Description: The International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Visa program is a unique initiative that provides temporary work permits to young individuals from over 30 countries. This allows them to legally live and work in Canada for either 6 or 24 months, depending on their country of citizenship.

Application Process for Working Holiday Visa in Canada

Selection Draws: The application process involves regular draws at intervals, where candidates are randomly selected to receive invitations to apply for work permits. This continues until all available spots for the year are filled. Given the popularity of the IEC category, early registration is highly recommended.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of one of the 35 countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada, as part of the International Experience Canada participating countries.
• Age Requirement: Candidates should be between 18 and 30 or 35 years old, depending on their country of citizenship. This age limit is specified in the International Experience Canada country list.
• Financial Requirements: To be eligible, candidates need to have the equivalent of at least CAD$2,500 on landing to cover initial expenses. Additionally, they must possess a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay in Canada, as the work permit issued will not exceed the passport’s validity.
• Health Insurance: Participants must secure health insurance for the full duration of their Working Holiday Visa in Canada. Evidence of this insurance may be required at the point of entry into Canada.
• Admissibility: Candidates must be admissible to Canada and not be accompanied by dependents.
• Return Ticket or Financial Resources: Prior to departure, applicants should have a round-trip ticket or the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket for the end of their authorized stay in Canada.
• Residency Requirement: Some countries may require applicants to be residents of their country of citizenship at the time of applying.
• Fees: Payment of appropriate fees is a crucial step, as outlined in the ‘Apply for a work permit’ section of the application process.

Other IEC Categories

Young Professionals

Description: The Young Professionals category is tailored for foreign youth, especially post-secondary graduates, who aspire to enhance their careers by gaining professional work experience in Canada.

International Co-op (Internship)

Description: The International Co-op (Internship) category is designed for foreign youth currently enrolled in post-secondary institutions. It allows them to complete a work placement or internship in Canada, contributing to their academic curriculum. Permits issued under this category are typically valid for up to 12 months, though some participants may receive longer validity based on their citizenship. Applicants must have a signed job offer or contract meeting the academic curriculum requirements in their country of citizenship.