The History and Benefits of IEC (International Experience Canada)

IEC has a rich history dating back to 1956, beginning with France as its inaugural partner. Today, it boasts over 35 participating countries worldwide, fostering bilateral agreements aimed at cultural exchange and economic collaboration.

While not available to every country, participation in the IEC program offers an unparalleled opportunity to live and work in Canada. This initiative not only enriches the lives of youth participants but also enhances the economies and cultural landscapes of both Canada and its partner nations.

Duration of an IEC Work Permit

IEC provides the opportunity to foreign national youth from countries that currently hold an agreement with Canada, with the chance to work and travel in Canada for periods ranging from 1 to 3 years. The duration of the work permit granted under this program depends on two primary factors:

Bilateral Agreement between countries: The specific agreement between Canada and each participating country determines the maximum length of the work permit. Not all countries are eligible for the same work permit duration.

Health Insurance Requirement: The duration of the work permit will be influenced by the length of the health insurance you bring to Canada at the time of your work permit activation. Bringing the maximum duration of your work permit will ensure you receive the maximum duration of your working holiday in Canada. Learn more about this requirement here.

Types of IEC Work Permits

The IEC program offers three distinct types of work and travel experiences tailored to suit different career goals and educational pursuits:

1. Working Holiday: Participants receive an open work permit enabling them to work anywhere in Canada, supporting their travel adventures.
2. International Co-op (Internship): Designed for registered students seeking hands-on experience as part of their education degree. The work placement or internship must be required in order to complete their study program.
3. Young Professionals: Participants gain professional work experience aligned with their career path through an employer-specific work permit for skilled workers working at roles under Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Participants not only live and work in Canada but also have the opportunity to enhance their language skills in English or French, contributing to a well-rounded cultural and professional experience.

Age Requirements for IEC Participants

The age eligibility for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program varies depending on the bilateral agreements between Canada and each participating country. Some countries set the age limit up to 30 years old. Others extend the age limit up to 35 years old. Specifically:

• 18 – 30 years old: Eligible participants must be within this age range before their 31st birthday.
• 18 – 35 years old: Eligible participants must be within this age range before their 36th birthday.

It’s important to verify the age requirements each season, as they can change. For instance, during IEC 2024, the age limit for UK citizens increased to up to 35 years old, offering greater opportunities for individuals who wish to work in Canada after their 31st birthday, as that was the age limit until IEC 2023 Season and now has been updated, which is great news!

How to Apply for an IEC Working Holiday Visa for Canada

Applying for an International Experience Canada (IEC) working holiday visa involves a specific process:

Invitation Only (ITA): The working holiday visa is available by invitation only. Eligible candidates must create an online profile and wait for an invitation to apply (ITA) from IEC, issued every week to eligible participants that are part of the pool of applicants per country.

Online Application: Once invited or received your ITA, applicants need to complete their work permit application online. This includes uploading required documents, paying visa fees and receive all the updates regarding the work permit application.

Biometrics Requirement: Biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) are part of the work permit application process. Applicants must visit in person one of Canada’s Visa Application Centers (VFS) worldwide to complete this step. You can complete biometrics at any VFS location, not necessarily in your country of citizenship. You must be sure to complete this step within the 30 days timeframe provided by IEC.

At Stepwest we offer support throughout the work permit application process and beyond. Our experienced Travel Coordinators will guide you at every step. We ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience to maximize your chances of securing an IEC working holiday visa for Canada.

IEC Working Holiday Canada – Country-Specific Guidance:

For more tailored guidance based on your country of residence, you should check out one of these articles: UK, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Australia, New Zealand & Ireland.

These articles provide specific information relevant to applicants from each country, ensuring you have all the necessary details to successfully apply for an IEC working holiday visa to Canada.

How much does the Working Holiday visa cost for Canada?

When applying for a Working Holiday visa through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, there are several fees payable to the Government of Canada:

• IEC Fee: CAD $172 – This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing your application under the IEC program.
• Open Work Permit Fee: CAD $100 – This fee is specifically for the open work permit that allows you to work in various roles and locations throughout Canada during your stay.
• Biometrics: CAD $85 – Biometrics are a mandatory part of the application process and involve providing fingerprints and a photo. The biometrics fee is valid for 10 years, allowing flexibility for future travel to Canada.

These fees are essential components of your application and must be paid when submitting your working holiday permit application for this to be processed by the Government of Canada. Only after a payment is submitted, the work permit application will be considered submitted and in progress.

Who are we as a Recognized Organization (RO)?

Stepwest has been a Recognized Organization (RO) of the Government of Canada since 2015. This designation signifies our expertise and authorization to facilitate International Experience Canada (IEC) programs. As an RO, we specialize in assisting first-time travellers to Canada under the IEC program.

To learn more about our services and the specific IEC permits available under our Recognized Organization (RO) designation, Check our dedicated RO program page here.

Participate In IEC With Stepwest

Embark on your Canadian working holiday adventure with confidence through Stepwest, a trusted Recognized Organization (RO) since 2015. Our expertise ensures a seamless application process, job placement, and convenient staff housing arrangements upon your arrival. Whether you’re eager to explore Canada’s vibrant cities or its breathtaking natural landscapes, we are committed to making your working holiday experience unforgettable. Join us and discover the opportunities that await you in Canada.