Youth can work and travel in Canada for up to two years through International Experience Canada (IEC).
Three types of work and travel experiences are available:
- Working Holiday
- Young Professionals
- International Co-op (Internship)
Citizens of partner countries may qualify for one or more of these 3 categories.
Applicants who do not come from a partner country may still be able to apply to IEC through a recognized organization.
Who can participate?
To participate
- Canada must have an agreement with your country or territory
- or you can use a recognized organization
In some countries, you can only participate once. In others, it may be possible to participate on two separate occasions. Since every country is different, it's wise to check to see if you're eligible to apply.
Even if you're invited to apply, you can't participate more than twice. Before applying, make sure you read and understand all the requirements.
Note - You are not eligible, even if you hold a refugee travel document from a country that has an agreement with Canada on youth mobility.
Dependants
The IEC program does not allow you to bring your dependents along with you. However, they will be able to apply to study, work or visit Canada. We will evaluate your application separately.
Supporting documents you may need:
1. Proof of financial support
When you come to Canada, you must present proof of financial support (a bank statement). You may be asked for it at the border.
You must submit the statement no later than one week before you depart for Canada. You must clearly demonstrate that you have enough money (equivalent to CAN$2,500) to support yourself for your first 3 months in Canada.
Upon your arrival in Canada, you must inform the border services officer if you have more than CAN$10,000.
2. Medical exams
Before you submit your work permit application, you should get a medical exam if:
- you’ve recently lived or travelled in certain countries or territories for 6 months or more, or
- you plan to work in:
- the health field
- primary or secondary education,
- child care or
- elderly care
You must see a doctor that has been approved by IRCC (called a panel physician).
In the event that you are unable to complete a medical exam before the work permit application deadline, you can submit evidence that you have made an appointment to get one.
The results of your medical exam are valid for 12 months. In order to avoid expiration, you should wait until you're invited to apply before getting a medical exam.
3. Health insurance
Health insurance is not required when applying. Upon arrival in Canada, you must purchase it. It must cover the entire period of time you intend to remain.
Your entry into Canada may be denied if you don't have enough coverage.
Get your health insurance only after you receive your letter of introduction from your port of entry.
You must have health insurance coverage (private or employer-based).
- Medical care
- Hospitalization - That is, it must cover the cost of you staying in a hospital for medical care, if required.
- Repatriation - That is, it must cover the cost of getting you
- A medical facility
- Back to your home country, or
- Returning your remains to your home country
4. Police certificates
In most cases, you’ll need to get police certificates for countries or territories where you’ve spent 6 or more months in a row since the age of 18.
When processing your application, an officer might ask you for more police certificates.