Canada International Experience Canada (IEC): Working Holiday, Young Professionals & Co-op for 2026
A youth mobility work permit for citizens aged 18-35 of 36 partner countries — three categories, LMIA-exempt, CAD 184.75 participation fee, pool-based selection. Indian nationals: access only via Recognized Organisation.
~8 weeks from ITA
CAD 369.75 (Working Holiday) / CAD 269.75 (YP & Co-op)
Up to 24 months (category-dependent)
International Experience Canada (IEC) is a youth mobility program administered by IRCC that lets citizens of partner countries aged 18 to 35 live and work in Canada for up to two years. It operates under bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (YMAs) with 36 partner countries and territories, plus a separate Recognized Organization (RO) stream for youth from non-YMA countries. IEC covers three categories — Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship) — each with distinct work permit types, durations, and eligibility rules. All three streams are LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
The 2026 IEC season officially opened on December 19, 2025, with pools accepting profiles until quotas are filled or the season closes. The IEC participation fee is CAD 184.75, paid online through an IRCC Secure Account; this replaces the standard CAD 155 work permit fee for IEC applicants. Working Holiday applicants also pay the CAD 100 open work permit holder fee, while Young Professionals and Co-op applicants do not. Biometrics cost CAD 85. Candidates must show proof of funds of at least CAD 2,500 on arrival and hold valid health insurance for the entire length of stay — the permit is issued only for as long as the insurance remains valid. Important note for Indian nationals: India does not have a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada. Indian citizens can only participate through a Recognized Organization, and availability varies year to year.
Eligibility
Who can apply for Canada International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit?
- Citizens of the 36 countries with a Youth Mobility Agreement (YMA) with Canada, aged 18 to 35 (or 18 to 30 / 29 depending on the specific agreement)
- Citizens of non-YMA countries — including Indian nationals — who are sponsored by an IRCC-authorised Recognized Organization (RO) for Working Holiday or Young Professionals
- Young adults who want to fund their travel through an open work permit under Working Holiday, with freedom to work for most Canadian employers
- Early-career professionals with a signed job offer from a Canadian employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation that contributes to their professional development, applying under Young Professionals
- Post-secondary students enrolled at a foreign college or university who need a paid internship or co-op placement in Canada related to their field of study, under International Co-op (Internship)
- Youth with valid passports covering the full intended stay in Canada, as the work permit cannot exceed passport validity
- Applicants who can show proof of funds of at least CAD 2,500 and can hold private health insurance for the entire duration of the IEC work permit
- Applicants without a criminal record and who can pass a medical exam if required for occupations in healthcare, childcare, agriculture, or for stays over 6 months from designated countries
IEC eligibility is citizenship- and age-based. India has no Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada — Indian applicants must be nominated by an IRCC-authorised Recognized Organization to enter the IEC pool.
Categories
IEC Categories and Routes
International Experience Canada operates three distinct categories — each with its own work permit type, eligibility rules, fees, and duration. A separate Recognized Organization (RO) route exists for citizens of non-YMA countries, including India. Choose the category that matches your work goal, job offer status, and study situation.
Working Holiday
An open work permit that lets you work for almost any employer in Canada — perfect for funding your travel as you go. Duration is typically 12 to 24 months depending on the YMA between Canada and your country. No job offer is required to enter the Working Holiday pool. Because it is an open permit, applicants also pay the CAD 100 Open Work Permit Holder fee on top of the CAD 184.75 participation fee. This is the most flexible IEC category and historically the most popular.
Young Professionals
An employer-specific (closed) work permit for early-career professionals with a signed offer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation that contributes to the applicant's professional development. Duration is up to 24 months, tied to the employer and role named on the permit. The Canadian employer must pay the CAD 230 employer compliance fee through the IRCC Employer Portal before the applicant submits the work permit application. The job offer cannot be self-employment or a passive investment.
