The 2026 season of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program is now open, providing young people from eligible countries the opportunity to live, work, and travel in Canada for up to two years. The program, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), allows applicants aged 18 to 35 to apply depending on their country of citizenship.
The IEC program is designed to let young adults gain Canadian work experience while exploring the country and immersing themselves in its culture. Although the program is temporary, it often serves as a pathway to longer-term immigration opportunities.
Eligible participants must meet age, health, character, and financial requirements. Work permits under IEC vary by country, typically lasting between 12 and 24 months. The program includes three categories: Working Holiday, which offers an open work permit without requiring a job offer and is flexible for seasonal jobs; International Co-op (Internship), for students with employer-specific work permits linked to their studies; and Young Professionals, which requires a job offer aligned with the applicant’s education or career path and provides an employer-specific work permit.
Applications are submitted online through a pool system, where candidates create a profile, enter the pool, and await an invitation. Once selected, applicants submit required documents, receive a Port of Entry Letter, and activate their work permit upon arrival in Canada.
Eligible countries for the IEC program include Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
The IEC program is a highly accessible option for young travellers seeking legal work abroad without employer sponsorship, enabling them to earn income, gain professional experience, and experience Canadian culture firsthand.
Comments (2)