Is the International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) or the Start-up Visa faster to get?

The International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) (IEC) is typically faster, around 1–3 months, versus 12–36 months for the Start-up Visa. Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

Which costs more, the IEC or the SUV?

The Start-up Visa (SUV) costs more, about $1,860 in official fees, versus $270 for the International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) (IEC). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) or the Start-up Visa?

The IEC does not lead directly to permanent residency, while the SUV offers a direct path to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do I need a job offer for the IEC or the SUV?

No. Neither the IEC nor the SUV requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.

International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) vs Start-up Visa

Canada · IECvs Canada · SUV

Quick answerUpdated 2026-06-10

The IEC is the faster route (1–3 months), the IEC is cheaper on official fees ($270), only the SUV leads directly to permanent residency. Which fits depends on your nationality, profession, and whether you already have a job offer, the breakdown below maps each visa to a profile.

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your stage in life and business readiness. IEC is for young people wanting flexible work and travel experience. Start-up Visa is for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea and backing from Canadian investors. Pick based on whether you're exploring or building.

Further reading: Canada IEC working holiday guide

Section 01

At a glance

IEC

SUV

Processing time

1–3 months

12–36 months

Application fee

$270

$1,860

Initial validity

2 yrs

5 yrs

Path to PR

Yes

Points-based

Employer sponsor

Not required

Minimum salary

—

Language test

Not required

Required

Verified

2026-06-10

2026-05-02

Section 02

Which one fits you?

01
Your age and timeline
Pick IEC
Choose IEC if you're under 35 and want to work abroad without long-term commitment.
Pick SUV
Choose Start-up Visa if you're any age with a business idea and can wait 12-36 months.
02
Path to permanent residency
Pick IEC
IEC doesn't lead to PR, so pick it for temporary work experience only.
Pick SUV
Start-up Visa leads to PR, so pick it if you want to stay in Canada long-term.
03
Business backing required
Pick IEC
Pick IEC if you have no business plan or investor support yet.
Pick SUV
Pick Start-up Visa if you have an innovative idea and backing from a Canadian VC or incubator.
04
Education and cost
Pick IEC
IEC costs $150 USD and requires only high school education.
Pick SUV
Start-up Visa costs $1860 USD and requires a bachelor's degree minimum.
05
Language and sponsorship
Pick IEC
IEC has no language test or employer sponsorship needed.
Pick SUV
Start-up Visa requires a language test but no employer sponsor.

Section 03

Common questions

Is the International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) or the Start-up Visa faster to get?: The International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) (IEC) is typically faster, around 1–3 months, versus 12–36 months for the Start-up Visa. Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.
Which costs more, the IEC or the SUV?: The Start-up Visa (SUV) costs more, about $1,860 in official fees, versus $270 for the International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) (IEC). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.
Can I get permanent residency with the International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) or the Start-up Visa?: The IEC does not lead directly to permanent residency, while the SUV offers a direct path to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.
Do I need a job offer for the IEC or the SUV?: No. Neither the IEC nor the SUV requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.

Section 04

Read the full pathway