OTTAWA — The Government of Canada has launched the 2023 International Experience Canada (IEC) Program with a 20-per-cent increase in the number of applicants who can apply. Applications will begin on Jan. 9, 2023.
The IEC Program allows Canadian and international youth to work and travel in each other’s countries. This increase means that nearly 90,000 candidates will be able to work and travel in Canada, and help employers fill labour gaps, including for seasonal work opportunities in Canada’s tourism industry.
Canada has youth mobility arrangements with 36 countries and foreign territories through the IEC Program that allow youth from Canada’s partner countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years. The ages range from 18 to 35 depending on the country. There are three categories of participation, including:
- Working holiday participants receive an open work permit that allows them to work anywhere in the host country to support their travels
- International co-op (internship) participants receive an employer-specific work permit that allows students to gain targeted experience in their field of study
- Young professional participants receive an employer-specific work permit to gain experience in their field of study or career path
