IEC Work Permit
Understanding IEC Work Permit
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a government initiative that allows young adults (18-35 years old) from over 30 countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years. There are three categories under the IEC program:
- Working Holiday:
This category is for individuals who want to travel and work in Canada for up to two years. Applicants are not required to have a job offer before they apply, but they must meet the eligibility requirements for their country of citizenship.
- Young Professionals:
This category is for individuals who have a job offer in Canada that is related to their field of study and requires a certain level of skill. The job must be classified as National Occupational Classification (NOC) level 0, A or B.
- International Co-op:
This category is for individuals who are enrolled in a post-secondary program in their home country and want to complete a work placement or internship in Canada. The work placement must be directly related to the student’s field of study.
To be eligible for an IEC work permit in Canada, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a citizen of a country that has a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada.
Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
Meet the eligibility requirements for their specific category, including language proficiency and education requirements.
Have a valid job offer or work placement, depending on the category.
Have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Canada.
Obtain a work permit before arriving in Canada.