work and travel in canada with international experience canada

International Experience Canada (IEC) Program

Iec is a program designed to allow youth the opportunity to work in canada for temporary periods..

Youth from over 30 different countries can get an open work permit so they can work for any employer of their choice in Canada. IEC is meant to help build economic, social, and cultural ties between Canada and peer countries. This comprehensive CanadaVisa page provides an overview of how you can benefit from IEC.

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Table of contents, working holiday, young professionals.

• International Co-op

Employer-specific Work Permits

Countries with bilateral youth mobility agreements with canada, eligibility requirements for the iec program.

• How IEC works
• Contact the Cohen Immigration Law for Assistance

Citizens of countries with a bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada who are between the ages of 18 and 35 may be eligible for IEC work permits. Work permits issued under IEC are exempt from the requirement for a Labor Market impact Assessment  (LMIA).

The LMIA is the labour market test that the Canadian government often uses to assess how the potential arrival of foreign workers may affect workers in Canada. However, International Experience Canada exists to promote Canada's economic, social, and cultural ties with participating countries. As a result, IEC participants can obtain a Canadian work permit through the following options. 

Participants in the Working Holiday category can receive an open work permit, valid for one to two years. Open work permits allow participants to work anywhere in Canada for almost any Canadian employer. Nationals of some countries may be allowed to stay in Canada for more or less than one year.

The Working Holiday category is for individuals who:

• do not have a job offer;
• want to work for more than one employer in Canada;
• want to work in more than one location; and/or
• want to earn more so they can travel.

Under the Young Professionals category, citizens of participating countries can gain valuable international experience by working for a Canadian company. Applicants to this category receive an employer-specific work permit if approved.

This category is for individuals who:

• have a valid job offer in Canada for a paid position that contributes to their professional development; and
• plan on working for the same employer during their stay in Canada.

A signed job offer letter or contract of employment with a Canadian employer related to the applicant’s professional development is required before applying. The job offered must be classified as a National Occupation Code (NOC) Skill Type Level 0, A, or B.

International Co-op Internship

The International Co-op Internship category allows citizens of participating countries who are enrolled at a post-secondary institution in their country of citizenship to spend a period of time interning for Canadian companies. Applicants to this category would receive an employer-specific work permit.

• are registered at a post-secondary institution outside of Canada;
• have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada that is required to complete their studies;

Participants must arrange co-op placements with Canadian employers before applying.

An employer-specific work permit is a work permit that indicates the name of a foreign worker’s employer, occupation, work location, along with the duration of the authorized period of work.

The IEC may allow Young Professionals and International Co-op internship candidates to work for the same employer in different locations. In order to do so, the different locations of the Canadian business must be operating under the same Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number, and addresses of the work locations, along with the CRA number, must be provided at the time the Offer of Employment is submitted. Further, it is critical that the occupation, duties and wages remain consistent from one location to another.

Young Professionals or International Co-op Internship applicants are required to maintain employment in Canada that is relevant to their studies, training or professional experience.

In some cases, Young Professionals or International Co-op Interns holding employer-specific work permits may request a change of employer. Prior to submitting a new work permit application, the participant must, as part of its request for a change of employer, provide the required documentation regarding the new employer and occupation. Additionally, the participant must be prepared to provide a justification, which may include reasons such as company closure. The decision to approve such a request is at the discretion of the case processing agent.

Should a change be requested after the initial work permit has been issued and during a participant’s stay in Canada, the authorized period of work will, in accordance with bilateral agreement/arrangement, be reduced by the amount of time that has already elapsed.

The validity/length of each visa type is specified in the three central columns and will depend on the nationality of the applicant and the visa type that he or she has applied for.

*Citizens can participate in special IEC student summer job initiatives exclusive to their country.

**Candidates may participate twice for a total of 24 months. 

Candidates must:

• be a citizen (passport holder) of one of the above countries or be a resident of one of the territories that have a bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada;
• have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Canada (the work permit issued will not be longer than the validity of the passport),
• be between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35 at the time of application (the upper age limit depends on the applicant’s country of citizenship);
• have the equivalent of $2,500 CAN upon landing to help cover initial expenses;
• be able to take out health insurance for the duration of their stay (participants may have to present evidence of this insurance at the point of entry in Canada);
• be admissible to Canada;
• have, prior to departure, a round-trip ticket or the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket for the end of their authorized stay in Canada,
• not be accompanied by dependents; and
• pay the appropriate fees.

Please note that specific age and eligibility requirements may vary by country.

How IEC Works

The IEC operates on an Expression of Interest/Invitation to Apply model. Eligible candidates create an IEC profile but must receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before they may submit an application.

