International Experience Canada (IEC) provides youth with the opportunity to travel and work in Canada. Work permits may be granted for 1-2 years in duration and have no restrictions. This means candidates can work in any occupation, in any location across Canada.
Who is eligible for a Working Holiday Visa?
To participate, you must be from a country or territory of citizenship which have an agreement with Canada, or use a recognized organization (RO). You must show that you have the funds to travel to Canada to pay for basic necessities, and have the ability to purchase health coverage.
What is the processing time?
IEC is a multi-step process and rounds of invitations are issued to eligible candidates’ multiple times throughout the year. There is a cap for each participating country and it is recommended to start the process at the beginning of the calendar year. The estimated times from start to finish are 2-4 months
An open work permit is a work permit that is not job-specific. Because it is not job-specific, there are no restrictions to a specific occupation, work location, or employer. It is an open invitation to seek work in Canada.
Who is eligible for a Working Holiday Visa?
If you are the spouse of a student permit holder, spouse of a work permit holder, or have recently graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DIL) in Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit.
What is the processing time?
Processing times will vary per country. Visit the Government of Canada website to view the most up-to-date processing times
There are many reasons why employers would desire international candidates. It could be due to a labour shortage, the need to fill a critical position, diversify their staff, or fill a role with specialized knowledge. Whatever the reason, employers must drive the work permit process and commit to sponsoring the employee. For details on the types of employer sponsored work permits, visit our Corporate Services page.