Discover the opportunities offered by the International Experience Canada (IEC) program for foreign youth looking to live and work in Canada. The IEC pools have reopened for the 2026 season, providing a chance for eligible candidates from select countries to apply for a work permit and experience life in Canada.

Participants, aged between 18-30 or 18-35, can benefit from a unique cultural exchange and gain valuable work experience during their stay in Canada. The program, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), conducts rounds of invitations throughout the year to select candidates for the IEC pools.

If you missed out on the opportunity in 2025, don’t worry! You can create a new profile to be considered for the upcoming season. Find out more about the eligibility criteria, work permit options, application process, and your chances of receiving a work permit through the IEC program.

Eligibility for IEC Participation

Individuals from countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMA) with Canada may qualify for an IEC work permit, provided they meet the age requirements and other eligibility criteria. The program offers a diverse range of work permits tailored to the needs of applicants, allowing them to explore different opportunities in Canada.

Check the table below for a list of eligible nationalities, maximum age limits, and the number of times an individual can participate in the IEC program:

Country	Upper-age limit	Number of times you may participate
Andorra	30	1
Australia	35	3
Austria	35	3
Belgium	30	1
Chile	35	2
Costa Rica	35	2
Croatia	35	2
Czech Republic	35	2
Denmark	35	1
Estonia	35	2
Finland	35	3
France	35	3
Germany	35	2