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

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.