International Experience Canada: IEC Work Permit Guide 2026

1. What Is International Experience Canada?

International Experience Canada, or IEC, is a Canadian immigration program that allows eligible young people from participating countries and territories to work and travel in Canada.

Canada operates IEC through reciprocal youth mobility arrangements with participating countries and territories.

Depending on the applicant's citizenship and the applicable agreement, IEC participation may be available through:

• Working Holiday;
• Young Professionals; or
• International Co-op (Internship).

The resulting work authorization depends on the category. Working Holiday normally provides an open work permit, while Young Professionals and International Co-op normally provide employer-specific work permits.

For the broader Canadian work authorization framework, see the Work Permit Canada: Requirements & Complete Guide .

2. The Three International Experience Canada Categories

IEC is not a single work permit category.

It contains three different work and travel experiences, and the correct category affects the type of work permit, whether a job offer is required and the employer's obligations.

Not every participating country has access to all three categories. Applicants must check the category or categories available under the arrangement applicable to their citizenship.

3. Working Holiday Canada

The Working Holiday category is designed for eligible participants who want flexibility to travel in Canada while working to help finance their stay.

A Working Holiday participant does not normally need a job offer before coming to Canada.

If approved and issued at the port of entry, the participant normally receives an open work permit.

This generally allows the holder to work for different eligible employers in Canada during the validity of the permit rather than being tied to one employer.

IRCC states that a Working Holiday work permit should normally show:

• open as the employer; and
• unknown as the employment location.

While the permit remains valid, IRCC does not impose a category-specific limit on the number of hours the Working Holiday participant may work.

For the broader rules governing open permits, see the Open Work Permit Canada guide .

4. Young Professionals Canada

The Young Professionals category is intended for eligible youth who want Canadian work experience that contributes to their professional development.

Unlike Working Holiday, Young Professionals requires a qualifying job offer before the work permit application is submitted.

The resulting permit is normally employer-specific.

The permit identifies the employer and work location, and the participant can work only in accordance with those conditions unless IRCC authorizes a qualifying change.

Under the current rules, the offered job must normally be classified in:

• NOC TEER 0;
• NOC TEER 1;
• NOC TEER 2; or
• NOC TEER 3.

A TEER 4 job can potentially qualify where it is in the applicant's field of study.

Where the applicant relies on a TEER 4 position, IRCC requires evidence of the relevant post-secondary diploma, certificate or degree.

5. International Co-op (Internship)

International Co-op is designed for eligible students who need Canadian work experience or an internship related to their studies.

The participant must generally be registered as a student at a post-secondary institution outside Canada and have a qualifying work placement or internship in Canada.

The work placement must be linked to the participant's field of studies.

IRCC may require:

• a letter confirming current school registration; and
• evidence establishing the connection between the Canadian placement and the participant's field of studies.

Evidence of that connection can include an internship agreement signed by the student, employer and educational institution or an appropriate letter from the educational institution.

International Co-op normally results in an employer-specific work permit.

6. Who Is Eligible for International Experience Canada?

IEC eligibility is highly country-specific.

As a starting point, the applicant's country or territory of citizenship must generally have a youth mobility agreement with Canada.

The applicable agreement determines matters such as:

• eligible age range;
• available IEC categories;
• maximum participation length;
• how many times a person may participate;
• whether repeated participation must be in a different category; and
• any country-specific eligibility conditions.

Applicants should therefore verify the current IRCC eligibility page for their citizenship rather than applying a general age or duration rule to every IEC country.

7. What Is the IEC Age Limit?

IEC is a youth mobility program, but there is no single maximum age that applies identically to every participating country.

The applicable age range is determined by the youth mobility arrangement between Canada and the participant's country or territory.

Depending on citizenship, eligibility can extend to age 30 or 35.

Applicants should use IRCC's country-specific IEC eligibility tool to confirm the exact age range that applies to them.

8. Which Countries Participate in IEC?

Canada has youth mobility arrangements with numerous countries and territories.

Current participants include countries and territories in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas.

However, available categories differ.