The following is a chronological step-by-step overview of how the IEC program works:

• Complete the Come to Canada questionnaire and, if eligible, get your personal reference code.
• Use this code to create your online account .
• Complete the remaining steps in the IEC profile builder.
• Submit your profile and choose the IEC pools you want to be in.
• If you receive an Invitation to Apply via your account, you will have 10 days to start your application or to decline the invitation. If you accept, click the “Start Application” button in your account to start the work permit application process.
• After you press the button “Start Application”, you have 20 days from that day, regardless of whether you accept on day 1 or 10, to complete, pay and submit the work permit application.
• For Young Professional and International Coop categories, your employer needs to pay the $230 Employer Compliance Fee through the Employer Portal before your 20 days expire. Ask your employer to send you the offer of employment number they will get after they have paid their fees. You need this number to apply for your work permit.
• Upload all supporting documents, including police and medical exam certificates, if applicable (if you don’t have the supporting documents, you can upload proof that you have applied to undertake a medical exam and that a police certificate request has been sent).
• Pay your participation fee of CAD $153 with a credit card through the online payment system in your account.
• For Working Holiday Category, applicants pay their open work permit holder fee of CAD $100 at this time as well.
• At this point, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) begins its temporary work permit application assessment. IRCC may ask you to provide additional documents. This is the last chance to withdraw from IEC and obtain refunds. IRCC typically processes complete applications within eight weeks.
• If the application is successful, a letter of introduction (LOI) will be sent to your account. The official name of the document is Port of Entry (POE) Introduction Letter.
• This letter is to be presented upon arrival at a Port of Entry (such as an international airport) in Canada, whereupon a work permit may be obtained.

There are scenarios where Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may allow IEC work permit holders to extend the validity period of their work permit to reach the maximum validity period allowed within a specific category.

As a rule, no work permit extensions are authorized under the IEC program. However, IEC participants may be able to extend the validity period of their work permits beyond what was initially granted by the border services officer at the time they entered Canada. These scenarios are outlined below.

Would you like to enter Canada to work on a temporary basis? The Cohen Immigration Law can help. Cohen Immigration Law offers over 45 years of expertise assisting workers and employers navigate Canadian immigration regulations.

Please complete this short form to submit your work permit query directly to Cohen Immigration Law. Our Work Permit Team is here to help:

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International Experience Canada (IEC)

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a program that allows individuals with the opportunity to work and travel in Canada.

What you need to know about International Experience Canada (IEC)

Canada has international agreements in place which allow citizens of certain countries, and of a certain age, to apply for a Canadian work permit without the need for a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). These programs fall under International Experience Canada (IEC).

International Experience Canada (IEC) is program that allows individuals with the opportunity to work and travel in Canada. International Experience Canada (IEC) is open to citizens from thirty-five different countries with three different types of categories available including the Working Holiday category, Young Professionals category and International Co-Op (Internship) category.

Work permits can be valid for up to 24 months, and in the case of the Working Holiday category, are valid anywhere in Canada.

About the three different categories

Working Holiday

Young Professionals

International Co-op

As part of the application process, applicants will be required to undergo a medical check (based on country of residence) and criminal background checks to ensure that they are not  inadmissible  to Canada for criminal or medical reasons. Applicants do not need to be residing in the country of their citizenship to apply, but they may be required to provide a permanent mailing address in that country as part of the application process. As part of the application, applicants will need to have $2,500 available to them, have  private health insurance to cover the duration of their stay in Canada , can afford a round trip ticket and have a valid passport issued by their country of citizenship (which is eligible for International Experience Canada).

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How to apply, enter the iec pool.

The first step is to enter the IEC Pool through an  Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) secure account.  You will be required to pay a fee of $153.00 to enter the pool.

Invitation to apply

Once you are in the IEC Pool, you wait to be given an Invitation to Apply for a work permit.

Work permit application

Once you start your work permit application, you will have twenty days from that day to submit the full application for your work permit. You will need to pay a further $100.00 when submitting this application.

Application Approved

If your application is approved, you will be issued a Letter of Introduction which you will need to take with you to Canada.

Let our experts simplify the process for you

Required documents.

Once you receive your Invitation to Apply, you will require the following documents to submit your work permit application:

Eligible Countries

Citizens of the following countries are eligible under International Experience Canada (IEC) if they have a valid passport from that country.

• Eligible for Working Holidays, Young Professionals and International Co-Ops (Internship);
• Valid for up to 24 months
• Must be between 18 and 35 (inclusive)
• As an Australian citizen, you may participate in the Working Holiday category only once. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may participate in IEC one more time through the International Co-op (Internship) category.

• Valid for up to 12 months;
• Must be between 18 and 30 (inclusive)
• As an Austrian citizen, you may participate once per IEC category (Working Holiday, Young Professional and International Co-op).

• Eligible for Working Holidays;
• Must be between 18 and 30 (inclusive);
• Must prove you’re a resident of Belgium when you apply (this means you must give either a residential or mailing address in Belgium
• As a Belgian citizen, you may participate in IEC only once.

