IEC Working Holiday Permit to Canada for Australians: 2025-2026 Guide

Every year, thousands of young Australians set off for the adventure of a lifetime in Canada via IEC.

If you’re between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive) and hold a valid Australian passport, you could be next—whether you travel solo or with friends!

Table of contents

1. What is IEC?
2. Eligibility criteria
3. Before you apply
4. Application overview
5. FAQ

1. What is IEC?

IEC stands for International Experience Canada. It’s the name the Government of Canada gives to the set of youth mobility agreements it has signed with countries around the world—including Australia. Thanks to IEC, young Australians can live, travel, and work in Canada. In return, young Canadians can also come to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa.

As an Australian passport holder, you can apply under one of three IEC categories:

• Working Holiday: This is an open work permit, meaning you don’t need a job offer to apply. It allows you to work for any employer in Canada during your stay. This is the most flexible and popular IEC category.
• Young Professionals: This is a closed work permit, which requires a job offer in your field from a Canadian employer.
• International Co-op (Internship): This closed work permit is intended for students who want to complete a paid or unpaid internship in Canada.

Australians can participate once in either of the first two categories (Working Holiday or Young Professionals, but not both) for up to 24 months. However, you may participate a second time (up to 12 months) under the International Co-op category if you meet its eligibility requirements.

2. Eligibility criteria

The requirements are straightforward. You must:

• Be 18–35 years old (inclusive);
• Hold an Australian passport that’s valid for the entire duration of your intended IEC program. For example, if you plan a 24-month Working Holiday, your passport must be valid for at least 24 months.

If you meet these criteria, you’re eligible to apply.

3. Before you apply

Before starting your application, keep the following in mind:

• The total fees amount to about CA$370 (IEC participation fee, open work permit fee, and biometrics fee).
• You must have at least CA$2,500 in personal savings, plus an additional $1,000 to cover the cost of a return flight (unless you’ve already purchased one).
• Once approved, you must enter Canada within 12 months. If not, your permit will expire and you’ll need to start over.
• When entering Canada, you must be prepared to show proof of medical insurance covering the full duration of your desired IEC permit.

4. Application overview

The application process is similar across all IEC categories. Here’s an overview of the steps:

1. Create your account on the official IEC website.
2. Enter the pool for your chosen IEC category and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once you receive it, you’ll have 10 days to accept or decline.
3. Once you’ve accepted your ITA, you’ll have 20 days to complete your application—this includes answering the required questions and submitting supporting documents.
4. After submitting your application, upload biometrics within 30 days.
5. Finally, wait for approval in the form of a Port of Entry (POE) letter, and then make sure to enter Canada within 12 months.

5. FAQ

If you still have questions, feel free to comment below or visit our forum!