Eligible applicants must generally be between 18 and 30 years of age, although the upper age limit extends to 35 for citizens of certain countries, depending on bilateral agreements with Canada.
Canada, December 22, 2025, BNN Web Staff: International Experience Canada (IEC) has officially reopened its application pools, giving eligible young foreign nationals a fresh opportunity to live and work in Canada during the 2026 season.
Under the IEC program, youth from 36 partner countries can apply for Canada-specific work permits that allow them to work and travel in the country for up to two years.
Eligible applicants must generally be between 18 and 30 years of age, although the upper age limit extends to 35 for citizens of certain countries, depending on bilateral agreements with Canada.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts invitation rounds throughout the year, selecting candidates from IEC pools and inviting them to apply for a work permit.
Individuals who had an IEC profile in 2025 but were not invited must submit a new profile to be considered for the 2026 intake.
Eligibility for the IEC is limited to citizens of countries that have a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada. In addition to meeting country-specific age limits and participation rules, applicants must satisfy general program requirements.
These include being at least 18 years old, holding a valid passport for the entire stay, having private health insurance, showing a minimum of $2,500 in funds, and possessing a return ticket or sufficient funds to leave Canada at the end of their stay.
Some applicants may also be required to present proof of employment, depending on the category they apply under. All participants must meet Canada’s general admissibility standards and cannot be accompanied by dependents.
The IEC program offers three types of work permits: the Working Holiday permit, which allows open employment with multiple employers; the Young Professionals permit, which is employer-specific and designed to enhance career development; and the International Co-op (Internship) permit, intended for students seeking work placements related to their field of study.
These permits are issued under reciprocal international agreements and are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment process, making them more accessible for eligible candidates. However, availability and eligibility vary by country, and not all applicants may qualify for every category.
With the reopening of the IEC pools, Canada continues to promote youth mobility and international work experience while addressing labour needs across various sectors.