• Must be between 18 and 35 (inclusive);
• As a Chilean citizen, you may participate in IEC twice, under any category

• As a Costa Rican citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time

• As a Croatian citizen, you may participate in IEC twice, under any category. There must be a three-month break between the expiry date of your first Canadian work permit under IEC and the submission date of your second IEC work permit application

Czech Republic

• prove you’re a resident of the Czech Republic when you apply (this means you must give either a residential or mailing address in the Czech Republic)
• As a Czech citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time.

• Must prove you’re a resident of Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands) when you apply (this means you must give either a residential or mailing address in Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands));
• As a Danish citizen, you may participate in IEC only once.

• As an Estonian citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time.

• Valid for up to 24 months;
• As a French citizen, you may participate in the Working Holiday only once. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may participate in IEC one more time through the International Co-op (Internship) category.

• As a German citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time.

• As a Greek citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

• Must prove you’re a resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) when you apply (this means you must give either a residential or mailing address in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR);
• As a resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), you may participate in IEC only once.

• As an Irish citizen, you may participate in the Working Holiday category only once. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may participate in IEC one more time through the International Co-op (Internship) category.

• Must prove you’re a resident of Italy when you apply (this means you must give either a residential or mailing address in Italy;
• As an Italian citizen, you may participate in IEC only once.

• Must prove you’re a resident of Japan when you apply (this means you must give either a residential or mailing address in Japan;
• As a Japanese citizen, you may participate in IEC only once.

Republic of Korea

• Must prove you’re a resident of the Republic of Korea when you apply (this means you must give either a residential or mailing address in the Republic of Korea;
• As a Korean citizen, you may participate in IEC only once.

• Must prove you’re a resident of Latvia when you apply (this means you must give either a residential or mailing address in Latvia;
• As a Latvian citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time. There must be a one year break between the expiry date of your first Canadian work permit under IEC and the submission date of your second IEC work permit application.

• As a Lithuanian citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time. There must be a three-month break between the expiry date of your first Canadian work permit under IEC and the submission date of your second IEC work permit application.

• As a Luxembourgish citizen, you may participate in IEC only once.

• Must be between 18 and 29 (inclusive);
• Must be registered as a student at a post-secondary institution in Mexico and travelling to Canada during academic holidays;
• As a Mexican citizen, you may participate in IEC twice, under any category. There must be a three-year break between the expiry date of your first Canadian work permit under IEC and the submission date of your second IEC work permit application.

Netherlands

• Eligible for Working Holidays, Young Professionals;
• Nationals of all Dutch Caribbean islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten) are Dutch citizens and therefore eligible;
• As a Dutch citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time.

New Zealand

• Valid for up to 23 months;
• As a citizen of New Zealand, you may participate in IEC only once.

• Must prove you’re a resident of Norway when you apply (this means you must give either a residential or mailing address in Norway);
• As a Norwegian citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time.

• As a Polish citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time. There must be a six-month break between the expiry date of your first Canadian work permit under IEC and the submission date of your second IEC work permit application.

• As a Portuguese citizen, you may participate in IEC once, under any category.

• As a citizen of San Marino, you may participate in IEC twice.

• Must prove you’re a resident of Slovakia when you apply (this means you must give either a residential or mailing address in the Slovakia Republic);
• As a Slovak citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time. There must be a three-month break between the expiry date of your first Canadian work permit under IEC and the submission date of your second IEC work permit application.

• As a Slovenian citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time.

• Must prove you’re a resident of Spain when you apply (this means you must give either a residential or mailing address in the Spain);
• As a Spanish citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time. There must be a three-month break between the expiry date of your first Canadian work permit under IEC and the submission date of your second IEC work permit application.

• Must prove you’re a resident of Sweden when you apply (this means you must give either a residential or mailing address in the Sweden);
• As a Swedish citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. You must choose a different category each time.

Switzerland

• Eligible for Young Professionals and International Co-Ops (Internship);
• Valid for up to 18 months;
• Must have a signed letter of offer or contract of employment in Canada which must be in your field of expertise (through schooling or work experience) and contribute to your professional development;
• As a Swiss citizen, you may participate in IEC twice. The combined durations of your two IEC work permits to Canada must not exceed 18 months.

• As a Taiwanese citizen, you may participate in IEC only once.

• As a Ukrainian citizen, you may participate in IEC twice, under any category.

United Kingdom

• Must be a British citizen from the United Kingdom or the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey
• As a British citizen, you may participate in IEC once.

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International Experience Canada

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Youth from over 30 countries can live and work in Canada under the International Experience Canada work permit program.

Iec categories & latest updates.

Get all your IEC questions answered here.

Which countries participate in IEC?

Only citizens of certain countries are eligible for IEC. Find out if you’re eligible.

IEC Working Holiday News Hub

Stay up to date on the latest IEC news, including how many spots remain.

