Working Holiday Canada for US citizens
What do I 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
Currently, Canada and the United States (US) do not have a formal bilateral agreement on youth mobility. As a result, American citizens who wish to participate must apply through a “Recognized Organization” (RO).
| 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 |
| 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. You must react fast.
- Next, you pay the fees to the RO.
- 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.
- Afterward, you receive an RO support letter (acceptance letter) to upload it into your application.
How do I apply for a 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.
Once you register with SWAP, 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 for other countries:
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 $179.75 (for the 2025 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 (CAD $2,500) and travel insurance.
- You’ll receive your open work permit valid for up to 12 months.
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, which can begin as early as July. Therefore, 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.
I am over 35 years old, is the RO still an option?
Unfortunately, if you’re over the age of 35, you are no longer eligible for the IEC program.
However, keep in mind that the age limit is 35 inclusive, meaning you can still apply and receive an invitation up until the day before your 36th birthday. After that, the system will automatically remove your profile from the pool.
Is a participation via an RO a guaranteed Working Holiday?
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 from the prohibition on flagpoling.
In other words, the answer is yes, you can still travel to the U.S. border to activate your work permit.
Do I really need an IEC health insurance?
Yes, it is a mandatory requirement for 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.