International Experience Canada

• Age: between 18-35 years of age in most cases;
• Origin: eligible country or use a recognized organization;
• You must be admissible to Canada and have a valid passport;
• Have sufficient funds (at least CAD 2,500) and a return ticket;
• And have valid health insurance and come alone (without dependents).

One of the eligibility requirements for the International Experience Canada program is demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. The IRCC requires a minimum of CAD 2,500.

Why CAD 2,500 is Just the Starting Point:

While CAD 2,500 is the minimum requirement, it’s important to understand that this amount may not be enough to cover all your expenses, especially if you plan to stay in Canada for an extended period or live in a major city like Toronto or Vancouver.

Factors to Consider When Calculating Your Budget:

• Length of Stay: The longer you plan to stay, the more money you will need.

• Location: The cost of living varies significantly across Canada. Major cities are generally more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas.

• Accommodation: Accommodation costs can be a significant expense. Consider the cost of rent, utilities, and internet.

• Transportation: Factor in the cost of transportation, whether it’s public transit, a car, or flights between cities.

• Food: Budget for groceries and eating out.

• Entertainment: Don’t forget to budget for entertainment and activities.

• Unexpected Expenses: It’s always a good idea to have a buffer for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or travel delays.

Recommended Funds:

We recommend having at least CAD 5,000 – CAD 7,000 to comfortably cover your initial settling-in costs and the first few months of your stay. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on finding work and enjoying your Canadian experience.

Proof of Funds:

You will need to provide proof of funds when you apply for the IEC program. Acceptable forms of proof include:

• Bank statements

• Traveler’s cheques

• Other financial documents

Health Insurance: Protecting Your Health in Canada

Having valid health insurance is a mandatory requirement for participating in the International Experience Canada program. You must have health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Canada.

Key Requirements for Your Health Insurance:

• Coverage Duration: Your insurance policy must be valid for the entire length of your stay in Canada. If your policy expires before your work permit, you risk violating the terms of your visa.

• Canadian Coverage: The insurance must be valid in Canada.

• Comprehensive Coverage: The policy should cover medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation (in case of serious illness or injury).

• Minimum Coverage Amount: While there’s no specific minimum coverage amount mandated by the IRCC, we strongly recommend a policy with at least CAD 100,000 in coverage.

• Province-Specific Requirements: Be aware that some provinces may have specific requirements for health insurance. Check the requirements of the province where you plan to live and work.

Important Considerations:

• Waiting Periods: Some insurance policies have waiting periods before certain benefits become available. Make sure you understand any waiting periods before purchasing a policy.

• Pre-existing Conditions: Check whether the policy covers pre-existing medical conditions.

• Policy Exclusions: Be aware of any exclusions in the policy, such as coverage for extreme sports or certain activities.

Where to Purchase Health Insurance:

You can purchase health insurance from a variety of providers, both in your home country and in Canada. Some popular options include: