Life in The Abroad

International Experience Canada (IEC) 2026: Eligibility, Fees & How to Apply

Admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:29:34 +0000

The International Experience Canada program is an excellent way for international students to stay in Canada and work after graduation. If you are a student who has completed at least two years of full-time study at a designated post-secondary institution, you can apply for the IEC program through your school’s point of entry office. Please note that this information applies only to non-degree studies at participating institutions.

Who can Apply

To be eligible to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid work permit.
Be at least 18 years old.

How do I make an application?

The process for applying is simple. You can start your application by logging into your account on IRCC Canada’s website () or by downloading their application forms from there as well. Once you have completed your application form, it will be sent directly to our Canadian immigration office in Victoria, BC. It will be reviewed and determined if you are eligible under our partnership program with International Experience Canada (IEC). If so, they will send back their electronic acceptance letter, which we will attach as proof of eligibility before sending off any official paperwork required when applying for PR status with IRCC.

How to get started — International Experience Canada

Selection Factor

Selection factors are used to determine if you are eligible for the program. They include your academic profile, language skills, work experience and employment goals.

For example, to apply for the International Co-op (Internship) program, you need at least one year of suitably relevant work experience in Canada or abroad within the past five years before applying. If this applies to you, please contact us directly via email or phone, so we can help answer any questions regarding selection factors as they relate specifically to your situation as an applicant.

Age eligibility

The age limit for most work permits is 18-35. If you are under 18 and want to work in Canada, you can apply for a Young Professionals work permit if you have received an offer of full-time employment from an employer in Canada. You must be 18 years old to apply for this work permit. To get a Working Holiday work permit, applicants must be between the ages of 18-30; however, there are exceptions depending on the country that issued your passport and which country or province you intend to visit in Canada (see Work Permit Requirements by Country).

Step 1: Choose a destination

Learn about the countries and territories where you can travel as part of your seasonal work program. See which ones might be a good fit for you by researching information such as:

available jobs
cost of living
travel ideas

Step 2: Find out if you're eligible to apply in the partner country or territory you choose

Once you choose a destination, ensure you’re eligible to apply for a work permit there. Each country or region may have different requirements, including:

residency (where you lived when you used)
financial requirements
how long can you stay
work restrictions

Step 3: Choose a work permit that's right for you

Working Holiday (IEC Work Permit)

To qualify, you must be between 18 and 30 and have at least one year of full-time work experience. You must also meet the language proficiency requirements (see below).

What are the language requirements for working holiday visa applications?

You must meet our English or French language proficiency requirement to qualify for a Working Holiday (IEC) Work Permit. This can be demonstrated by:

1) providing proof of completion of secondary school education in Canada.

2) having completed at least two years of full-time studies at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution.

3) completing level 4 or above in any province’s official language test.

4) being able to demonstrate proficiency through other means.

Young Professionals (IEC Work Permit)

The Young Professionals (IEC) Work Permit allows young professionals to work in Canada for up to two years. This program is designed for people between 18 and 35 who are completing post-secondary education or professional training at a Canadian institution.

You can apply for this program if the following:

You have completed at least one year of post-secondary education in Canada or elsewhere before using AND;
Your employer has hired you as a full-time employee (permanent or temporary)

To apply for this program, you must have one of these valid work permits.

International Co-Op (Internship) (IEC Work Permit)

International Co-op (Internship) is a program designed to allow international students to gain practical work experience in Canada. Students who apply for this program must have a valid study permit and be enrolled at a post-secondary institution in Canada.

Students must be able to demonstrate that they have the following:

A clear understanding of the job duties, responsibilities and requirements that will be expected of them during their stay in Canada; and
The ability to effectively communicate in English or French

Step 4: Get all the documents you need

a passport
Proof of funds to:
- cover your expenses when you arrive
- cover your costs while you find work (if you don’t already have a job offer)
- pay for your return ticket
proof of medical insurance for the duration of your stay
a copy of your pre-arranged contract of employment (job offer) or internship (if you are applying for an employer-specific work permit)

You may also be asked for the following:

a birth certificate
a criminal record check or police certificate
a medical exam
photos

Step 5: Complete your application

The application process for each country and territory is different. Before you apply, read the application instructions on the country or territory website carefully.

In general, to complete your application, you must:

fill out the application form(s)
pay any necessary fees
submit your application and required documents

Depending on your destination, you must submit your application and pay your fees online, by mail, or in person.

For some countries and territories, you must complete your application’s last steps in person. This is done either at the embassy or consulate or in the country or territory after you arrive.

This may include:

providing more documents
paying fees
giving biometrics (usually fingerprints and photos)

The application process can be completed on the individual country or territory website.

Tip: Check your junk or spam folder to avoid missing important emails.

Step 6: Start making your travel plans!

You’ll usually be notified by mail or email if your application is approved.

You can then start planning your trip:

find a place to live
book a plane ticket
get travel insurance

You can use our travel checklist for more ideas and resources on things you’ll need before you go, such as:

information on living abroad
safety and security concerns
tax information for Canadians outside Canada

Get started now by choosing your destination.

The IEC program is a good way for international students to stay in Canada and work.

The IEC program is a good way for international students to stay in Canada and work. It also provides valuable work experience, greatly aiding students’ future careers. The IEC program allows you to gain practical Canadian language skills and learn about our culture and values, which will be vital if you want to live here permanently after graduation.

