International Experience Canada (IEC) - Working Holiday
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 2-8 weeks after invitation
- Fee
- CAD $184.75 (IEC participation fee) + $100 (open work permit holder fee) + $85 (biometrics) = CAD $369.75
- Validity
- Up to 2 years depending on country agreement
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Open work permit for youth from countries with bilateral youth mobility agreements. Three categories: Working Holiday (open work permit), Young Professionals (employer-specific), International Co-op (employer-specific internship). Age limit typically 18-35, but varies by country (some 18-29 or 18-30). Random selection from candidate pool. 2026 season pools are open. Switzerland only offers Young Professionals and International Co-op (no Working Holiday).
Eligibility
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Nationality
Must be a citizen of a country with a youth mobility agreement with Canada. 36 countries/territories participate including Australia, UK, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and others.
Eligible countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Province of China, United Kingdom
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Age
Must be between 18 and 35 years old at time of application (some countries limit to 18-29 or 18-30). Age determined at time pool entry.
Max age: 35; Min age: 18
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Financial
Must have sufficient funds for initial period in Canada (recommended CAD $2,500) and must have health insurance for duration of stay.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statement, proof of available funds; Minimum amount: CAD $2,500 recommended for initial settlement
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Canada - must include health, hospitalization, and repatriation; Minimum coverage: Coverage for duration of stay
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/where-to-give-biometrics.html; Location: Visa Application Centre in your country
How to apply
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Online application
Create IEC profile on IRCC portal and submit candidacy to the Working Holiday pool. Candidates are randomly selected through periodic draws.
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Document submission
After receiving invitation, accept within 10 days. Then submit work permit application within 20 days with all required documents including proof of insurance and funds.
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Fee payment
Pay CAD $184.75 IEC participation fee plus CAD $100 open work permit holder fee plus CAD $85 biometrics fee.
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Biometrics
Provide biometrics at designated collection point if not previously provided.
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Processing wait
Wait for work permit processing, typically 2-8 weeks.