For example, some citizenships may have access only to Working Holiday, while others may have access to:

• Working Holiday;
• Young Professionals; and
• International Co-op.

The permitted duration and number of participations can also differ significantly.

Because youth mobility arrangements can change, applicants should use IRCC's current country-specific eligibility information before creating a profile.

9. Using a Recognized Organization for IEC

Some applicants can participate in IEC with the assistance of an organization recognized by the Government of Canada.

Recognized organizations, commonly called ROs, can provide services such as:

• travel planning assistance;
• job-search support;
• Canadian employer assistance;
• orientation; and
• general work-and-travel support.

Most recognized organizations charge a fee for their services.

Where an applicant uses an RO and receives an invitation, IRCC requires the applicant to upload the RO confirmation letter with the IEC work permit application.

Using an RO does not remove the requirement to satisfy Canada's immigration and admissibility requirements.

10. How Many Times Can You Participate in IEC?

The number of IEC participations permitted depends on the applicant's citizenship and the applicable youth mobility arrangement.

Some countries allow only one participation. Others permit more than one participation, sometimes only if the subsequent participation is in a different IEC category.

IRCC reviews previous IEC participation when assessing a new work permit application.

A person can receive only one IEC permit per season.

For IEC purposes, a participation generally counts when the person arrives in Canada and is issued the IEC work permit.

If IRCC approves an application but the person never comes to Canada to obtain the work permit, IRCC states that this does not count as an IEC participation.

11. How IEC Pools Work

IEC uses a pool-and-invitation system.

An eligible person first creates an IEC profile and submits it to one or more pools for which they qualify.

There is generally a separate pool for each:

• country or territory; and
• IEC category.

A person can have only one IEC profile at a time, but that profile can potentially be submitted to more than one eligible pool.

A profile generally remains in the pool until:

• the candidate receives an Invitation to Apply;
• IRCC removes profiles when the season ends; or
• the candidate is no longer eligible.

12. An IEC Profile Is Not a Work Permit Application

Creating and submitting an IEC profile does not mean that the person has applied for a Canadian work permit.

The profile places an eligible candidate in the relevant IEC pool.

The work permit application stage begins only after IRCC issues an Invitation to Apply and the candidate accepts it.

Similarly, receiving an invitation does not guarantee that the work permit will be approved.

IRCC still assesses:

• IEC eligibility;
• supporting documents;
• previous participations;
• work-permit requirements; and
• admissibility to Canada.

13. IEC Invitations to Apply

IRCC conducts rounds of invitations during the IEC season.

The number of candidates invited can vary by country, category and round.

For the 2026 season, IRCC publishes current pool information, available spots and the likelihood of receiving an invitation for individual countries and categories.

IRCC currently issues invitations in the following order where a candidate qualifies for multiple relevant pools:

1. International Co-op (Internship);
2. Young Professionals; and
3. Working Holiday.

Being in a pool does not guarantee an invitation.

14. IEC Invitation and Application Deadlines

IEC deadlines are strict.

When IRCC issues an Invitation to Apply, the candidate currently has 10 days to accept the invitation.

If the candidate does not respond before the deadline, the invitation expires.

After accepting the invitation, the applicant has exactly 20 days to submit the online IEC work permit application.

IRCC calculates the 20-day deadline in Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC.

15. What Happens if You Decline an IEC Invitation?

A candidate who does not want to proceed with a particular Invitation to Apply can decline it.

IRCC states that declining an invitation does not negatively affect future invitations.

If the candidate remains eligible, the profile stays in the IEC pool and can potentially be considered in a future round.

This differs from allowing the invitation to expire without responding, after which the candidate may need to submit a new profile to return to the pool.

16. Employer Requirements for Young Professionals and International Co-op

Young Professionals and International Co-op are employer-specific IEC categories.

Before the applicant submits the work permit application, the Canadian employer generally must:

1. submit the offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal;
2. pay the employer compliance fee; and
3. provide the applicant with the offer of employment number.

The offer number normally begins with the letter A.

As of September 2026, the employer compliance fee is CAN$230.