Working Holiday

The most popular IEC program, the Working Holiday, allows you to live and work anywhere in Canada.

IEC International Co-op Category

Students can obtain work experience in Canada related to their field of study.

IEC Young Professionals category

For youth who obtain eligible job offers from Canadian employers.

Recognized Organizations (ROs)

A Recognized Organization (RO) is an official organization that helps youth participate in IEC.

Start your IEC working holiday with a free Moving2Canada account

Your iec application, get a personalized iec checklist.

Register for a free Moving2Canada account and you can access a personalized checklist for your IEC application.

When should you begin the IEC process?

It may make sense to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates. Find out here.

How to apply for an IEC work permit

Step-by-step instructions on how to submit your IEC application.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying to IEC

Take some stress out of your IEC application ensuring you avoid these common errors.

IEC applications for couples and groups

Tips and tricks for applying to IEC with your partner or friends.

Biometrics for IEC

Biometrics are an important part of your IEC process. Here’s what you need.

IEC Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for IEC participants. Find out what you need here.

Format and file size for your documents

Uploading documents for your application is trickier than you might think. These are the requirements for file size and format.

Adding documents after you submit

Most documents have to be uploaded with your initial application, but in some cases you can upload documents after.

Arriving in Canada: What you need to know

Make sure you have all the correct documents when you arrive in Canada.

Understanding police certificates

Getting your IEC police certificate(s) is a key step in coming to Canada.

The benefits of the Working Holiday Visa for UK travellers

The Canadian Working Holiday Visa presents certain benefits to UK travellers specifically. Discover them here.

What alternatives are there to the Working Holiday Visa?

Although the Working Holiday Visa is one of the easiest pathways to Canada for foreign workers, life doesn’t go as planned and leveraging this permit might not always be straightforward. So, what are its alternatives for moving to Canada?

How much does it cost to move to Canada through IEC?

From pre-arrival to post-arrival costs, here is your guide on how to budget your move to Canada through IEC.

While in Canada

Self-employment while on a working holiday.

It is possible to be self-employed on your Working Holiday, but you have to follow certain rules.

Can you extend your IEC work permit?

In most cases, you can’t extend an IEC work permit. These are the rare exceptions where you can.

Staying in Canada after a Working Holiday

Want to stay in Canada after your IEC work permit ends? These are your options.

Maintained Status

Maintained status allows certain workers to continue working while a new work permit is being processed. Learn more.

8 life hacks to get the most out of you Working Holiday experience

Tips and tricks from Working Holidaymakers to Working Holidaymakers. Thank us later.

Gig jobs ideas you might not have thought of

Take full advantage of your Working Holiday experience in Canada with these jobs that will let you work AND explore.

10 alternative IEC destinations

Everyone loves Toronto and Vancouver, but have you considered one of these alternative destinations?

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Get immigration updates & new resources to help you move to Canada and succeed after arrival.

IEC Community & Resources

Iec facebook group.

Join our IEC Facebook Group to discuss your application with fellow travellers.

Where to do your Working Holiday

Not sure Canada is the right choice? Here are a few options around the world for your Working Holiday.

Tour Canada's Top Destinations

Latest Updates

Do you have IEC health insurance?

Insurance is a mandatory entry requirement for IEC participants. Our partner, BestQuote, compares the leading insurance providers to find the best rates.

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International Experience Canada (IEC): Your Gateway to Work and Travel in Canada

🗳️ what is the international experience canada (iec) program.

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a Canadian government initiative that allows young people from around the world to come to Canada and experience our culture and way of life.

The program is open to citizens of countries that have a reciprocal agreement with Canada , and it offers a number of different ways to participate, from working holidays to internships and co-op placements.

IEC provides an opportunity for young people to gain international experience and skills that will help them in their future careers. Participants also get to learn about Canadian culture and values, and build lasting relationships with people from other countries.

The IEC program has been running for over 10 years , and every year it helps thousands of young people make their dreams of coming to Canada a reality. If you’re thinking about taking part in IEC, we encourage you to read on and learn more about how the program works.

Quick Links:

📃 why is iec important for young people looking to work and travel in canada.

Working and traveling in Canada is a great way to see the world and gain some valuable work experience. However, it can be difficult to get a job in Canada if you don’t have the right qualifications or contacts. This is where IEC comes in. IEC is a Canadian government program that allows young people from around the world to come to Canada and work for up to two years.

Once you have been accepted into the IEC program, you will be given a work permit that will allow you to work for any employer in Canada. This is a great opportunity to gain some valuable work experience, learn new skills, and make some money while you travel. It’s also a great way to meet new people and learn about different cultures. If you’re interested in working and traveling in Canada, then IEC is definitely worth considering. It’s a great way to make the most of your time here, and you’re sure to have an amazing experience.

