LMIA FinderInternational Experience Canada (IEC)
Work and travel in Canada for up to 2 years through IEC's Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op programs.
What is IEC?
International Experience Canada (IEC) is a Government of Canada program that enables youth from partner countries to obtain temporary work permits through bilateral youth mobility agreements. It offers three distinct categories tailored to different needs.
Working Holiday
Open work permit allowing you to work for any employer and travel freely across Canada. The most popular IEC category.
- Open work permit
- Any employer
- Travel freely
- Most popular
Young Professionals
Employer-specific work permit. You must have a job offer in your field of study or career development area.
- Employer-specific
- Job offer required
- Career-related
- Professional growth
International Co-op (Internship)
For students currently enrolled in a post-secondary program. Requires a job offer related to your field of study.
- Must be enrolled
- Job offer required
- Field of study
- Internship experience
Eligibility Requirements
Meet these requirements to qualify for IEC
Age
18–35 (18–30 for some countries)
Citizenship
Must be a citizen of a participating country
Passport
Valid for the full duration of your stay
Financial Proof
CAD $2,500 minimum in savings
Health Insurance
Must have coverage for entire stay
No Dependents
For Working Holiday category only
No Criminal Record
Police clearance certificate required
Biometrics
Fingerprints and photo required
Participating Countries & Quotas
2026 season
Loading country data from IRCC...
How to Apply
Follow these steps from profile creation to arriving in Canada
Check Eligibility & Create Profile
Verify you meet the requirements and create your IEC profile on the IRCC portal.
Submit to Pool
Submit your profile to the IEC candidate pool and receive your candidate number.
Wait for Invitation
IRCC conducts periodic invitation rounds. Wait to be selected from the pool.
Accept Invitation
You have 10 days to accept or decline your invitation to apply.
Submit Work Permit Application
Upload documents, pay fees, and complete biometrics within 20 days.
Receive Port of Entry Letter
Once approved, you receive a Port of Entry (POE) introduction letter.
Arrive & Get Work Permit
Present your POE letter at the Canadian border to receive your work permit.
IEC Fees
All fees are in Canadian dollars (CAD) — sourced from IRCC
IEC Participation Fee
All categories
Open Work Permit Holder Fee
Working Holiday only
Biometrics Fee
If required
Total (Working Holiday)
WH total
Total (Young Professionals / Co-op)
YP & Co-op total
Processing Times
Estimated timelines for each stage
Pool Invitation
Days to Months
Varies by country and quota
Work Permit Processing
8–16 Weeks
After submitting full application
Biometrics
Within 30 Days
Of receiving the request
IEC 2026 Invitation Rounds
What to expect from the current season
How Rounds Work
IRCC conducts periodic invitation rounds throughout the year, drawing candidates from the pool. The frequency and number of invitations per round vary by country and category.
Most invitations are sent between January and April, with additional rounds continuing through the year until quotas are filled.
⚡ High-Demand Countries
France and Ireland often exhaust their quotas early in the season (sometimes by March/April).
💡 Pro Tip
Submit your profile as early as January 1 for the best chances of receiving an invitation before quotas fill up.
📊 Season Timeline
Pools open ~late November/early December. First rounds typically begin in January.
Tips for Success
Maximize your chances and prepare effectively
Apply Early
Pools open January 1. First invitation rounds often happen within weeks. Don't wait.
Prepare Documents
Police clearance certificates can take up to 3 months. Start early.
Budget Generously
$2,500 is the minimum. Recommend bringing $5,000+ for a comfortable start.
Get Health Insurance
Mandatory requirement. You cannot enter Canada without proof of coverage.
Research Job Market
Use LMIA Finder to check which jobs and regions are in demand.
Search LMIA jobs →Know Your Rights
You're covered by provincial employment standards. Know minimum wage and labor laws.
After IEC — Pathways to Stay
IEC can be a stepping stone to permanent residence in Canada
Express Entry
Canadian work experience counts toward CEC eligibility after 1 year of skilled work.
Learn moreProvincial Nominee Programs
Many PNPs value Canadian work experience, giving you bonus points or direct nomination.
Learn moreLMIA-Based Work Permit
Your employer can apply for an LMIA to sponsor a new employer-specific work permit.
Learn moreStudy in Canada
Apply for a study permit to pursue further education and access Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IEC
Ready to Start Your Canadian Adventure?
Explore job opportunities across Canada and plan your immigration pathway with our tools.