International Experience Canada
Find out all about the International Experience Canada (IEC) visa cost, your chances of getting a Canadian working holiday visa and more.
Quick facts about IEC
This program is for young people aged 18 to 34 (and in some cases maximum 29 or 30) who want to travel to Canada to work for a set period of time. Applying isn't as straightforward as you might think. You must first become a candidate in a pool, get an invitation to apply then apply for a work permit.
IEC Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
As of 2021, you can apply for IEC from these countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine and United Kingdom.
Which countries have an agreement with Canada under IEC?
In addition to having applied for one of the above, applicants must additionally meet the following requirements: be currently residing in Canada, be in possession of a valid work permit that will expire within four months. Note that if you applied for PR in Quebec you won’t be able to take advantage of this particular work permit. A Certificate de selection du Quebec (CSQ) may allow you to work, however.
Is there a working holiday visa in Canada for Indians?
India is not on the list of IEC countries, but there are other options. For example, as a student in Canada an Indian may be eligible for a post graduate work permit.
What are the “pools” and how many can I choose?
There are three pools and you can choose from one to three depending on your circumstances. They are Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship).
What’s the IEC visa cost?
Creating a profile is free. But when you are invited to apply for a work permit online, you will have to pay fees that will be determined by the IEC category for which you are applying. In general, you would pay a participation fee of CAD 156 to apply as of August 2021.
Do I need a medical exam, biometrics and police certificate to apply?
Yes, you'll require police certificates from any country or territory you've lived in for six months or more since turning 18. Fingerprints and photo biometrics are also necessary. Your biometrics may still be valid if you've already provided them before. Medical exams are necessary if you plan to work in the healthcare field or in teaching, or have spent time in certain countries; the list of which can be found here.
All about the IEC procedure
Applying online can be broken down simply into the steps below.
1. Complete the questionnaire and get your personal reference code.
2. Create an account on the website of Canada’s immigration body, the IRCC.
3. Submit your profile; noting that if you choose the Working Holiday pool you need a valid job offer first.
4. If you receive an invitation to apply via your account, you’ll have 10 days to start your application.
5. Once you start your work permit application, you have 20 days to complete and submit it, and pay the appropriate fee.
6. For Young Professional and Co-op pools only: During that 20-day period, your employer needs to pay the CAD 230 employer compliance fee.
7. Once the fee is paid, your employer should send you an offer of employment number. You need this to apply for your work permit.
8. Upload all supporting documents, including police and medical exam certificates, if applicable. You can also upload proof you’ve applied for or requested the documents.
9. Pay your participation fee with a credit card online through your IRCC account.
10. IRCC will send a Port of Entry Letter to your account. Bring this letter and your job offer with you to Canada!
Recognized Organization
There are nine recognized organizations that can help you join the IEC program. They assist Canadian and international youth with IEC work and travel opportunities. Some of the things they can do include aiding with your job search, transportation arrangements, and arrangements for a place to stay, as well as other logistical support.
Below is a list of these ROs that provide services to participants in specific IEC categories.
Processing time
Usually, the entire process takes around 56 days.
Application fees
In addition to the CAD 156 “participation” or application fee, there are a couple other fees to take note of. The first is the biometrics fee of CAD 85, and if you are applying as a working holiday goer, you must also pay the fee for an open work permit: CAD 100.
If you are coming to Canada under the internship/international co-op option, your employer pays the fees.
Health insurance requirements
You must obtain health insurance prior to your arrival in Canada. It must be valid for the full period of time you intend to stay. You may be denied admission to Canada if you do not have adequate insurance.