People aged 18 to 35 who wish to come and work in Canada can do so through the International Experience Canada program, which has opened its application process for the 2021 season.
Candidates from one of 34 participating countries can apply in one of three categories:
The IEC program is arranged using pools, with each participating country having an allocation of places under each of the three categories.
Some countries allow applications from the same candidate in different pools, others do not.
Applications are open as of March 1, 2021. Candidates who receive and accept an invitation to apply have 20 days to submit a full work permit application.
Only candidates with a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction and a valid job offer can currently travel to Canada due to COVID-19 restrictions. Candidates must be able to start their job as soon as quarantine is complete.
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The type of work permit application depends on the category. More information on each category and the participating countries is given below.
The Working Holiday category is for candidates looking to fund a vacation with temporary work in Canada.
Candidate Profile
Working Holiday candidates receive an open work permit.
The International Co-Op categories is aimed at candidates looking for overseas work experience int heir field of study.
Candidate Profile
International Co-Op category candidates receive an employer-specific work permit. Internships must be directly linked to field of study.
Wages must follow the labour laws in the specific province or territory. The law determines if an internship needs to be paid.
The Young Professionals category is for those looking to gain Canadian professional work experience.
Candidate Profile
Under this category, work must be paid and not self-employed.
Young Professionals category candidates receive an employer-specific work permit.
Job Requirements
Australia | Hong Kong | Portugal |
Austria | Ireland | San Marino |
Belgium | Italy | Slovakia |
Chile | Japan | Slovenia |
Costa Rica | South Korea | Spain |
Croatia | Latvia | Sweden |
Czech Republic | Lithuania | Switzerland |
Denmark | Mexico | Taiwan |
Estonia | Netherlands | Ukraine |
France | New Zealand | United Kingdom |
Germany | Norway | |
Greece | Poland |
Canada’s immigration department publishes a list of recognized organizations that provide services under the International Experience Canada Program.
The approved organisations provide services for a fee to both Canadians going abroad and foreign nationals coming to Canada.
Services might include help finding a job, somewhere to live, or with travel arrangements.
The organizations are either Canadian with offices overseas, of international with offices in Canada.
Employer-specific work permit only
Open work permit only
Both categories
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