How It Works

How it works

You’ll enjoy dedicated support from the moment you sign up.

Process

Work permit processing times vary but we encourage you to apply at least three months prior to your job start date.

1. Sign up

If you already have a paid, full-time job offer fitting into one of Canada’s TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, complete our quick sign up process, preferably at least three months before your desired travel date. In some cases applying with shorter notice might be okay, but work permit processing times cannot be guaranteed. We’ll contact you soon regarding next steps.

2. Employer submits the job offer letter through the Canadian Government website, and provides you with a contract

We have a tip sheet your employer can use to guide them through the process, and they may contact SWAP Working Holidays with any doubts. Your employer will need to provide you with a seven-digit number, which is generated once they’ve submitted the offer of employment to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using an online portal. The employer will also pay CAD $230 in government fees.

3. Submit your profile to the IEC Young Professional candidate pool

Once approved by InterExchange, we’ll send you information on completing the International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit application, which begins with you setting up a profile on the IEC section of the Government of Canada website. When asked, your Recognized Organization (R.O.) is SWAP Working Holidays. Let InterExchange know you’ve submitted your profile and pay your program fee.

4. Receive and accept Invitation to Apply

Once your profile is submitted and reviewed, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for your work permit through the IEC website. This usually happens within two weeks. You must accept this and move forward with the application at your earliest possibility, before the invitation expires.

5. Submit IEC Application

Complete web forms and upload required documents to the IEC website. You will also need to pay any IEC and Government of Canada fees (CAD $161).

Police certificate requirements can vary by applicant. Generally speaking, only applicants who have lived outside of the U.S. for 6+ months are asked for police certificates but others may also be required to provide this. U.S. citizens typically do not require biometrics.

Medical report requirements can vary by applicant. Generally speaking, only applicants who indicate an interest in working in fields such as childcare, healthcare, or education are asked for this but others may also be required to provide this.

6. Receive IEC Work Permit Decision

Processing times can vary widely but in our experience, most applicants receive approval within 2 months. During this time, it’s possible that IEC will request additional information or documentation.

7. Purchase travel medical insurance

This is a program requirement and we will gladly point you in the direction of a few options. Your insurance must cover the full length of your intended dates in Canada. Your work permit will only be issued for the duration of your insurance coverage.

8. Provide travel dates

The last step before you travel is to give us your planned travel date. In order to register you with SWAP, the program provider in Canada, we will need your estimated travel dates. Please note that your work permit validity will be specific to your job start/end dates.

9. Enter Canada and receive work permit

Your general IEC approval issued online or through email is not actually your work permit. It allows you to enter Canada and obtain your permit at the border or airport. At that time you will want to thoroughly ensure that the permit information is correct before proceeding into the country.

10. Attend orientation, social activities, and more

SWAP is available for support in Canada throughout your program. If you have any logistical questions or want to link up with their community for social events, SWAP is there for you! If you find yourself in Toronto or Vancouver feel free to join an orientation meeting or schedule a one-on-one with a SWAP staffer.

Requirements

18-35 years old
U.S. citizen

Costs

Program Fee: $1295

Included

Personal support from friendly staff
Program handbook
Pre-arrival orientation (virtual)
Arrival orientation (virtual or in the Toronto or Vancouver support centers)
Access to social activities
Social media groups to help you connect
Work permit information

Not included

$161 CAD government of Canada fees paid by you
$272 CAD Government of Canada fees paid by your employer
Travel medical insurance
Flight and transportation costs

Please note that InterExchange is not an immigration specialist or visa service provider. Your payment to InterExchange covers the program fees for InterExchange and SWAP for the items indicated above, but it is up to you to actually obtain the appropriate visa and/or work permit needed for your program. We will provide general information about this process along the way.

Develop your career in Canada

You’ll have support during the application process and throughout your program.

Our Programs

How it works​