IEC (Working Holiday) for US citizens
All you need to know
What Is the IEC Program?
International Experience Canada (IEC) is a government-run program that allows young people from certain countries to live, travel, and work in Canada temporarily. More info on the topic >> here.
Eligibility for U.S. Citizens
Unlike many other countries, the United States does not have a direct IEC agreement with Canada. This means American citizens need to apply through a Recognized Organization (RO) to take part in the IEC program.
| Age | 18–35 years old (inclusive) |
| Citizenship | Must hold a valid U.S. passport |
| Duration | Up to 12 months |
| Funds | Minimum CAD $2,500 available upon arrival |
| Insurance | Must have valid health/travel insurance for your stay |
| Clean record | No criminal convictions (may require police certificate) |
| No dependents | You cannot bring children or dependents on this work permit |
| RO sponsorship | Must apply through an approved Recognized Organization |
The typical RO process explained in a few steps:
- First, you sign up for the RO newsletter to ensure you don't miss the opening date.
- On their opening date, you apply with the RO first.
- Then, at some point during their process the RO notifies you that you were successful.
- They will send you an invoice with the fee amount and set a very short deadline.
- Next, you pay the fees to the RO within their deadline.
- After the payment, you’ll receive instructions for the next step, asking you to enter the IEC pool.
- At this point, you can apply into the IEC Pool and wait for an invitation. An invitation is guaranteed.
- Afterward, you receive an RO support letter (acceptance letter) to upload it into your application.
How do I apply for an IEC (Working Holiday) as a US citizen?
Before starting your International Experience Canada (IEC) application, you must first register with a Recognized Organization (RO). Currently, SWAP Working Holidays is the only RO that allows you to apply for an IEC work permit through their program.
You can sign up through SWAP’s two US partner companies, InterExchange and JENZA.
Once you register with the RO, you’ll need to carefully follow their specific instructions on how to apply for the work permit.
Below is an overview of the steps in the IEC application process.
Step 1: Register with the Recognized Organization
If you are selected, pay their registration or program fee.
Step 2: Create and Submit Your IEC Profile
- When the RO tells you to enter the IEC pool: Create a GCKey Account >> Here
- Submit your profile into the IEC pool.
- In the profile creation steps, select that you’re being supported through a Recognized Organization.
Step 3: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Once in the pool, you must wait for the rounds of invitations.
- When invited, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a work permit.
- You have 10 days to accept the invitation once it’s issued.
Step 4: Submit Your Work Permit Application
After accepting the ITA, you’ll have 20 days to submit your application and required documents.
You’ll need to upload:
- Passport (all pages with stamps and marks on them)
- Police certificates (if applicable)
- Digital photo
- RO letter
- Medical exam results (if required)
- Family information form (IMM 5645)
You’ll also pay the following fees:
- IEC participation fee: CAD $184.75 (for the 2026 season)
- Open work permit holder fee: CAD $100
While you wait for your invitation to apply, it’s a great idea to start preparing all the necessary documents in advance. This will help ensure that when the time comes to submit your application, the process will be quick and stress-free. >> You can find the preparation step from the general IEC application here.
Step 5: Receive Port of Entry (POE) Letter
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction via your IRCC account.
It’s important to note that this letter is not your work permit. Instead, you will present the POE to a border officer when you arrive in Canada to obtain your actual work permit.
Step 6: Enter Canada
When you arrive:
- Present your POE Letter and passport to the border officer.
- Show proof of funds (minimum CAD $2,500)
- Provide an IEC health insurance policy valid for the entire duration of your stay.
- You’ll receive your open work permit valid for up to 12 months.
Frequently asked questions for the IEC (Working Holiday)
How much does it cost to apply through an RO?
The cost of applying through a Recognized Organization (RO) for the IEC Working Holiday varies quite a bit depending on which RO you choose — because IRCC does not set the RO fee. Each organization sets its own pricing on top of the government fees. Below is a screenshot from Jenza with the fee information for 2026.
Do I have to be in Canada to apply through an RO?
