Canada · Skilled Worker Visa

IEC Working Holiday — International Experience Canada

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-21 · Our methodology
4.3/10 diff
Moderate

Youth mobility working holiday open work permit under IRPA s. 30 + bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (YMAs) implemente…

Min income
Processing
35+ days
Path to PR
No
Job offer
Not required
Direct answer

Youth mobility working holiday open work permit under IRPA s. 30 + bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (YMAs) implemented via Ministerial Instructions and IRPR s. 205(b) Canadian Interests / public policy work permit category. OPEN WORK PERMIT (employer-flexible) for citizens of 36 partner countries/territories aged 18-30 or 18-35 (varies by country). One participation per category per country in most cases. Duration 12-24 months depending on country agreement (e.g. UK 24mo, Australia 24mo, Japan 12mo). Requires medical insurance for full stay.

At a Glance

Visa Duration
24 months
Processing Time
35+ days
Min Income
Path to PR
No
Difficulty
4/10 — Moderate

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18–35
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsorship RequiredNo
Health Insurance RequiredYes
Passport RestrictionsExcludes: MY

Financial Requirements

ItemAmount
Minimum Savings€1,543

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Family AllowedNo
Spouse Can WorkNo
Path to Permanent ResidencyNo

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Toronto
Single (monthly)€2,590
Family (monthly)€4,850
Rent 1BR (center)€1,551
Groceries€648
Transport pass€155
Vancouver
Single (monthly)€2,690
Family (monthly)€5,050
Rent 1BR (center)€1,781
Groceries€672
Transport pass€161
Montreal
Single (monthly)€2,000
Family (monthly)€3,850
Rent 1BR (center)€1,181
Groceries€500
Transport pass€120

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IEC Working Holiday — International Experience Canada?

Youth mobility working holiday open work permit under IRPA s. 30 + bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (YMAs) implemented via Ministerial Instructions and IRPR s. 205(b) Canadian Interests / public policy work permit category. OPEN WORK PERMIT (employer-flexible) for citizens of 36 partner countries/territories aged 18-30 or 18-35 (varies by country). One participation per category per country in most cases. Duration 12-24 months depending on country agreement (e.g. UK 24mo, Australia 24mo, Japan 12mo). Requires medical insurance for full stay.

What are the financial requirements for the IEC Working Holiday — International Experience Canada?

Applicants need minimum savings of €1,543. Additional costs may include relocation expenses, insurance, and document attestation.

Can I bring my family on the IEC Working Holiday — International Experience Canada?

Family accompaniment may be limited on this pathway. Check current regulations for the latest family reunification rules.

Can the IEC Working Holiday — International Experience Canada lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to Canada?

Yes. Canada offers 23 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Canada country page.

What is the cost of living in Canada?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Toronto: €2,590/mo; Vancouver: €2,690/mo; Montreal: €2,000/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-21 · See our methodology

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