
Explore Canada with the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program
Unlock the opportunity to work and travel in Canada with the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, a unique initiative by the Canadian government. Chiltern Immigration Services (CIS) offers comprehensive support to help you navigate this exciting journey.
Why Choose IEC?
- Duration: Live and work in Canada for up to 2 years.
- Application Intake: Over 90,000 applications accepted for 2023.
- Visa Processing: Receive your visa within 6 weeks.
- Path to PR: Eligible candidates can apply for Canadian Permanent Residency.
IEC Eligibility
There are two primary pathways to apply for the IEC, depending on your nationality:
- Countries with an IEC Agreement with Canada
- Eligibility hinges on citizenship of a country having an IEC agreement with Canada.
- Different categories are available, including Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op.
| Country | Working Holiday | Young Professionals | International Co-op | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-30 |
| Australia | Up to 24 months | Up to 24 months | Up to 12 months (unless it is the applicant’s second participation since 2015, in which case, 12 months) | 18-35 |
| Austria | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 6 months (internship or work placement must be in forestry, agriculture, or tourism) | 18-35 |
| Belgium | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-30 |
| Chile | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Costa Rica | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Croatia | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Czech Republic | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Denmark | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-35 |
| Estonia | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| France* | Up to 24 months | Up to 24 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Germany | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Greece | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Hong Kong | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-30 |
| Ireland | Up to 24 months | Up to 24 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Italy | Up to 12 months ** | Up to 12 months ** | Up to 12 months ** | 18-35 |
| Japan | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-30 |
| Latvia | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Lithuania | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Luxembourg | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-30 |
| Mexico | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-29 |
| Netherlands | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | N/A | 18-30 |
| New Zealand | Up to 23 months | N/A | N/A | 18-35 |
| Norway | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Poland | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Portugal | Up to 24 months | Up to 24 months | Up to 24 months | 18-35 |
| San Marino | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-35 |
| Slovakia | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Slovenia | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| South Korea | Up to 12 months | N/A | N/A | 18-30 |
| Spain | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Sweden | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-30 |
| Switzerland | N/A | Up to 18 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Taiwan | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| Ukraine | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months | 18-35 |
| United Kingdom | Up to 24 months | N/A | N/A | 18-30 |
- IEC through a Recognized Organization (RO)
- For those from countries without an IEC agreement, ROs provide an alternative pathway.
- ROs can be for-profit, non-profit, or educational organizations offering work and travel support.
IEC Pools
Candidates can qualify for one or more pools, depending on their profile:
- Working Holiday: Open work permit, ideal for funding a Canadian vacation through temporary work.
- Young Professionals: Employer-specific work permit for gaining Canadian professional experience.
- International Co-op (Internship): For students seeking overseas work experience in their field of study.
Application Process for IEC
- Eligibility Check: Complete the “Come to Canada” questionnaire.
- Profile Submission: Choose your IEC pool and submit your profile.
- Biometrics Submission: Follow instructions for biometric submission if required.
- Work Permit Assessment: Processing may take up to 56 days.
- Travel Preparation: Once approved, prepare for your journey to Canada.
CIS Support for IEC Applicants
Chiltern Immigration Services offers a range of services to facilitate your IEC application:
- Eligibility Evaluation: Using the Canada Immigration Points Calculator.
- Job Search Assistance: Help in finding suitable employment in Canada.
- Visa Application Guidance: Comprehensive support throughout the application process.
- Supporting Documentation Assistance: Aid in collecting and organizing necessary documents.
- Visa Interview Preparation: If required.
- Regular Updates: Keeping you informed throughout the process.
Benefits of IEC with CIS
- Personalized Coaching: Enhance your standardized test scores with CIS coaching services.
- Webinars and Counseling: Access to free webinars and expert counseling on Canada work and immigration.
- Step-by-Step Guidance: Tailored guidance through the Y-Path program.
Embark on an enriching Canadian adventure with the International Experience Canada program and the expert guidance of Chiltern Immigration Services.