No, you don’t need to be in Canada to apply through a Recognized Organization (RO). You can begin and complete your application from your home country or any other country, as long as you have reliable Internet access to submit your documents online.
When do RO's open their application process?
Each RO has its own application process. Once you decide to use this option, you should subscribe to their newsletter immediately. The major and popular RO, SWAP, typically opens its application process in December.
Do I need a job before I apply for the IEC?
The IEC Working Holiday work permit is an open work permit that gives you the freedom to work for any employer anywhere in Canada. So the answer is: No, you don’t need a job offer to apply for the IEC Working Holiday Canada.
Can I participate more than once as a U.S. citizen?
Officially yes, according to IRCC. However it depends on the Recognized Organization and their rules. Always check with the RO you are using before applying.
Official government Source
Inbound foreign national youth are eligible to participate in the IEC program twice in their lifetime through a recognized organization.
I am over 35 years old, is the IEC still an option?
If you are over 35 years old, you are no longer eligible to apply for the IEC Working Holiday program.
However, the age limit is inclusive of age 35. This means you can submit your profile and receive an invitation right up until the day before your 36th birthday. Once you turn 36, your profile will no longer be eligible and will be removed from the pool.
If you receive an invitation before turning 36, your application can continue to be processed after your birthday. You can also travel to Canada and activate your work permit after turning 36.
Can my spouse or partner come with me?
Yes. Your spouse or partner can come to Canada with you, but they cannot be included in your IEC Working Holiday application.
They must apply for their own permission to enter Canada, such as a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit. If they want to work in Canada, they will need to qualify for their own work permit.
Is a participation via an RO a guaranteed IEC?
If you’re accepted by the Recognized Organization (RO), paid their fee, an invitation from the IEC pool is guaranteed.
However, this doesn’t mean your application will be automatically approved. You still need to meet all eligibility requirements and submit the necessary documents on time.
Do I need a police certificate when I participate through an RO?
As a U.S. citizen, you do not need to provide a police certificate if you only lived in the U.S. Here is the quote from IRCC:
“Upfront police certificates are not required for US citizens and permanent residents applying under a recognized organization if they have only lived in the US. Applicants who have lived in other countries or territories for 6 consecutive months or more since their 18th birthday must provide a police certificate for each of those countries or territories. Note that officers may request a police certificate at any time if they have concerns.”
Do I have to give biometrics?
Biometrics are your fingerprints and a photograph that are collected at a biometrics centre. The good news is that, as an American citizen, you do not need to provide biometrics.
Do I need a medical exam?
You only need a medical exam, if you would like to work in jobs that bring you into close contact with people, such as health care, child care, elderly care. More info on medical exams under the IEC program >> here.
I have to renew my passport; can I still apply?
If you still have your old passport, keep in mind that, when your work permit is issued, it will not be valid beyond the expiry date of the passport it’s linked to. In fact, some RO may require that your passport remains valid for a certain period.
If your passport is expiring soon, you have several options depending on your situation.
I am in Canada; can I activate the work permit at the US land border via flagpoling?
Officially, the Canadian government ended flagpoling on December 24, 2024. The announcement can be found > here <. However, Citizens and lawful Permanent Residents of the United States of America are exempt.
In other words, yes, you can still travel to the U.S. border to activate your IEC work permit.
Do I need an IEC health insurance?
Yes, it is a mandatory requirement for all participants in the International Experience Program:
When you activate the work permit, you must have a health insurance that must be valid for the entire length of your intended stay in Canada (the length of the work permit). Be aware, if you are already in Canada, you need an ‘already travelling’ policy.
Your IEC health insurance must cover:
- medical care
- hospitalization and
- repatriation (returning you to your country in the event of severe illness, injury or death)
If your insurance policy is valid for less than your intended stay, your work permit will be issued with an expiration date that matches your IEC health insurance.
You cannot extend your work permit later. For example, if your health insurance is only valid for three months, your work permit will also be valid for three months, and no extension will be possible.
For your IEC health insurance option, check out >> BestQuote.
The only policy in the world that offers (25% of remaining premium) cash back if you enroll in provincial health. I recommend getting a quote from BestQuote and asking them any questions you might have.