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IEC-WH — International Experience Canada - Working Holiday
CanadaCanada•North America
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IEC-WH — International Experience Canada - Working Holiday

Working Holiday

At a Glance

Processing Time

56 days

Estimated Cost

CAD $285

Stay Duration

Varies (Duration varies by country of citizenship. Two years for some countries, one year for others.)

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

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

Youth mobility program allowing young adults (18-35) from qualifying countries to work and travel in Canada. Open work permit valid up to 2 years depending on country agreements.

The IEC Working Holiday is Canada's open work permit program for young adults aged 18–35 from over 35 partner countries. It requires no job offer and lets holders work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada for up to two years, depending on the bilateral agreement with the applicant's home country.

Applicants must show at least CAD 2,500 in savings and maintain health insurance for the full stay. The permit is not renewable and has no direct PR pathway, though IEC experience can support later Express Entry or CEC applications. Processing takes up to 56 days. Spouses may separately apply for an open work permit.

This visa is ideal for citizens aged 18–35 from IEC partner countries who want to work flexibly across Canada without a pre-arranged job offer.

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Cost Breakdown

IEC participation feeCAD $185
Open work permit holder feeCAD $100
TotalCAD $285

Eligible Nationalities (35)

AndorraAndorraAustraliaAustraliaAustriaAustriaBelgiumBelgiumChileChileCosta RicaCosta RicaCroatiaCroatiaCzechiaCzechiaDenmarkDenmarkEstoniaEstoniaFinlandFinlandFranceFranceGermanyGermanyGreeceGreeceHong Kong SAR ChinaHong Kong SAR ChinaIcelandIcelandIrelandIrelandItalyItalyJapanJapanSouth KoreaSouth KoreaLatviaLatviaLithuaniaLithuaniaLuxembourgLuxembourgNetherlandsNetherlands

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Canada flagCanada

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

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
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
FSTP — Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canada flagCanada

FSTP — Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing0 days – 6 months
View Visa Details
WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)
Canada flagCanada

WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)

ValidityDuration of employment
Processing2–4 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

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

Hold a valid passport for the duration of your stay

Be between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive) at the time of application (age limit varies by country, typically 30 or 35)

Have a minimum of 2,500 CAD to help cover initial expenses

Have health insurance for the full duration of your stay

Be admissible to Canada (no criminal or medical inadmissibility)

Possess a round-trip ticket or demonstrate financial resources to purchase a departure ticket

Not have previously participated in the Working Holiday category if the agreement limits participation

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

2,500 CAD

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Digital photo

CV or resume

Family Information form (IMM 5707)

Police certificates (if required)

Medical exam results (if required)

Proof of funds

Proof of health insurance

Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction (upon approval)

Application Process

1

Check qualification

Confirm your country has youth mobility agreement with Canada and you are 18-35

2

Select stream

Choose between Working Holiday, International Internship, or Young Professionals (if available for your country)

3

Gather documents

Collect passport, proof of financial support (CAD $2,500), and travel plans

4

Create account

Register on International Experience Canada portal

5

Submit expression of interest

Express interest in program (lottery-based for some countries)

6

Receive invitation

If selected, receive invitation to apply

7

Complete full application

Submit detailed application with all documents

8

Pay fee

Pay CAD $184.75 IEC participation fee plus CAD $100 open work permit holder fee

9

Receive work permit

Receive open work permit and arrive in Canada

Application Forms

Go to application portal
International Experience Canada Work Permit Application
IEC Work Permit Application — submitted online via IRCC secure account after receiving invitation to apply
Fill online

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