Are you a young adult dreaming of exploring Canada while gaining valuable work experience? The International Experience Canada (IEC) program could be your gateway to living and working in Canada — one of the world’s most welcoming and diverse countries. As a leading Canadian immigration law firm, Zohil-Morton Law helps individuals navigate the complexities of Canada’s immigration system. In this blog, we’ll break down how the IEC is one of the most accessible pathways to a temporary work permit in Canada.

What is the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?

The IEC program allows young citizens from over 30 partner countries to travel and work in Canada for up to two years, depending on the specific country agreement. Managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the program is ideal for individuals looking to gain international work experience, improve their language skills, or explore potential pathways to permanent residency in Canada.

Who is Eligible for the IEC Program?

To participate in the IEC program, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country with a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada;
• Be between the ages of 18 and 35 (the age limit varies by country);
• Hold a valid passport;
• Have access to sufficient funds (at least CAD $2,500); and,
• Be admissible to Canada.

Three Streams of the IEC Program

The IEC program is divided into three categories:

• Working Holiday, which provides an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer in Canada;
• Young Professionals, which requires a job offer in Canada that contributes to professional development; and,
• International Co-op (Internship), which allows students to gain work experience related to their field of study through a Canadian employer.

Why Work with a Canadian Immigration Lawyer?

An experienced Canadian immigration lawyer, like Cristina Zohil-Morton, founding lawyer of Zohil-Morton Law, can help simplify the application process for you. Cristina can:

• Help assess your eligibility.
• Assist with documentation preparation and legal submission.
• Provide support throughout your application.
• Advise on transitioning from a temporary work permit to Canadian permanent residency.

Whether you’re applying for a Canadian work permit through the IEC or are exploring other immigration pathways, we ensure you meet all requirements and deadlines with confidence.

Important Deadlines and Updates

The IEC pools usually open annually, and the number of spots available per country is limited. It is essential to apply early and stay informed. For the 2025 season, Canada has already invited thousands of candidates.

Ready to Work in Canada? How Zohil-Morton Law Can Assist You

Our experienced immigration team understands the excitement surrounding the IEC – it is an exceptional way to gain global work experience and get a taste of what Canadian living has to offer. If you’re unsure about the process, Zohil-Morton Law, a trusted immigration law firm based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is here to help every step of the way.

Let Zohil-Morton Law help you make your Canadian work and travel dream a reality. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Cristina Zohil-Morton, an experienced and trusted immigration lawyer, or e-mail her directly at cristina@zomolaw.ca.