Categories: Lifestyle

Eh-dventure awaits! Here’s how Canadians can live & work abroad in 2024

Poutine, permits and pure joy! Those looking to work abroad can now apply for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program ahead of the 2024 season, but there are a few things you have to know before you pack your bags.

Meant for people between the ages of 18 and 35, IEC is a reciprocal program that allows Canadian and international youth to work and travel in each other’s countries.

Related Posts:
Canada has a free streaming service & it’s adding more channels
Here are the strangest holiday traditions you’ll find across Canada

From Austria and Croatia to Greece, Italy and Japan, anyone who qualifies will be able to fully appreciate the food, culture, art and music of their chosen destination.

Likewise, those who live in participating spots will be able to experience all that we have to offer here in Canada.

Depending on your chosen location IEC has 3 participation categories.

Working holidays will allow participants to receive an open work permit that allows them to work anywhere in the host country to support their travels.

Young Professionals, however, will receive an employer-specific work permit to gain targeted, professional work experience within their field of study or career path.

Similarly, International Co-op (Internship) participants will receive an employer-specific work permit that allows students to gain targeted experience in their field of study.

Interested? According to The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, you can now submit a profile to the government.

“Canada benefits when young people around the world participate in International Experience Canada,” Miller said.

“This program will help Canadian employers in their search for talented employees, but will also serve to stimulate the tourism sector across the country. We also hope that young Canadians will take advantage of the reciprocal aspect of this program to gain work and travel experience from around the world that will serve them throughout their lives.”

The following are the current countries where Canadians can work abroad via this program:

  • Andorra
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Chile
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hong Kong
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Kingdom

If, of course, you’ve already chosen your destination, you’ll have to follow the following steps to be considered:

  1. Find out if you’re eligible
  2. Choose an appropriate work permit. (Each country or territory may call their work permits by a different name)
  3. Gather all your documents
  4. Complete your online application
  5. Check your inbox and mail
  6. Book your flight!

Now get out there and enjoy! No matter where you choose to go, we’re sure you’re in for an incredible time.

Happy applying and safe travels!

Recent Posts

These Alberta staycations are perfect for a summer getaway close to home

You don't always need a plane ticket and a packed itinerary to feel like you're…

6 hours ago

10 awesome things to do in and around Calgary this weekend (July 24 to 26)

We've got another hot weekend on the way in Calgary, which means it's officially time…

8 hours ago

10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (July 24-26)

Another weekend has already rolled around, and it's time to take full advantage. There are…

8 hours ago

10 things to do this weekend in Toronto (July 24-26)

We hope you’ve been keeping cool and refreshed this week, but it’s now the weekend,…

8 hours ago

You can become a detective for the night at this 1920s-inspired Calgary speakeasy

Prohibition Lounge is bringing the drama of the Roaring Twenties to Calgary with Detective Date…

9 hours ago

A new thermal spa experience has landed in Edmonton

Looking for your new favourite place to relax and recharge? A new contrast therapy spa…

9 hours ago