Compare the Three IEC Work Permit Categories

Compare Working Holiday, Young Professionals and International Co-op by permit type, job-offer requirements and study or career purpose.

Compare the routes

Category	Permit	Starting point
Working Holiday	Open	Travel with temporary work; a prior job offer is not required.
Young Professionals	Employer-specific	A paid, non-self-employed job contributing to professional development.
International Co-op	Employer-specific	A study-related placement required by a post-secondary program outside Canada.

Why Working Holiday is relevant to au pair plans

An open permit can allow work with different employers and in different locations. Childcare medical restrictions still matter; check the actual permit before employment.

Professional and student routes need a closer check

Young Professionals normally requires a TEER 0–3 role; certain TEER 4 jobs related to the applicant’s studies may qualify. Co-op requires a placement linked to the student’s studies. Neither category automatically qualifies a family’s au pair role. Country conditions and provincial employment rules also apply.

Official source: IRCC →

Continue your preparation

Check documents and medical restrictions →
Follow the application process →