Benefits of the IEC Program

There are many benefits to participating in the IEC program, such as:

📥 The Benefits of the Federal Skilled Trades Program

The IEC program offers three categories for international participants, each with its own requirements, advantages, and disadvantages. Here’s a closer look at each category:

The working holiday category is the most popular option for young adults looking to gain international work experience and explore Canada. This category is available to citizens of specific countries between the ages of 18 and 35, depending on their country of citizenship. Participants in the working holiday category are eligible for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada in any field for up to two years.

Advantages of a Working Holiday:

• Opportunity to gain work experience in a foreign country while also traveling and exploring Canada
• Flexibility to work for any employer in any field, allowing for a variety of job opportunities
• Ability to work and live in Canada for up to two years, with the option to apply for an extension

Disadvantages of a Working Holiday:

• Limited job security, as open work permits do not guarantee employment and job opportunities may be limited in certain regions or industries
• Short duration of the program, which may not allow for long-term career goals or stability
• Limited access to government programs and services, such as health care and social benefits

The young professionals category is designed for young professionals who wish to gain international work experience and advance their careers. Participants in this category must have a job offer from a Canadian employer in a skilled occupation, which is typically related to their field of study or profession. Participants in the young professionals category are eligible for an employer-specific work permit, which allows them to work for a specific employer in Canada for up to two years.

Advantages of Young Professionals:

• Opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a skilled occupation and advance their careers
• Opportunity to build professional networks and connections in Canada

Disadvantages of Young Professionals:

• Limited eligibility, as participants must have a job offer in a skilled occupation and meet other eligibility requirements
• Limited flexibility in terms of employment, as participants are tied to a specific employer and occupation

The international co-op category is designed for students who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution and who need to complete a work placement or internship as part of their academic program. Participants in this category are eligible for an employer-specific work permit, which allows them to work for a specific employer in Canada for the duration of their work placement.

Advantages of International Co-op:

• Opportunity to gain practical work experience in their field of study and enhance their skills and knowledge
• Ability to fulfill academic requirements and receive credit for their work placement

Disadvantages of International Co-op:

• Limited eligibility, as participants must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and meet other eligibility requirements
• Limited flexibility in terms of employment, as participants are tied to a specific employer and work placement
• Limited duration of the program, which may not allow for long-term career goals or stability

📨 How to Apply for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program

There are three ways to apply for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. You can apply online, through a paper application, or through an immigration agency.

If you are applying online, you will need to create an account with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Once you have done this, you can login and start your application. You will need to provide some personal information, as well as your passport details. You will also need to pay the application fee.

If you are applying through a paper application, you can get the forms from the IRCC website. You will need to fill them out and send them, along with the necessary supporting documents, to the address listed on the forms. Remember to include the correct application fee.

If you plan to hire an immigration agency to help with your application, they will likely handle most of the process for you. However, you will still need to provide them with your personal information and required documents. They may also charge their own fees on top of the government fees.

📑 IEC Program: Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the IEC program, you must:

• Be a citizen of a participating country
• Be between the ages of 18 and 35
• Have a valid passport
• Have health insurance for the duration of your stay in Canada
• Meet the requirements of the specific IEC category you are applying for

If you meet all of the above criteria, you can then begin the application process for the IEC program.

🎯 Tips for a Successful IEC Application from Immigration Experts

There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of having a successful IEC application.

Tip #1: Make sure you have all the required documentation. This includes a valid passport, proof of financial support, and travel insurance.

Tip #2: Be clear and concise in your application. Include all relevant information about your work experience and education.

Tip #3: Be realistic in your expectations. The IEC program is very competitive, so it’s important to set realistic goals.

Tip #4 : Don’t forget to stay in touch with the Canadian embassy or consulate once you’ve been accepted into the program. 

🍁 Key Takeaways from the IEC Program

Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when applying for the IEC program:

• The IEC program is open to citizens of certain countries between the ages of 18 and 35.
• You must have a valid passport and meet other eligibility requirements to be accepted into the program.
• Once you are accepted, you will be able to work in Canada for up to two years on a temporary work permit.
• You will need to find your own job in Canada – the IEC program does not place participants in jobs.
• You can apply for the IEC program online through the Government of Canada’s website.

Keep these key things in mind when you are considering applying for the IEC program and you will be on your way to having a great experience working and living in Canada!

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• Open Work Permits

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a set of programs enabling young people from participating countries to travel to Canada to live and work temporarily. Foreign nationals who are successful through one of the IEC programs will be authorized to apply for a Canadian work permit without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). IEC authorizes temporary stay in Canada, with the approval of work permits for a maximum of one year.

IEC work permits are approved through a randomized draw system. Not all foreign nationals who submit expressions of interest will be selected for the program. Chances of success depend on the quota for each program and country. The IEC operates three separate programs. While IEC has general requirements, interested applicants should verify the requirements for the separate programs. Each program has unique requirements and can result in a different form of work authorization:

• Working Holiday

Young Professionals

• International Co-op Internship

It should be noted that while IEC encompasses these three programs, Canada has a unique relationship with each of the participating countries. For this reason, some participating countries may only offer one or two of the IEC programs, while others will offer all three options.