International Co-op (Internship)
An employer-specific (closed) work permit for post-secondary students enrolled at a foreign college or university who need a paid internship or co-op placement in Canada related to their studies. Duration is typically 6 to 12 months. The applicant must remain enrolled at the foreign institution for the entire placement. As with Young Professionals, the Canadian host employer pays the CAD 230 employer compliance fee. Study permit rules do not apply — IEC Co-op is authorised under the International Mobility Program.
Recognized Organization (RO) Route — Including Indian Nationals
Youth from non-YMA countries — including Indian citizens — cannot apply to IEC directly. They must be nominated by an IRCC-authorised Recognized Organization (e.g., SWAP Working Holidays, GO International, Stepwest). The RO handles profile nomination and provides support services for a separate fee. Availability, country coverage, and IEC categories offered vary year to year. Check the official IRCC Recognized Organizations list and confirm the RO is actively accepting Indian nationals for the current 2026 season before paying any RO fees.
Requirements
What are the requirements and key details of Canada International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit?
- Citizenship of an IEC Country: Citizen of one of the 36 YMA partner countries, OR a national of a non-YMA country (e.g., India) nominated by an IRCC-authorised Recognized Organization
- Age Eligibility: Aged 18 to 35 inclusive at the time of profile creation (18 to 30 or 29 for certain partner countries — check the country's YMA)
- Valid Passport: Passport valid for the entire requested IEC stay — work permit cannot exceed passport validity
- Category Selection: One of three streams: Working Holiday (open permit), Young Professionals (employer-specific, NOC TEER 0/1/2/3), or International Co-op Internship (student placement)
- Job Offer (Young Professionals & Co-op): Signed written job offer from a Canadian employer contributing to professional development; for Co-op, placement must relate to the applicant's current studies
- Post-Secondary Enrolment (Co-op): International Co-op applicants must be enrolled at a foreign post-secondary institution for the entire internship period
- Proof of Funds: Minimum CAD 2,500 shown in a recent bank statement issued within days of arrival
- Health Insurance: Private health insurance valid for the ENTIRE stay in Canada — including medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation
- Return Ticket or Funds for Departure: Proof of a return ticket OR the financial means to buy one at the end of the authorised stay
- No Dependants: IEC applicants cannot bring dependants under the IEC permit — spouses and children must qualify separately
- IEC Participation Fee: CAD 184.75 paid via the IRCC Secure Account — non-refundable once the work permit application is submitted
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: Additional CAD 100 for Working Holiday applicants only (OWP fee); not required for Young Professionals or Co-op
- Biometrics Fee and Enrolment: CAD 85 paid with the work permit application; biometrics collected at a VFS Canada centre or authorised collection point
- Medical Exam (If Applicable): Upfront e-Medical from an IRCC-panel physician for Indian applicants staying over 6 months, or for regulated occupations
- Police Clearance: Certificate from every country where you lived 6+ months after age 18 — submitted if requested by the visa officer
- Employer Compliance Fee (YP/Co-op): Canadian employer pays CAD 230 compliance fee via the Employer Portal; cannot be passed to the worker
Program Details
Canada IEC Work Permit: Full Specifications & Immigration Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP) — LMIA-exempt |
| Official Program Name | International Experience Canada (IEC) — Youth Mobility Program |
| Governing Program | International Mobility Program (IMP) administered by IRCC under bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements |
| Visa Category | Temporary resident — work (youth mobility) |
| Points Based | No — IEC selection is a randomised pool-based round-of-invitations system |
| CRS Applicable | No for the permit itself; CRS applies later at the PR stage via Express Entry CEC |
| Province Specific | No — federal permit; Working Holiday lets you work anywhere in Canada |
| Leads to PR | Yes — indirectly via Express Entry CEC after 1 year of skilled Canadian work, or via PNP employer-driven streams |
| Leads to Citizenship | Yes, after obtaining PR and meeting the 1,095-day physical presence rule in 5 years |
| Minimum Age | 18 at the time of profile creation |
| Maximum Age | 35 for most YMAs; 30 or 29 for some partner countries — check the country-specific agreement |
| Age Eligibility for India | India has no YMA with Canada — Indian nationals apply via Recognized Organization only, subject to RO age rules (typically 18-35) |
| Education Requirement | None for Working Holiday; Young Professionals requires qualifications matching the NOC TEER 0/1/2/3 job offer; Co-op requires enrolment at a post-secondary institution abroad |
