandro@mevoyacanada.com
Contact us to schedule a consultation and find out how IEC might be one of your best routes to working and exploring in Canada.