Ottawa—International youth contribute valuable and diverse skills to Canada’s
economy when they come from abroad to gain meaningful work and life experiences
here. Similarly, Canadian youth benefit from working and travelling abroad and coming
home with an international perspective.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship,
announced that the International Experience Canada (IEC) season is now open to
international youth who have expressed interest in gaining work and travel experience
in Canada. Those who are already in the IEC pool will begin receiving invitations to
apply for their work permit.
This year, Canada will be extending this opportunity to nearly 90,000 international
youth, as announced on December 1, 2022. This expansion will help Canadian
employers find the workers they need to fill labour shortages across the country.
Canada has a long-standing history of supporting Canadian and international youth to
travel and work abroad. IEC helps youth explore new cultures, languages and societies,
all while developing life skills and improving their job prospects for the future.