| Language Test Required | Not required by IRCC for the IEC permit; employers may require proof of English or French ability |
| Work Experience Required | None for Working Holiday; Young Professionals requires experience matching the NOC TEER requirements of the offered role |
| Job Offer Required | No for Working Holiday; Yes for Young Professionals and International Co-op |
| LMIA Required | No — all three IEC streams are LMIA-exempt under the IMP |
| Employer LMIA Fee (CAD) | Not applicable — LMIA-exempt |
| Employer Compliance Fee (CAD) | CAD 230 employer compliance fee for Young Professionals and International Co-op (paid by employer via the Employer Portal) |
| Employer Restriction | Working Holiday: open — any employer. Young Professionals and Co-op: employer-specific — tied to the named employer on the permit |
| Recognized Organization (RO) | Non-YMA country nationals (including Indian citizens) must be nominated by an IRCC-authorised RO — ROs charge their own fees |
| Investment Required | No |
| Financial Proof Required | Yes — minimum CAD 2,500 on arrival, shown in a recent bank statement |
| Settlement Funds Amount (CAD) | CAD 2,500 minimum; officers may request more based on the intended stay and category |
| Health Insurance Requirement | Mandatory private health insurance covering the entire length of stay, including repatriation — permit shortened to match insurance end date if shorter |
| Medical Exam Required | Required for Indian applicants staying over 6 months, or for occupations in healthcare, childcare, agriculture, or primary/secondary education |
| Police Clearance Required | On officer request — often required for applicants over 18 who lived 6+ months in any country |
| Biometrics Required | Yes — fingerprints and photo at a VFS Canada centre in India (or a local biometrics collection point for other applicants) |
| Interview Required | Rarely — only if the visa officer specifically requests one |
| IEC Participation Fee (CAD) | CAD 184.75 — paid online via IRCC Secure Account; replaces the standard CAD 155 work permit fee |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee (CAD) | CAD 100 for Working Holiday only; not applicable to Young Professionals or Co-op (employer-specific permits) |
| Biometrics Fee (CAD) | CAD 85 per applicant |
| Total Worker-Paid Fee — Working Holiday (CAD) | CAD 369.75 (CAD 184.75 participation + CAD 100 OWP holder + CAD 85 biometrics) |
| Total Worker-Paid Fee — Young Professionals / Co-op (CAD) | CAD 269.75 (CAD 184.75 participation + CAD 85 biometrics) |
| Additional Fees (CAD) | VFS service charges, health insurance premiums, RO nomination fees (where applicable), medical exam, police clearance |
| Average Processing Time | Typically 8 weeks from receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA), varies by visa office — check IRCC processing-times tool |
| Application Mode | Online — profile in the IEC pool via IRCC Secure Account, then work permit application after receiving an ITA |
| Selection System | Random rounds of invitations from each country- and category-specific pool, held weekly or bi-weekly until quotas fill or season closes |
| Visa Validity | Working Holiday: up to 24 months (12 or 24 depending on country). Young Professionals: up to 24 months. International Co-op: up to 12 months — cannot exceed passport or insurance validity |
| Extension Allowed | Generally no — IEC is a one-time (or twice-time for some countries) youth experience; most participants transition to another permit type (e.g., BOWP, PGWP-equivalent, employer-specific work permit) before expiry |
| Second Participation | Some YMA countries allow participation twice in different categories (e.g., one Working Holiday and one Young Professionals); others allow only once — see the country-specific rules |
| Work Rights | Working Holiday: open — any employer in Canada. Young Professionals and Co-op: employer-specific — only the named employer, role, and location |
| Study Rights | Short courses permitted; programs over 6 months typically require a separate study permit |
| Spouse Can Apply | Spouses are not accompanying dependants under IEC — each must qualify for IEC independently or apply under a separate work/study/visitor stream |
| Children Can Apply | Dependent children do not receive derivative status under IEC — they must be sponsored under a separate temporary resident category |
| PR Eligibility After | Express Entry CEC after 1 year / 1,560 hours of TEER 0-3 Canadian work experience; PNP streams; employer-driven provincial pathways |
| Citizenship Eligibility After | After PR and 1,095 days of physical presence in the preceding 5 years |
| PR Pathway Name | Express Entry (CEC/FSW), Provincial Nominee Program, Atlantic Immigration Program, Rural Community Immigration Pilot |
| Change of Employer | Working Holiday: yes, anytime, no new permit needed. Young Professionals / Co-op: requires a new employer-specific work permit application |
| 2026 Season Open Date | December 19, 2025 — pools accept profiles until quotas fill or the season closes |
| Official IRCC Source URL | canada.ca/international-experience-canada |
* Data sourced from official IRCC publications. Fees and processing times subject to change — verify at canada.ca before applying.
