International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) vs Youth Mobility Scheme

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your nationality and where you want to work. Both are two-year working holidays for young people, but they have different eligible countries and costs. Here's how to pick the right one for your situation.

Further reading: Canada IEC working holiday guide

1. 01

   Your nationality

   Pick IEC

   Pick International Experience Canada if you're from any other eligible country (Canada's program has broader eligibility).

   Pick YMS (T5)

   Pick Youth Mobility Scheme if you're from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India, Hong Kong, Iceland, or Taiwan.

2. 02

   Visa cost matters

   Pick IEC

   Pick International Experience Canada if you want to save money; it costs only $150 USD.

   Pick YMS (T5)

   Pick Youth Mobility Scheme if cost is less important; it's $320 USD.

3. 03

   Where you want to live

   Pick IEC

   Pick International Experience Canada if you want to work and travel in Canada for two years.

   Pick YMS (T5)

   Pick Youth Mobility Scheme if you want to work and live in the UK for two years.

4. 04

   Education requirements

   Pick IEC

   Pick International Experience Canada if you have at least a high school diploma.

   Pick YMS (T5)

   Pick Youth Mobility Scheme if you haven't finished high school; no minimum education required.

Is the International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) or the Youth Mobility Scheme faster to get?

They are similar: the IEC takes about 1–3 months and the YMS (T5) about 1–3 months. Neither has a decisive speed advantage, the completeness of your application matters more than the visa you pick.

Which costs more, the IEC or the YMS (T5)?

The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS (T5)) costs more, about $320 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 Youth Mobility Scheme?

The IEC does not lead directly to permanent residency, while the YMS (T5) does not lead directly 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 YMS (T5)?

No. Neither the IEC nor the YMS (T5) requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.