Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has updated its participation eligibility requirements for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program to clarify the police certificate requirement.
According to the updated instructions, published on June 17, 2026:
- For an applicant’s current country or territory of residence, the police certificate cannot be older than six months from the date the work permit application was received. Previously, the starting date of this six-month period was not specified.
- Applicants who have lived in additional countries or territories for six months or more since age 18 must provide a police certificate from each of those countries. The police certificate or certificates must have been issued after the last time they lived there.
- US citizens and permanent residents applying under a recognized organization with only US residence do not need an upfront police certificate. However, if they have lived in other countries for six months or more since age 18, they must provide certificates from those countries issued after the last time they lived there.
- If an applicant is from a country or territory that does not require a police certificate, the officer may still request one. The police certificate cannot be older than six months from the date the work permit application was received.
International Experience Canada (IEC) gives international youth the opportunity to travel and work in Canada for up to two years. Canadians aged 18 to 35 can also participate in IEC.
There are three different kinds of work and travel experiences available: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship).
Citizens of a partner country may be able to apply to one or more of these three categories.
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Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.