These IEC categories are LMIA-exempt, but LMIA-exempt does not mean that the employer has no compliance obligations.

For the broader framework, see LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Canada .

17. Documents for an IEC Work Permit Application

After the applicant accepts an invitation, IRCC generates a personalized document checklist.

Depending on the applicant and IEC category, documents can include:

• passport;
• digital photograph;
• CV or résumé;
• police certificates;
• immigration medical examination evidence where required;
• offer of employment number for employer-specific IEC categories;
• school registration evidence for International Co-op;
• evidence linking an International Co-op placement to the field of study;
• post-secondary credential evidence where a Young Professionals applicant relies on an eligible TEER 4 position;
• recognized organization confirmation letter where applicable; and
• other documents requested in the personalized checklist.

See also the Canada Work Permit Documents Checklist .

18. Police Certificates for IEC

IEC applicants commonly need police certificates for countries or territories where they have spent six or more consecutive months since the age of 18.

For the applicant's current country or territory of residence, IRCC generally requires the certificate to be no more than six months old when the application is submitted.

For another country or territory where the applicant previously lived for six or more consecutive months, the certificate generally must have been issued after the applicant left.

Certain countries have IEC-specific police certificate instructions.

Because police certificates can take significant time to obtain, IRCC encourages candidates to begin preparing supporting documents while waiting in the IEC pool.

19. Medical Examination Requirements for IEC

An immigration medical examination can be required depending on the applicant's personal history and intended work in Canada.

A medical examination can be particularly important where the participant intends to work in an occupation for which Canada requires a medical examination.

Without the required medical examination, IRCC may issue a work permit containing occupational restrictions.

IRCC currently advises IEC candidates to wait until they receive an invitation before completing a medical examination because medical results are generally valid for 12 months.

If the examination cannot be completed before the IEC application deadline, IRCC permits the applicant to upload proof that an appointment has been scheduled.

20. International Experience Canada Fees in 2026

IEC fees depend on the category.

This means a Working Holiday applicant who needs biometrics can have a different total than a Young Professionals or International Co-op applicant.

Government fees can change, so the current IRCC fee schedule should be checked when the application is submitted.

See also Canada Work Permit Fees and Biometrics .

21. Biometrics for IEC Applicants

IEC applicants may need to provide fingerprints and a photograph after submitting the work permit application.

Where biometrics are required, IRCC issues a biometric instruction letter.

The applicant generally has up to 30 days to provide biometrics after the instruction letter is issued.

Previously provided biometrics may still be valid in some cases.

Applicants should also be aware that IRCC cannot issue the visa or permit beyond the expiry date of the biometrics relied upon.

22. What Happens After an IEC Application Is Approved?

An approved IEC applicant generally receives a port-of-entry letter of introduction, commonly called a POE letter or LOI.

The POE letter is not the work permit itself.

It also does not guarantee admission to Canada.

For an IEC participant outside Canada, the applicant normally presents the letter and supporting documents to a border services officer when entering Canada.

The officer makes the final decision on admission and work permit issuance.

IRCC currently states that an IEC POE letter of introduction is valid for one year.

The participant must generally arrive on or before the expiry date printed on the letter.

23. IEC Proof of Funds: The $2,500 Requirement

IEC participants must be prepared to demonstrate sufficient funds when arriving in Canada.

IRCC currently requires proof of at least CAN$2,500, or the equivalent in foreign currency, to help cover the first three months in Canada.

The participant should carry a bank statement issued no more than one week before departure for Canada.

If a bank statement cannot be obtained, IRCC allows an appropriate letter from the financial institution that:

• is on official letterhead;
• was issued no more than one week before departure;
• clearly shows the account balance; and
• is signed and preferably stamped.

The participant must also have a return ticket or sufficient additional funds to purchase one.

An unpaid International Co-op participant may need additional funds sufficient to cover expenses throughout the stay.

24. IEC Health Insurance Requirements

Health insurance is a critical IEC arrival requirement.

The participant does not need to hold the policy when initially applying for IEC, but must have qualifying insurance before arriving in Canada.

