If you hold citizenship in one of 28 specific countries, Canada has a work permit stream built for you. The International Experience Canada (IEC) program gives eligible young people a faster, simpler path to working in Canada than most other permit types. And for many nationalities, you can use it more than once.
This guide breaks down exactly how IEC works, which countries are included, and what you need to know before you apply.
What Is International Experience Canada?
International Experience Canada is a federal program that lets young citizens from participating countries work in Canada temporarily. It operates through bilateral agreements between Canada and partner countries. Because these agreements already exist, the application process is significantly lighter than applying for a standard employer-specific work permit or going through Express Entry.
Most IEC applicants get an open work permit. That means you are not tied to a single employer. You can work for almost any Canadian employer, change jobs, and move between provinces. This flexibility makes IEC one of the most attractive options available to eligible applicants.
The program runs through a pool-based system. You submit a profile, enter a pool, and wait to receive a formal invitation to apply. Once you get that invitation, you have a set window to submit your full application. The process is managed entirely online through your IRCC online account.
IEC is divided into three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. Working Holiday is the most flexible and the most popular. Young Professionals requires a job offer from a Canadian employer. International Co-op is for students who need a work placement as part of their studies abroad. Not every country has access to all three categories, so you need to check which ones apply to your nationality.
The 28 Eligible Countries
As of 2026, citizens of 28 countries can participate in IEC. These countries have signed bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada. The list includes a wide range of nations across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond. Participating countries include Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Estonia.
Each country has its own quota of spots per year. Some countries fill their quota quickly. If you are from a high-demand country like Ireland or France, getting into the pool early in the season matters. Canada typically opens new IEC rounds at the start of the calendar year, though invitation draws can happen throughout the year.
The age eligibility varies slightly by country, but most require you to be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application. Some countries have a narrower range. You should confirm the exact age limit for your specific country on the IRCC website before submitting your profile.
Can You Use IEC More Than Once?
Yes, and this is one of the most important features of the program. For citizens of many participating countries, IEC is not a one-time opportunity. Depending on your nationality and the category you applied under, you may be eligible to participate in IEC more than once during your lifetime. Some countries allow two or even three separate IEC participations across different categories or in the same category at different times.
For example, you might use a Working Holiday permit on your first participation, then return later under the Young Professionals stream if you have a relevant job offer. Each participation is treated separately, and each requires its own profile submission and invitation.
This repeat access is a significant advantage. It means IEC can be part of a longer-term plan for living and working in Canada, not just a one-off trip. Some people use multiple IEC periods to build Canadian work experience, which can later support a permanent residence application through programs like Canadian Experience Class.
How IEC Compares to Other Work Permits
Most Canadian work permits require a job offer before you can apply. Employer-specific permits also tie you to one employer, which limits your options once you arrive. Express Entry, while powerful, is a competitive points-based system that demands months of preparation, language testing, and credential assessments.
IEC skips most of that. You do not need a job offer for the Working Holiday category. You do not need to go through Express Entry. The permit is open, meaning you work for whoever you choose. Application documents are straightforward: proof of citizenship, a valid passport, proof of funds, and travel insurance are the core requirements. Processing times, once you receive an invitation to apply, are generally faster than other work permit streams. You can check current estimates on the IRCC processing times page.
The trade-off is that IEC permits are temporary and tied to the bilateral quota system. You cannot apply whenever you want. You must wait for an invitation draw. Still, for eligible citizens, it remains one of the most accessible legal pathways to working in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries can use International Experience Canada?
28 countries currently participate, including Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, the UK, New Zealand, Chile, Mexico, and others. Each has a bilateral agreement with Canada.
How many times can I use IEC?
It depends on your country. Many participating nations allow more than one IEC participation, sometimes in different categories. Check the rules specific to your citizenship.
Do I need a job offer to apply for IEC?
Not for the Working Holiday category. Young Professionals does require a job offer. International Co-op requires a co-op placement through your school.
Is IEC faster than other Canadian work permits?
Generally yes. Once you receive an invitation to apply, the process moves quickly. The main wait is getting selected from the pool, which depends on your country's quota and demand for that season.
Sources: Government of Canada (canada.ca), IRCC Help Centre. Last verified: June 30, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult IRCC or a qualified legal aid service for guidance on your specific situation.
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