International Experience Canada

Overview

International Experience Canada

The 2026 International Experience Canada season is open. Eligible youth from partner countries or using recognized organizations can enter category-specific pools for work permits of up to two years, depending on their agreement.

Country rules determine eligibility

Citizenship, age, residence, participation count, category and maximum duration differ by country. Most age ranges end at 30 or 35.

A recognized organization may help some applicants but can charge fees and does not guarantee approval.

The three categories issue different permits

Working Holiday is an open permit and does not require a job offer. Young Professionals requires a paid professional-development offer and issues an employer-specific permit.

International Co-op requires post-secondary enrolment abroad and a placement needed for the studies; it is employer-specific.

Pools are not applications

After creating a profile, the candidate waits in eligible pools. Invitations are more predictable in Young Professionals and Co-op; Working Holiday selection can be random and no invitation is guaranteed.

After an invitation, the candidate currently has 10 days to start and then 20 days to submit the work-permit application.

Arrival evidence affects the permit length

Bring the port-of-entry letter, passport, proof of funds, return-travel resources and health insurance for the full intended stay. Short insurance can lead to a shorter permit that cannot be extended later merely by buying more coverage.

The letter is not the permit and does not guarantee entry. A border officer issues the document.