International Experience Canada: Work and Internships in Canada

International Experience Canada, or IEC, is a Canadian youth mobility program that allows citizens of certain countries to obtain a temporary Canadian work permit.

IEC is not a permanent immigration program. It does not guarantee an invitation, work permit, admission to Canada or permanent residence.

The 2026 IEC season is open. Eligibility depends on citizenship, age, the categories available for that citizenship, quotas, previous participation and other country-specific requirements.

Countries and territories participating in IEC

As of August 12, 2026, citizens of 36 countries and territories have direct access to at least one IEC category.

Working Holiday, Young Professionals and International Co-op are available to citizens of:

• Australia;
• Austria;
• Chile;
• Costa Rica;
• Croatia;
• Czech Republic;
• Estonia;
• Finland;
• France;
• Germany;
• Greece;
• Ireland;
• Italy;
• Republic of Korea — South Korea;
• Latvia;
• Lithuania;
• Luxembourg;
• Norway;
• Poland;
• Portugal;
• Slovakia;
• Slovenia;
• Spain;
• Sweden;
• Taiwan;
• United Kingdom.

Working Holiday only is available to citizens of:

• Andorra;
• Belgium;
• Denmark;
• Hong Kong;
• Iceland;
• Japan;
• New Zealand;
• San Marino.

Working Holiday and Young Professionals are available to citizens of:

• Netherlands.

Young Professionals and International Co-op are available to citizens of:

• Switzerland.

Complete official list:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

Each country has its own age limits, quotas, work permit duration, residence requirements and participation limits.

Ukraine and other countries not on the list

As of August 12, 2026, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan and Israel are not included in the list of countries with direct IEC access.

Some Recognized Organizations may have limited options for citizens of particular countries, educational institutions or professional associations. This is not a general or automatic right to participate.

Before paying any fees, the applicant should obtain written confirmation from the specific Recognized Organization confirming citizenship eligibility, category and quota availability.

IEC categories

Working Holiday generally does not require a job offer before the IEC profile is submitted. Successful applicants apply for an open work permit.

Young Professionals requires a paid Canadian job offer that contributes to professional development. The position must generally be classified as NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. A TEER 4 position may qualify when related to the applicant’s field of study.

International Co-op is for students registered at a post-secondary institution outside Canada who need a Canadian internship to complete their studies.

Language requirements

IEC does not have one universal IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada requirement.

However, an employer or Recognized Organization may require sufficient English or French ability and may conduct a language interview.

An approved English or French test is mandatory for a later Canadian Experience Class application.

Application process

1. Check citizenship, age and available categories through IRCC.
2. Create an IEC profile.
3. Wait for an invitation. Creating a profile does not guarantee one.
4. Accept the invitation within the deadline shown in the IRCC account.
5. Submit the complete work permit application.
6. Provide documents, biometrics and applicable fees.
7. If approved, receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction.
8. Present the required documents when entering Canada. The final work permit decision is made at the port of entry.

Insurance and funds

Health insurance must be valid for the entire intended stay and cover medical care, hospitalization and repatriation.

The participant should have a bank statement issued no more than one week before departure showing the equivalent of at least CAD 2,500. A departure ticket or additional funds to purchase one are also required.

IEC and Express Entry

Paid Canadian work experience obtained through Working Holiday or Young Professionals may count toward the Canadian Experience Class when it meets the authorization, NOC, TEER, duties, language and work-hour requirements.

Applicants generally need at least 1,560 eligible hours obtained during the three years before applying.

Self-employment and work obtained while studying full-time, including a co-op term, generally do not count toward the minimum Canadian Experience Class requirement.

Neither IEC nor an Express Entry profile guarantees permanent residence.

How CUSC can help

CUSC can assist with:

• citizenship and age eligibility;
• category selection;
• job offer and NOC/TEER review;
• assessment of a possible Recognized Organization route;
• document preparation;
• employer compliance requirements;
• Canadian Experience Class planning;
• alternative work, study or immigration options when IEC is unavailable.

Applicants may apply independently. Using a representative is optional and does not guarantee approval.

Canadian Universal Solutions Corp. is a private Canadian company. It is not a government authority, part of IRCC or an IEC Recognized Organization. No person or company can guarantee an invitation, work permit, admission to Canada or permanent residence.

Last updated: August 12, 2026