Conclusion

The IEC Work Permit is an excellent way for international students to gain work experience in Canada. It’s also a good way for young professionals and co-op students to stay in the country after graduation to get their foot in the door before applying for permanent residency or citizenship.

Contacts

Contacts for media only:

Baz Dara Aziz
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
bahoz.daraaziz@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca

Source

Canadian Experience Class Program – How to Apply

Admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 09:48:36 +0000

The Canadian Experience Class Program is designed for individuals with Canadian work experience who want to apply for permanent residency. This program is an excellent option for foreign workers and international students who have gained skills and experience in Canada and wish to establish themselves permanently in the country.

To be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, individuals must meet the following requirements:

Have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before the application
Meet the language proficiency requirements in English or French
Be able to demonstrate that they have the ability and intention to become economically established in Canada

As for the required documents, the following documents are generally required as part of the CEC application:

A valid passport or travel document
Proof of language proficiency test results
Proof of work experience in Canada
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if the applicant’s education was obtained outside of Canada
Police certificate
Medical examination results

To apply for the CEC program, individuals must create an online profile through the Express Entry system. Once the profile is complete, it will be placed in a pool of candidates and ranked against other candidates based on the points system. The highest-ranking candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residency.

It’s important to note that the Express Entry system is highly competitive, and it is essential to have a solid profile to increase your chances of being invited to apply.

To improve your chances of being selected, it’s recommended to meet the eligibility criteria for one or more of the programs, have a high level of language proficiency in either English or French, and have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.

Suppose you’re interested in immigrating to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class program. In that case, it’s best to visit the official Government of Canada website or consult an immigration lawyer to understand the current rules and regulations and to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Who is eligible for the Canadian Experience Class Program?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is designed for individuals with Canadian work experience who want to apply for permanent residency. To be eligible for the CEC program, individuals must meet the following requirements:

Work experience: Individuals must have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount of part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before the application.
Language proficiency: Individuals must meet the language proficiency requirements in English or French as per the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) standards.
Intention to settle: Individuals must demonstrate their ability and will to become economically established in Canada.
Education: There is no specific education requirement for the CEC, but the program is designed for individuals with work experience, so a high level of education is unnecessary.
Other eligibility factors: It’s important to note that individuals in Canada on a work permit or study permit are not eligible to apply for the CEC program unless they are eligible for an open work permit or have completed a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

How to calculate your Canadian Experience Class CRS points

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is part of the Express Entry system, which uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. The CRS is used to determine the relative ranking of candidates in the pool based on the information provided in their Express Entry profile.

The CRS awards point based on the following factors:

Age: Points are awarded based on the candidate’s age, with the maximum points awarded to candidates aged 18 to 35 years old.
Language proficiency: Points are awarded based on the candidate’s proficiency in English or French, which is assessed through a language test.
Education: Points are awarded based on the candidate’s level of education, including the number of years of formal education and the type of degree or diploma.
Work experience: Points are awarded based on the candidate’s work experience, including the number of years of professional work experience, the type of occupation, and the location of the work experience.
Arranged employment: Points are awarded if the candidate has a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or has a nomination from a province or territory.
Adaptability: Points are awarded based on the ability of the candidate and their accompanying family members to settle in Canada, which can include factors such as work experience, knowledge of English or French, and other factors.

The CRS awards a total of 1,200 points, and the minimum score to qualify for the CEC program is currently 350 points.

Can I apply to the Canadian Experience Class program from outside of Canada?

It is generally not possible to apply for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program outside of Canada. The CEC program is designed for individuals with Canadian work experience who want to apply for permanent residency. To be eligible for the CEC program, individuals must meet the following requirements:

Work experience: Individuals must have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount of part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before the application.
Language proficiency: Individuals must meet the language proficiency requirements in English or French as per the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) standards.
Intention to settle: Individuals must demonstrate their ability and will to become economically established in Canada.

It’s important to note that individuals in Canada on a work permit or study permit are not eligible to apply for the CEC program unless they are eligible for an open work permit or have completed a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

The CEC program is a part of the Express Entry system, which requires you to be physically present in Canada and have legal status in Canada when submitting your Express Entry profile.

Is proof of funds required for the Canadian Experience Class?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program does not have a specific requirement for proof of funds. However, as part of the application process, applicants must demonstrate they have the ability and intention to become economically established in Canada; this includes the ability to support themselves and any dependents financially.

While not a specific requirement, proof of funds can be essential in demonstrating your ability to become economically established in Canada, examples of such evidence include but are not limited to: savings, assets, investments, and any other financial sources that will help you in supporting yourself and your dependents in Canada.

Does internship experience in Canada count towards my Canadian Experience Class application?

Internship experience in Canada may count towards your Canadian Experience Class (CEC) application if it meets the criteria for professional work experience. To be eligible for the CEC program, individuals must have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount of part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before the application.

Professional work experience is defined as experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Type 0, A, or B occupation. These occupations require significant education, training, or experience and often require a university degree or college diploma.

Internship experience in a NOC 0, A or B occupation similar to the work experience you will be seeking in Canada can be included as part of the 12 months of professional work experience required for the CEC program.