The insurance must cover:

• medical care;
• hospitalization; and
• repatriation, including return to the home country in the event of serious illness, injury or death.

Coverage must extend for the participant's entire intended stay in Canada.

Provincial health coverage alone is not sufficient because it does not provide the required repatriation coverage.

25. Documents to Bring When Entering Canada Under IEC

An IEC participant should be prepared to show the border services officer:

• valid passport;
• POE letter of introduction;
• proof of qualifying health insurance;
• proof of funds;
• return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one; and
• copies of the documents submitted with the IEC work permit application.

Approval of the online application does not remove the requirement to satisfy the border officer that the participant remains admissible and eligible for the work permit.

26. How Long Is an IEC Work Permit Valid?

There is no single IEC work permit duration that applies to every participant.

The maximum period depends on the applicable youth mobility arrangement and category.

The actual permit can also be shortened by:

• passport expiry;
• biometrics expiry;
• health insurance expiry; or
• the end date of the employment contract for Young Professionals or International Co-op.

Participants should review the permit carefully before leaving the port of entry and immediately raise any apparent error with the border services officer.

27. IEC Open Work Permit vs. Employer-Specific Work Permit

The distinction between the IEC categories is important after arrival.

Working Holiday

A Working Holiday participant normally holds an open work permit and can work for different eligible employers while the permit remains valid.

Young Professionals and International Co-op

These participants normally hold employer-specific permits.

The work permit identifies the employer and location, and the participant may work only in accordance with those conditions.

Changing employers under an employer-specific IEC permit requires separate consideration and is not equivalent to simply changing jobs while holding a Working Holiday open permit.

28. Can a Young Professionals or Co-op Participant Change Employers?

An employer-specific IEC participant cannot simply begin working for a different employer.

IRCC may allow a change of employer in limited circumstances where the reason is outside the participant's control and the requested work continues to satisfy the applicable IEC category.

The new employer must generally complete the required employer compliance steps, and the participant must obtain authorization before working under conditions that are not permitted by the existing work permit.

A desire to change employers for convenience should not be assumed to qualify.

29. Can an IEC Work Permit Be Extended?

IEC permits are generally limited by the applicable youth mobility arrangement and cannot simply be extended because the participant wants to remain in Canada longer.

Limited corrections or changes may be available in specific circumstances, but IEC should not be treated as an indefinitely renewable work permit category.

A participant who wants to continue working after IEC expiry may need to qualify independently for another work permit category.

Depending on the circumstances, that could include:

• an LMIA-supported work permit;
• another LMIA-exempt work permit;
• a Bridging Open Work Permit after an eligible permanent residence application; or
• another category for which the person qualifies.

See the Canada Work Permit Extension guide .

30. Can IEC Work Experience Help With Permanent Residence?

IEC is a temporary work program and does not itself provide permanent residence.

However, qualifying authorized Canadian work experience obtained while holding an IEC permit may later be relevant to an economic immigration program.

Depending on the worker's occupation, duties, language ability and other factors, possible pathways can include:

• Canadian Experience Class;
• other Express Entry programs;
• Provincial Nominee Programs; and
• other economic immigration pathways.

The immigration value of the work depends on the requirements of the permanent residence program, not merely on the fact that the person held an IEC permit.

See the Express Entry Canada Complete Guide .

31. Common International Experience Canada Mistakes

Assuming every IEC country has the same rules

Age limits, categories, permit duration and permitted participations depend on the applicable youth mobility arrangement.

Treating an IEC profile as a work permit application

Entering a pool does not mean that a work permit application has been submitted.

Assuming an invitation guarantees approval

IRCC still assesses eligibility, documentation and admissibility after an Invitation to Apply.

Missing the 10-day invitation deadline

Candidates currently have 10 days to accept an IEC invitation.

Missing the 20-day application deadline

After accepting an invitation, the applicant has exactly 20 days to submit the work permit application.

Ignoring UTC

IEC application deadlines are displayed and calculated in Coordinated Universal Time.

Using insufficient health insurance

Insurance must cover medical care, hospitalization and repatriation for the entire intended stay.

