Using the International Experience Canada Program (IEC) to work and play

Have you ever wanted to spend multiple years working and travelling Canada but found the visa process too difficult? The Canadian government has the International Experience Canada (IEC) in place, allowing youth to travel and work within the country for up to two years.

Young people from about 30 partner countries can use the IEC program to fulfil their travelling dreams and not worry about funds as they can pick up a job or two while here.  

There are three different kinds of work and travel experiences that are available.  

Working Holiday: Perfect for those who don’t have a job offer, want to work for more than one employer, want to work in more than one location, and would like to earn some money.

Young Professionals: Perfect for people who have a job offer and will work for the same location during their stay. They have to be paid and cannot be self-employed.

International Co-ops (Internships): Perfect for students registered at a post-secondary institution; you have a job offer for a work placement or internship, you need this work placement or internship to complete your studies, and you will work for the same employer in the same location during your stay.

Fees begin at $161 but can be higher according to country of origin and category. It also takes about five weeks to process, and most have restrictions on who can participate. As this program is targeted at young people, there is often a maximum age limit of either 30 or 35. 

To find out if you are eligible, you need only check.