Your work permit is not just a document. It decides what jobs you can take, how long you can work, whether an employer is tied to your status, and what you must update when the permit changes.
Open work permit versus employer-specific work permit
An open work permit can let you work for different employers if you meet the program conditions. An employer-specific permit ties you to a specific employer, job, or location. IEC Working Holiday is usually an open work permit, but you still need to read the permit conditions.
- Working Holiday: usually open
- Young Professionals: usually employer-specific
- International Co-op: usually tied to an internship
IEC and Working Holiday basics
IEC has a formal invitation and application process. Do not assume you can apply whenever you want. Read your invitation deadline carefully and keep insurance and proof of funds documents ready for arrival.
- Check invitation deadline
- Prepare police certificate if requested
- Check passport validity
- Keep proof of funds and insurance
What to check on the permit
When you receive your physical permit, check your name, expiry date, employer conditions, location restrictions, and work restrictions. If a condition prevents work in healthcare, childcare, or education, do not ignore it.
- Name and passport number
- Expiry date
- Employer name if applicable
- Occupation restrictions
- Medical exam related restrictions
SIN expiry
Temporary resident SINs often start with 9 and expire with immigration documents. When you extend or change status, update your SIN record with Service Canada after IRCC authorizes the new document or continuation.
- Track permit expiry
- Update employer
- Update SIN record
- Keep copies of confirmations
Before Canada / Canada
Beginner definitions
IEC
International Experience Canada, a youth mobility program that includes Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op categories.
Working Holiday
A common name for the IEC Working Holiday category.
Maintained status
A status concept that may let some applicants remain under certain conditions while an extension is processed. Verify with IRCC for your case.
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FAQ
Is Working Holiday the same as IEC?+
Working Holiday is one category under International Experience Canada. Young Professionals and International Co-op are different IEC categories.
Can I work for any employer?+
Only if your permit and conditions allow it. Open permits and employer-specific permits are different.
What should I do if my permit has an error?+
Check IRCC instructions and address it quickly. Do not rely on assumptions if the physical permit does not match your situation.
Important disclaimer
This guide provides practical information, not legal, immigration, tax, healthcare, or financial advice. Rules, offers, eligibility, fees, and provider conditions can change. Always verify important decisions with official sources or the provider before applying, contributing, signing, or relying on a deadline.