Buying insurance for only part of the intended stay

A shorter insurance policy can result in a shorter work permit that cannot later be extended merely to recover the lost IEC period.

Arriving without sufficient proof of funds

The participant should be ready to establish at least CAN$2,500 in available funds plus return travel arrangements.

Assuming Young Professionals is an open work permit

Young Professionals normally results in an employer-specific work permit.

Assuming any job qualifies for Young Professionals

The employment must satisfy the professional development rules and applicable NOC TEER requirements.

Changing employers without authorization

Young Professionals and International Co-op participants are normally restricted to the employer and location identified on the permit.

32. International Experience Canada Checklist

33. International Experience Canada FAQs

Is International Experience Canada open in 2026?

Yes. IRCC confirms that the 2026 IEC season is open and eligible candidates can create profiles.

What are the three IEC categories?

They are Working Holiday, Young Professionals and International Co-op (Internship).

Is Working Holiday an open work permit?

Yes. Working Holiday normally results in an open work permit.

Do I need a job offer for Working Holiday?

No job offer is normally required before coming to Canada under the Working Holiday category.

Is Young Professionals an open work permit?

No. Young Professionals normally results in an employer-specific work permit.

What jobs qualify for Young Professionals?

The job normally must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 and contribute to professional development. A TEER 4 job can potentially qualify if it is in the applicant's field of study and the required post-secondary credential evidence is provided.

What is International Co-op?

It is an IEC category for eligible students with a Canadian internship or work placement linked to their field of studies.

What is the IEC age limit?

It depends on citizenship. The applicable youth mobility arrangement determines the age range, which can extend to age 30 or 35 depending on the country or territory.

Does submitting an IEC profile mean I applied for a work permit?

No. A profile places the candidate in an IEC pool. A work permit application can be started only after receiving and accepting an Invitation to Apply.

Is an IEC invitation guaranteed?

No. Being eligible and entering a pool does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply.

How long do I have to accept an IEC invitation?

Under the current 2026 rules, you have 10 days to accept the invitation.

How long do I have to submit the application after accepting?

You have exactly 20 days from the time you accept the invitation to submit the IEC work permit application.

Is the 20-day deadline based on my local time?

No. IRCC uses Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, for the IEC application deadline.

How much money do I need when entering Canada under IEC?

IRCC currently requires proof of at least CAN$2,500, plus a return ticket or enough additional funds to purchase one.

How recent must my bank statement be?

The statement should be issued no more than one week before departure for Canada.

Do I need health insurance for IEC?

Yes. At arrival, the participant must have insurance covering medical care, hospitalization and repatriation for the entire intended stay.

What happens if my insurance covers only part of my stay?

The work permit may be issued only until the insurance expiry date. IRCC states that the participant cannot later extend the permit merely to recover the period lost because of insufficient insurance coverage.

Does provincial health insurance satisfy the IEC insurance requirement?

No. Provincial coverage does not provide the required repatriation coverage.

How much is the IEC fee in 2026?

The 2026 IEC participation fee is $184.75. Additional fees depend on the category and circumstances.

Is there an additional Working Holiday fee?

Yes. Working Holiday applicants also pay the $100 open work permit holder fee.

Does an employer pay a fee for Young Professionals?

Yes. The employer currently pays the $230 employer compliance fee and submits the offer of employment through the Employer Portal.

Does an IEC application require an LMIA?

No. IEC work permits are issued under an LMIA-exempt framework.

How long is an IEC POE letter valid?

IRCC currently states that an IEC port-of-entry letter of introduction is valid for one year.

Does an IEC approval guarantee entry to Canada?

No. The POE letter does not guarantee admission or work permit issuance. A border services officer makes the final decision when the participant seeks entry and work authorization.

Can I extend an IEC work permit?

IEC permits are generally limited by the applicable youth mobility arrangement and are not ordinarily renewable merely because the participant wants to remain in Canada longer.

Can IEC work experience help with Express Entry?

Potentially. Qualifying authorized Canadian work experience may be relevant to the Canadian Experience Class or another economic immigration pathway if all requirements of that program are met.