Working Holiday visa (IEC) — Canada
Statutory definition
IEC Working Holiday permits are issued under IRPR s 205(b) on the basis of bilateral reciprocal employment agreements between Canada and over 30 partner countries including the UK, Australia, Ireland, France, Germany, and New Zealand. Age limits and permit durations vary by country agreement. Candidates must register in the IEC pool and be invited before applying. Permits are granted on a first-come-first-served basis subject to annual country quotas.
Explanation
The IEC Working Holiday permit is an open work permit allowing the holder to work for any employer in Canada. It is the most flexible entry route for young people from partner countries to gain Canadian work experience. IEC participants who accumulate 1 year of skilled work experience on a Working Holiday permit may be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class. The IEC also includes a "Young Professionals" category (employer-specific permit for a job offer in a high-skill NOC) and an "International Co-op/Internship" category.