Document Checklist
Documents Required for a Canada IEC Work Permit: Application Checklist
Identity & Travel
- Valid passport(valid for the entire requested IEC stay — permit cannot exceed passport validity)
- Digital passport-size photographs per IRCC specifications
- Previous Canadian or other visa stamps, including any refusal records
- Completed IEC profile submission (application forms auto-populated after Invitation to Apply)
IEC Category & Job Offer
- Invitation to Apply (ITA) letter from the IEC pool — must be acted upon within 20 days
- Signed job offer from a Canadian employer (Young Professionals & Co-op only)(detailing NOC code, duties, wages, and professional development contribution)
- Proof of employer compliance fee payment (CAD 230)(employer-uploaded via the IRCC Employer Portal — Young Professionals and Co-op)
- Letter from home country post-secondary institution confirming enrolment and placement requirement (International Co-op only)
- Recognized Organization (RO) nomination letter (non-YMA country nationals, including Indian applicants)
Health Insurance & Financial Proof
- Proof of private health insurance covering the ENTIRE stay in Canada(medical, hospital, and repatriation — provincial health card alone is not sufficient)
- Bank statement showing minimum CAD 2,500 in available funds(issued within days of the intended arrival date)
- Proof of a return ticket OR adequate funds to purchase one at the end of stay
- Payment receipts for CAD 184.75 IEC fee, CAD 100 OWP holder fee (Working Holiday), and CAD 85 biometrics fee
Qualifications & Credentials
- Educational degrees, diplomas, and transcripts (Young Professionals — to match the NOC TEER requirements)
- Employment reference letters(on company letterhead with role, duties, dates, and wage — Young Professionals)
- Professional licensure or provincial regulatory body approval(for regulated occupations (healthcare, engineering, teaching, trades))
- Current student enrolment letter and academic transcripts (International Co-op)
Compliance & Health
- Biometrics appointment confirmation at a VFS Canada centre or local collection point
- Upfront medical examination (e-Medical) from an IRCC-panel physician(for stays over 6 months from India or for regulated occupations)
- Police Clearance Certificate(from every country of 6+ months residence since age 18, if requested)
- Curriculum vitae / resume detailing education, employment, and any relevant international experience
Note: Document requirements may vary by university and IRCC processing stream. Always verify the latest checklist at canada.ca before applying.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Canada IEC Work Permit Application Process
Confirm Eligibility and Choose Your IEC Category
Check that your country of citizenship has a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada — or, if you are an Indian or other non-YMA national, identify an IRCC-authorised Recognized Organization accepting applications from your country. Confirm your age falls within your country's IEC limit (18-35, 18-30, or 18-29). Choose between Working Holiday (open permit, no job offer), Young Professionals (employer-specific, professional development role), or International Co-op (student internship).