Did you know?

International Experience Canada is based on reciprocal bilateral agreements between Canada and other nations. This means that Canadian citizens are eligible for similar opportunities to travel and work in IEC participating countries!

Eligibility for the IEC Program

IEC encompasses three separate programs. Member countries may not participate in all three types programs. As well, eligibility criteria, application procedure, and likelihood of success vary from program to program and from country to country. Full details about participating countries’ program requirements can be accessed on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website . If a country is not listed it may still be possible to participate in IEC. However, in this case, the foreign national must access the program through the assistance of a Recognized Organization .

Working Holiday Visa

The Working Holiday visa is ideal for individuals who want the freedom to work for any employers while travelling in Canada. Applicants who are successful through the Working Holiday program receive an open work permit . Open work permits are not tied to specific employers, so individuals have the freedom to change employers and locations while living in Canada. The Working Holiday program is a good option for foreign nationals from participating countries who are seeking the following:

• Those without a job offer from a Canadian employer
• Those who want the freedom to work for more than one employer
• Those who would like the freedom to live in more than one location
• Those wishing to earn money while travelling

As the Working Holiday program has relatively relaxed requirements, this program is incredibly popular. Canada approves predetermined quotas of applicants for this program on a per-country basis. Applicants interested in this program should verify the quotas for their country in order to gain an accurate understanding of their probability of success.

The Young Professionals program allows foreign nationals to gain Canadian professional work experience by working with a Canadian employer. This program requires that applicants have a job offer from a Canadian employer in order to apply. Applicants who are successful through the Young Professionals program will be issued an employer-specific work permit . This means they must work for the same employer in the same location during their stay in Canada. The Young Professionals program is a good option for foreign nationals from participating countries who are seeking the following:

• Those with a job offer from a Canadian employer which contributes to their professional development.
• Those who intend to work for the same employer in the same location while in Canada
• Those whose work will be: paid and not self-employed

Generally, a position must be National Occupation Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B to be considered as contributing to professional development. Participating countries have varying quotas to be filled annually for this program. Interested applicants should verify quotas for their country to understand the probability of their success.

International Co-op

The International Co-op Internship program allows international students to complete an internship or work placement in Canada as a requirement for their post-secondary education. This program requires that applicants have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada which is required for their completion of studies. Applicants who are successful through this program receive an employer-specific work permit , meaning that they must work for the same employer in the same location during their stay in Canada. The International Co-op Internship program is a good option for foreign nationals from participating countries who are seeking the following:

• Those who are international students registered at a post-secondary institution
• Those with a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada
• Those requiring a work placement or internship to complete their studies
• Those willing to work for the same employer in the same location during their stay in Canada

Interested applicants should consult the requirements for their country to verify exact application procedures as well as quotas for the program.

IEC Application Procedure

Foreign nationals interested in applying to an IEC program must follow a five step process:

Step One: Create an IEC profile Once a foreign national determines that their country participates in IEC and selects their preferred program, they may create an account on the IEC website. As long as they meet the eligibility requirements their account is automatically entered into the IEC pool of candidates.

Step Two: Receive an Invitation to Apply IEC regularly conducts random draws of IEC candidates. If a candidate is selected in a draw, they will be issued an Invitation to Apply, which enables them to move onto step three. Quotas vary by program and by country, so candidates should verify their country’s quotas to gain a better understanding of their probability of receiving an Invitation to Apply.

Step Three: Accept the Invitation to Apply If a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply, they are given 10 days to accept the invitation. After accepting, they are given 20 days to submit an online application for a work permit. If an applicant chooses to decline an invitation they will be returned to the pool of candidates and will continue being considered in future draws.

Step Four: Submit Work Permit Application After accepting an Invitation to Apply, a foreign national has 20 days to submit a work permit application online using the IRCC web portal. Applicants should review documentation requirements in advance so they can be sure they will have sufficient time to prepare the application.

Step Five: Receive Work Permit If an application is successful, the applicant will receive confirmation of their work permit and issued information about the validity period of their authorization to work in Canada.

IEC Overview

International Experience Canada conducts draws regularly. The quotas vary for each of the three IEC programs and program-based quotas vary from country to country. In order to determine the likelihood of success through one of the IEC programs, it is best to consult the International Experience Canada webpage to consult the exact program quotas per country. Generally, IEC updates their website with information about new draws each Friday.

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Explore immigration programs to live, work, or study in Canada

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Answer a few questions to get a list of programs you may be interested in.

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What do you want to do in Canada?

• Reunite with my family

Do you want to work permanently or temporarily in Canada?

• Permanently
• Temporarily

Do you want to join your family in Canada, or bring family members to Canada to live?

