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IEC — International Experience Canada - Young Professionals
CanadaCanada•North America
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IEC — International Experience Canada - Young Professionals

Working Holiday

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 month

Estimated Cost

CAD $500

Stay Duration

Up to 24 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Employer-specific work permit for young professionals aged 18-35 from countries with a bilateral youth mobility agreement, valid up to 24 months.

The IEC Young Professionals permit is a Canadian employer-specific work permit for citizens of countries with a bilateral youth mobility agreement. Applicants must be aged 18-35, hold a job offer in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) relevant to their field, and have at least CAD 2,500 in savings.

The permit is valid for up to 24 months and is tied to a specific employer and role. The employer pays a CAD 230 compliance fee and registers the offer through the IRCC portal. There is no direct path to permanent residence, though it can lead to PR via Canadian Experience Class, FSWP, or PNP.

This visa is ideal for early-career professionals from qualifying countries who have secured a skilled Canadian job offer and want meaningful work experience that can later support a PR application.

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Cost Breakdown

Participation feeCAD $185
Employer Compliance FeeCAD $230
Biometrics feeCAD $85
TotalCAD $500

Annual Cap & Quota

Varies by country

Eligible Nationalities (36)

AndorraAndorraAustraliaAustraliaAustriaAustriaBelgiumBelgiumChileChileCosta RicaCosta RicaCroatiaCroatiaCzechiaCzechiaDenmarkDenmarkEstoniaEstoniaFinlandFinlandFranceFranceGermanyGermanyGreeceGreeceHong Kong SAR ChinaHong Kong SAR ChinaIcelandIcelandIrelandIrelandItalyItalyJapanJapanSouth KoreaSouth KoreaLatviaLatviaLithuaniaLithuaniaLuxembourgLuxembourgNetherlandsNetherlands

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

CEC — Canadian Experience Class
Canada flagCanada

CEC — Canadian Experience Class

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
FSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canada flagCanada

FSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details
PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program
Canada flagCanada

PV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program

ValidityIndefinite
Processing7 months – 1.2 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Be a citizen of a country with a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada

Hold a valid passport for the duration of the stay

Be between 18 and 35 years old (age limit varies by country)

Have a signed job offer or contract of employment in Canada before applying

The job must be in the applicant's field of expertise and contribute to professional development

The job must be classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)

Have at least 2,500 CAD to cover initial expenses

Have health insurance for the full duration of the stay

Employer must pay the 230 CAD employer compliance fee and submit the offer through the Employer Portal

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

2,500 CAD

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Signed job offer letter or contract

Employer compliance fee payment confirmation (Offer of Employment number)

CV or resume

Digital photo

Family Information form

Police certificates (if required)

Medical exam results (if required)

Proof of funds

Proof of health insurance

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Gain Canadian work experience
  • Relatively fast processing

Worth Knowing

  • Limited to specific age groups
  • Requires job offer
  • Not a direct path to PR

Application Process

1

Create profile

2

Receive Invitation to Apply

3

Submit work permit application

4

Receive Port of Entry letter

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