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International Experience Canada (IEC) — Working Holiday

Open work permit for youth from participating countries allowing them to travel and work anywhere in Canada for up to 1–2 years.

Estimated Cost

$266

Processing Time

~1 months

Validity

24 months

Description

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a youth mobility program that allows young people from countries with bilateral youth mobility agreements to work and travel in Canada. The Working Holiday category provides an open work permit — holders can work for any employer in any occupation. The program is based on reciprocal agreements with 36 participating countries. Eligibility ages are typically 18–30 or 18–35 depending on the country agreement. Participants are selected through a lottery pool system.

Official informationLast updated: 2026-03-01

Timeline

Processing Time
28 days – 2 months

Average: 1 months

Visa Validity
2 years

Path to Residency

Path to Citizenship

~8 years

Eligibility

Age:18+, under 35

Requirements

Cost Breakdown

FeeAmountType
Estimated Total$266