• Join my family in Canada
• Bring my family to Canada

Is your family member:

• at least 18 years old and
• a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act

Which family member is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act?

• Spouse or partner
• Parent (you’re their child)
• Child or grandchild (you’re their parent or grandparent)
• Other relative

Which family member do you want to bring to Canada?

• Dependent child (you’re their parent)
• Parent or grandparent (you’re their child or grandchild)
• Adopted child
• A different relative

To sponsor a family member to come to Canada, a person must be:

• a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.

Explore our other programs instead:

Do you have work experience?

What kind of work will you do in Canada?

• Start my own business
• Work for someone else
• Both of these

Are you between the ages of 18 and 35?

What is the main reason for your visit?

• Visit Canada as a tourist
• Visit children or grandchildren
• Work and travel in Canada as a youth (18 to 35 years old)
• Other (such as to transit through Canada or visit on business)

This tool will help you explore our regular programs

If you’re interested in Quebec, go to Quebec's immigration site for more information.

The Explore immigration programs tool has been designed to provide general information to prospective applicants; however, in some cases, additional information or steps may be required.

The information in this tool will help you explore our immigration programs. We won’t make any immigration decision based on your answers. If you choose to apply, an officer will review and decide on your application according to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. They won’t consider any result you get through this questionnaire in their decision.

You told us

Your results.

Based on your answers, here are some programs you may be interested in.

Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class

Processing times

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Starting from: CAN$1,365

The Canadian Experience Class is 1 of 3 Express Entry programs. Express Entry is an online application system for skilled workers.

This could be for you if you:

• have at least 1 year of qualifying skilled work experience in Canada (in the last 3 years)
• can communicate in English or French

Do you speak French? Francophone Immigration

You can get extra Express Entry points for your French language skills.

Find out if you’re eligible  - Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class Opens in a new tab

Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is 1 of 3 Express Entry programs. Express Entry is an online application system for skilled workers.

• have at least 1 year of qualifying skilled work experience (in the last 10 years)
• have at least a secondary school (high school) credential

Find out if you’re eligible  - Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program Opens in a new tab

Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is 1 of 3 Express Entry programs. Express Entry is an online application system for skilled workers.

• are qualified in a skilled trade
• have at least 2 years of qualifying work experience (in the last 5 years)
• have a job offer or certificate of qualification in your skilled trade

Find out if you’re eligible  - Federal Skilled Trades program Opens in a new tab

Atlantic Immigration Program

• have 1 year of work experience in an eligible job or industry (unless you studied in an Atlantic province)
• have a job offer to work in one of the participating communities
• have a qualifying secondary or post-secondary school credential

Find out if you’re eligible  - Atlantic Immigration program Opens in a new tab

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

No processing time available

• have at least 1 year of qualifying work experience in the last 3 years (unless you’re an eligible post-secondary graduate)
• have a job offer from a designated employer

Find out if you’re eligible  - Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Opens in a new tab

Provincial Nominee Program: Applying through Express Entry

You can apply for the Provincial Nominee Program through Express Entry.

• have a nomination from a Canadian province or territory
• meet the work experience and education requirements for the province or territory you want to nominate you
• are eligible for one of the programs managed through Express Entry

Find out if you’re eligible  - Provincial Nominee Program: Applying through Express Entry Opens in a new tab

Provincial Nominee Program (non-Express Entry route)

Each province and territory has its own immigration programs that target certain groups.

This could be for you if you

Find out if you’re eligible  - Provincial Nominee Program (non-Express Entry route) Opens in a new tab

Start-up Visa program

Starting from: CAN$2,140

• have a qualifying business
• have a letter of support from a business group approved to invest in or support possible start-ups
• have enough money to settle in Canada

Find out if you’re eligible  - Start-up Visa program Opens in a new tab

Self-employed program

• are self-employed
• have at least 2 years experience in cultural activities or athletics
• can get enough points in the program point system

Find out if you’re eligible  - Self-employed program Opens in a new tab

Home Child Care Provider: Direct to permanent residence category

Starting from: CAN$1,085

• have at least 12 months of qualifying work experience in Canada
• your work experience meets the program requirements
• have a qualifying post-secondary education credential

Find out if you’re eligible  - Home Child Care Provider Opens in a new tab

Home Child Care Provider: Gaining experience category

• have less than 12 months of qualifying work experience in Canada
• have a job offer

Home Support Worker: Direct to permanent residence category

Find out if you’re eligible  - Home Support Worker Opens in a new tab

Home Support Worker: Gaining experience category

Agri-food pilot.

• have at least 1 year of qualifying Canadian work experience in the agri-food sector
• have a full-time job offer in an eligible job or industry

Find out if you’re eligible  - Agri-food Pilot Opens in a new tab

Quebec entrepreneurs and investors

This could be right for you if you:.