Secure RO Nomination (Non-YMA Country Nationals Only)
Indian nationals and other non-YMA country citizens must be sponsored by an IRCC Recognized Organization before entering the IEC pool. Contact the RO early — nominations are limited each season and first-come, first-served. The RO charges its own fees separate from the IRCC participation fee. Wait for the RO nomination letter before proceeding to the profile stage.
Create an IRCC Secure Account and Submit Your IEC Profile
Sign in to the IRCC Secure Account portal, answer the Come to Canada eligibility questions, and submit your IEC profile for the chosen country-and-category pool. Profile submission is free. The profile stays in the pool until you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or the 2026 season closes. Only one profile per category per season is permitted.
Wait for Rounds of Invitations and Receive Your ITA
IRCC conducts random rounds of invitations from each country-and-category pool, typically weekly or bi-weekly. Selection is a lottery subject to each country's annual quota. If selected, you receive an Invitation to Apply — you have 20 days to accept and 40 days thereafter to submit a complete work permit application.
Young Professionals & Co-op: Finalise the Job Offer and Employer Compliance
Young Professionals and International Co-op applicants must secure a written, signed job offer from a Canadian employer. The Canadian employer submits an Offer of Employment (Form IMM 5802) through the IRCC Employer Portal and pays the CAD 230 employer compliance fee. The offer number issued by IRCC is required for the work permit application.
Submit the Work Permit Application and Pay IEC Fees
Upload documents, complete the online work permit application, and pay the CAD 184.75 IEC participation fee. Working Holiday applicants also pay CAD 100 for the open work permit holder fee. All applicants pay CAD 85 for biometrics. Upload proof of funds (CAD 2,500+), proof of health insurance for the entire stay, passport, and any other requested documents.
Complete Biometrics and Medical Exam (If Required)
Attend a biometrics appointment at the designated VFS Canada centre (or local biometrics collection point) within 30 days of the biometrics instruction letter. If you are Indian and intending to stay over 6 months, or your role is in healthcare, childcare, agriculture, or primary/secondary education, book an upfront e-Medical with an IRCC-panel physician. The physician uploads results directly to IRCC.
Receive the Port of Entry Letter and Activate the Permit in Canada
Processing typically takes around 8 weeks from the ITA date. On approval, IRCC issues a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction — the physical work permit is printed by a CBSA officer on arrival in Canada. At the border, be ready to show your passport, POE letter, proof of CAD 2,500 funds, proof of health insurance covering your full stay, and any job offer documents. Verify employer name and permit conditions before leaving the port of entry.
International Experience Canada remains Canada's flagship youth mobility program — and one of the simplest routes for young people aged 18 to 35 to live and work in Canada without an LMIA. The 2026 season is open, with random rounds of invitations from country- and category-specific pools. All three streams — Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op — offer a first taste of the Canadian labour market that can later convert into permanent residence via Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class.
Indian nationals face a structural limitation: India has no Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada, so direct IEC participation is not possible. The only route is through an IRCC-authorised Recognized Organization, and RO capacity for Indian applicants varies year to year. If you are Indian and targeting IEC for 2026, confirm with the RO directly — do not rely on general marketing claims — and budget for both RO fees and IRCC government fees of CAD 269.75 (Young Professionals / Co-op) or CAD 369.75 (Working Holiday), plus CAD 2,500 in proof-of-funds.
Always verify the current IEC country list, RO availability, category quotas, and fees on the official IRCC and canada.ca websites before paying any fees. Rules and participating countries change between seasons. Confirm your passport validity covers the full intended stay, buy private health insurance for the entire duration, and keep your IRCC Secure Account active throughout the pool stage so you don't miss an Invitation to Apply.
For detailed insights on eligibility, document checklist, visa validity, and common refusal reasons, explore the Canada Work Visa hub for detailed FAQs and open work permit options.
Related Resources
Explore more about Canada International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit
Ready to apply for IEC 2026?
Check your eligibility for IEC Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op — and for Indian nationals, get the current list of Recognized Organizations accepting applications for the 2026 season.