Canada reaffirms its commitment to fostering global connections and professional development as the 2024 season of the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program officially opens. The announcement was made on December 11, 2023 by The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, signalling the commencement of a transformative opportunity for nearly 90,000 young individuals from IEC partner countries and territories.

The IEC Program, a reciprocal initiative facilitating work and travel experiences for Canadian and international youth aged 18–35, continues to play a pivotal role in building bridges across cultures and promoting global understanding. With partnerships spanning over 35 countries and territories, Canada’s commitment to youth mobility has strengthened, with recent agreements signed with Finland, Iceland, and Ukraine, alongside improved arrangements with South Korea and the United Kingdom.

The 2024 season brings a heightened focus on automation technology, streamlining routine applications for more efficient processing. This technological enhancement not only supports the growth of IEC but also facilitates a seamless work and travel experience for international youth in Canada.

Program Highlights and Opportunities

Three Distinct Programs:

The IEC encompasses three distinct programs—Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op Internship—each designed to diverse aspirations and professional goals.

Working Holiday:

• Ideal for individuals without a job offer from a Canadian employer.

• Offers the freedom to work for multiple employers and live in different locations.
• Participants can earn money while experiencing the beauty of Canada.

Young Professionals:

• Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer contributing to professional development.
• Participants work for the same employer in the same location, with paid positions that align with NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

International Co-op Internship:

• Ideal for international students requiring a work placement or internship in Canada for their post-secondary education.
• Participants work for the same employer in the same location, fulfilling academic requirements.

Application Process:

Foreign nationals interested in the IEC Program follow a structured five-step process:

1. Create an IEC profile: Register on the IEC website, automatically entering the candidate pool if eligibility criteria are met.

2. Receive an Invitation to Apply: Regular draws select candidates, and successful individuals receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), marking the transition to the next step.

3. Accept the Invitation to Apply: Candidates have 20 days to accept and submit an online application for a work permit.

4. Submit Work Permit Application: Applicants submit their work permit application online within the specified timeframe, adhering to documentation requirements.

5. Receive Work Permit: Successful applicants receive confirmation of their work permit, along with details about the validity period of their authorization to work in Canada.

For more detailed information about the application process, please visit the IRCC website.

The 2024 International Experience Canada Program promises an enriching experience for participants and an opportunity for Canadian employers to fill positions with dynamic international talent. As Canada continues to expand its global network and welcome diverse perspectives, the IEC Program stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and professional growth.

For detailed information about participating countries, program requirements, and application procedures, interested individuals can visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. As the application process unfolds, IEC regularly updates its website every Friday with information about new draws, offering transparency and accessibility to aspiring participants worldwide.