By: Amir Radaii

September 1, 2025

Are you dreaming of discovering Canada’s vast landscapes, enriching your professional experience, or simply living an unforgettable adventure abroad? The International Experience Canada (IEC) program could be your ticket to this unique experience!

What is International Experience Canada?

International Experience Canada is a government program that allows young people aged 18 to 35 to live, work, and travel in Canada for a determined period. This program facilitates cultural and economic exchanges between Canada and its partner countries, offering participants an exceptional opportunity for personal and professional development.

The three categories of the IEC program

1. Working Holiday (WH)

The Working Holiday Program is perfect for those who want to explore Canada while having the freedom to work to finance their stay.

Key features:

• Duration: 12 to 24 months (depending on country of origin)
• Allows working for any employer
• Freedom to change jobs
• Ideal for discovering different regions of Canada

2. Young Professionals (YP)

This category is aimed at young graduates or professionals who want to gain Canadian work experience in their field of expertise.

Advantages:

• Specialized employment in your field of study
• Generally longer duration (up to 24 months)
• Excellent stepping stone for future permanent immigration
• Development of North American professional skills

3. International Co-op Internship (ICI)

Designed for current students, this program allows completing a paid internship in Canada as part of their studies.

Highlights:

• Supervised and structured internship
• Perfect complement to studies
• Valuable international experience for CV
• Duration adapted to academic curriculum

Participating countries

The IEC program is open to citizens of many countries, including:

• France: Up to 7,150 spots per year for Working Holiday
• Belgium: Approximately 750 spots annually
• Switzerland: Several hundred spots available
• And many other countries like Germany, Australia, Japan, South Korea…

Note: Quotas and conditions vary according to bilateral agreements between Canada and each partner country.

General eligibility requirements

To participate in the IEC program, you must generally:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old (age limit varies by country)
• Hold a valid passport from a partner country
• Have sufficient financial resources
• Have health insurance for the entire duration of stay
• Have no criminal record
• Meet medical requirements if necessary

Beyond IEC: future opportunities

Participating in the IEC program can open doors to many opportunities:

Canadian Experience: Your work experience in Canada can count toward permanent immigration through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Professional network: Develop valuable contacts in your field of activity.

Language improvement: Improve your English and/or French in an authentic environment.

Cultural discovery: Immerse yourself in Canadian diversity and develop an international perspective.

Conclusion

The International Experience Canada program represents an extraordinary opportunity for young people eager to live an enriching experience in the land of the maple leaf. Whether to develop your career, perfect your languages, or simply broaden your horizons, IEC can be the first step toward a lasting relationship with Canada.

Don’t wait any longer! If you meet the eligibility criteria, contact us now and try your luck. The Canadian adventure is waiting for you!