Every year, thousands of young people from Ireland embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Canada thanks to IEC, International Experience Canada.
If you’re between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive) and hold a valid Irish passport, you could be next—whether you go solo or with friends!
Table of contents
1. What is IEC?
IEC stands for International Experience Canada. It’s the program name used by the Government of Canada to describe its series of youth mobility agreements with countries around the world—including Ireland. Through IEC, young Irish citizens can live, travel, and work in Canada. In exchange, young Canadians can also come to Ireland on a Working Holiday Visa.
If you hold an Irish passport, you can apply under one of three IEC categories:
- Working Holiday: This open work permit does not require a job offer. You’re free to work for any employer in Canada for the duration of your permit. This is the most flexible and popular IEC option.
- Young Professionals: This closed work permit requires a job offer in your professional field from a Canadian employer.
- International Co-op (Internship): This closed work permit is designed for students wishing to complete a paid or unpaid internship in Canada. It requires a job offer.
Irish citizens can take part once in either the Working Holiday or Young Professionals category (but not both), for up to 24 months. You may, however, participate a second time through the International Co-op category (up to 12 months) if you meet its conditions.
2. Eligibility criteria
The eligibility requirements are straightforward. You must:
- Be 18–35 years old (inclusive).
- Hold an Irish passport valid for the entire duration of your chosen IEC program. For example, if you plan to go on a 24-month Working Holiday, your passport must be valid for at least 24 months beyond your intended arrival date.
If you meet these conditions and the annual quota hasn’t been reached yet (check official website), you’re eligible for the programme.
3. Before you apply
Before beginning your application, keep the following in mind:
- The total cost of applying is around CA$370 (IEC participation fee, open work permit fee, and biometrics fee).
- You must show proof of at least $2,500 in personal savings, plus an additional $1,000 to cover the cost of a return flight (unless already purchased).
- Once your application is approved, you must enter Canada within 12 months. Otherwise, your permit will expire and you’ll need to start over.
- When entering Canada, you must provide proof of medical insurance covering the entire duration of your stay.
4. Application overview
The application process is similar across IEC categories. Here’s how it works:
- Create your account on the official IEC website.
- Join the pool for your desired IEC category (or categories). Since spaces are limited, it operates like a lottery. Learn more.
- Wait to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once you receive one, you must accept or decline within 10 days.
- After accepting the ITA, complete your application within 20 days. This includes filling out your forms and uploading required documents.
- Submit your biometrics within 30 days.
- Wait for your approval, which comes in the form of a Port of Entry (POE) letter. You must then enter Canada within 12 months.
5. FAQ
Still have questions? Leave a comment below or visit our forum!
Yes. You may be asked to show proof of medical insurance when you enter Canada with your Port of Entry letter. It must cover the entire duration of your permit. Read IEC Working Holiday Permit: the Insurance Requirement Explained.
We’ve recommended Globe WHV insurance since 2005—they’ve supported thousands of working holiday travellers in Canada and beyond.
Each IEC category has its own annual quota. The 2026 allocations for Irish citizens are: Working Holiday (2,735), Young Professionals (48), and International Co-op (20). You can check updated quotas here.
Quotas for Ireland are rarely filled, so you should have no trouble securing a spot throughout the year. Invitations are typically sent weekly or bi-weekly.
Once you’re 18, you can enter the IEC pool. You can remain in the pool until the day you turn 36, at which point you will automatically be removed, as you would no longer be eligible. As long as you receive an Invitation to Apply prior to your 36th birthday, you can apply as a fully eligible candidate.
Note, however, that the second participation (if you participate in the International Co-op programme) is a brand new application, not an extension or renewal. That means you must meet the age requirement for both participations, not just the first.
Yes. Since the second participation is separate from the first, you will need to go through the same process of pools.
Each participant shapes their own experience! You decide what your time in Canada looks like. For inspiration, check out these interviews with current and past working holiday participants in Canada.
Our IEC application guide walks you through every step of the process.
Moving abroad can be daunting—but we’re here to share our experience as former Working Holiday Makers. We provide free articles and guides on finding housing, employment, and more.
Before starting work, you’ll need to open a Canadian bank account and get a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
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