IEC is a program designed to allow young people the opportunity to work in Canada for temporary periods.

Citizens of countries with a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada who are between the ages of 18 and 35 may be eligible for IEC work permits.

Work permits issued under the IEC are exempt from the requirement of a labor market impact assessment and fall into one of three categories:

1. Working Holiday
2. Young professionals
3. International Co-op (internship)

Countries:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland , Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

*Please note that not all participating countries may offer all three programs.

Working Holidays

Participants in this program can receive an open work permit, valid for one to two years. Open work permits allow participants to work anywhere in Canada for almost any Canadian employer. Nationals of some countries may stay in Canada for more or less than a year.

This category is for individuals who:

1. Do not have a job offer.
2. want to work for more than one employer in Canada;
3. Do not have a job offer.
4. Want to earn more to be able to travel.

Young Professionals

Under this program, citizens of participating countries can gain valuable international experience working for a Canadian company. Applicants in this category receive a specific work permit from the employer if approved.

This category is for individuals who:

1. Have a valid job offer in Canada for a paid position that contributes to their professional development.
2. Plan to work for the same employer during their stay in Canada.

A signed job offer letter or employment contract with a Canadian employer related to the applicant’s career development is required before applying. The job offered must be classified as a National Occupation Code (NOC) skill level 0, A, or B.

International Co-op Internship

This program allows citizens of participating countries who are enrolled in a post-secondary institution in their country of citizenship to spend a period of time  completing internships for Canadian companies.  Applicants in this category would receive a specific work permit from the employer.

This category is for individuals who:

1. Are registered at a post-secondary institution outside of Canada;
2. Have a job offer for an internship in Canada that is required to complete their studies
3. Plan to work for the same employer during their stay in Canada.

Participants must have an internship with a Canadian employer before applying.