• hold a Quebec Selection Certificate ( Certificat de sélection du Québec )

Find out how to apply  - Quebec entrepreneurs and investors Opens in a new tab

Quebec selected skilled workers

Find out if you’re eligible  - Quebec-selected skilled worker Opens in a new tab

Economic Mobility Pathway pilot

Vary by program

This pilot combines refugee resettlement and economic immigration.

• are a refugee or displaced person
• have some work experience
• meet all other eligibility requirements depending on how you apply

Find out if you’re eligible  - Economic Mobility Pathway Opens in a new tab

Permanent residence pathway for Hong Kong residents: In-Canada graduates

• hold a valid eligible passport
• are in Canada with valid temporary resident status
• graduated from a post-secondary designated learning institution in Canada in the last 3 years

Find out if you’re eligible  - Permanent residence pathway for Hong Kong residents: In-Canada graduates Opens in a new tab

Permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents: Canadian work experience

• have qualifying work experience in Canada in the last 3 years

Find out if you’re eligible  - Permanent residence pathway for Hong Kong residents: Canadian work experience Opens in a new tab

Work permit

Processing times vary

Starting from: CAN$155 for employer-specific work permit

Starting from: CAN$255 for open work permit

• want to work temporarily in Canada
• meet the requirements for an employer-specific or open work permit
• support yourself and your family members while in Canada
• return home after
• will only work for eligible employers

Find out if you need a work permit Opens in a new tab

International Mobility Program Plus

Starting from: CAN$155

• currently live outside Quebec
• want to settle and work in Quebec
• have a valid QSC
• have a letter of invitation from the province of Quebec

Find out if you’re eligible  - International Mobility Program Plus Opens in a new tab

Study permit

We couldn’t load the data. Try again. if you apply outside Canada

We couldn’t load the data. Try again. if you apply inside Canada

Starting from: CAN$150

• want to study in Canada
• will enroll at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada
• pay your tuition fees and support yourself and your family while in Canada

Find out if you’re eligible  - Study permit Opens in a new tab

Student Direct Stream

are a legal resident living in 1 of these countries when you apply:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Philippines
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada
• have the minimum amount required in a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC)
• meet the minimum required score on an approved language test

Find out if you’re eligible  - Student Direct Stream Opens in a new tab

Sponsor your spouse or partner

Vary by country

Starting from: CAN$1,080

• are at least 18 years old and live in Canada
• are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
• can provide for the basic needs of the people you want to sponsor

Your spouse or partner must also be eligible to be sponsored.

Find out if you’re eligible  - Sponsor your spouse or partner Opens in a new tab

Sponsor your child

Starting from: CAN$150-155 per child

• are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act

Your child must also be eligible to be sponsored.

Find out if you’re eligible  - Sponsor your child Opens in a new tab

Sponsor your parents or grandparents

We couldn’t load the data. Try again. if you’ll live in Quebec

We couldn’t load the data. Try again. if you’ll live outside Quebec

• have enough money to support the people you want to sponsor

Your parents or grandparents must also be eligible to be sponsored.

Find out if you’re eligible  - Sponsor your parents or grandparents Opens in a new tab

Sponsor your adopted child

Starting from: CAN$150‑155 per child

There are 2 steps to sponsor an adopted child:

• Complete the adoption through the province, territory or country you live in.
• Apply to us to bring your child to Canada as a permanent resident.
• are completing the adoption process through the province, territory or country you live in
• meet the requirements to sponsor the child you’re adopting from another country

Find out if you’re eligible  - Sponsor your adopted child Opens in a new tab

Get Canadian citizenship for your adopted child (adult or minor)

Part 2: Vary by complexity

Starting from: CAN$100 for children under 18 years old

Starting from: CAN$630 for children 18 years and older

There are 2 steps for your adopted child to become a Canadian citizen:

• Step 1: We confirm your Canadian citizenship.
• Step 2: If you’re a Canadian citizen, we’ll check if the adopted child can become a Canadian citizen.
• are a Canadian citizen
• are completing (or have completed) the adoption process through the province, territory or country you live in
• meet the requirements to adopt a child from abroad
• are not sponsoring the adopted child to be a permanent resident

Find out if you’re eligible  - Get Canadian citizenship for your adopted child (adult or minor) Opens in a new tab

Sponsor your other relatives

Find out if you’re eligible  - Sponsor your other relatives Opens in a new tab

Be sponsored as a spouse, partner

This could be for you if.

• you're at least 18 years old
• you’re your sponsor’s spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner
• your spouse or partner is in Canada

Your spouse or partner must also be eligible to sponsor you.

Find out if you're eligible to be sponsored as a spouse or partner Opens in a new tab

Be sponsored as a child

This could be for you if:.

• you qualify as a dependent child
• you meet all other requirements to be sponsored as a dependent child

Your parent must also be eligible to sponsor you.

Find out if you’re eligible to be sponsored a child Opens in a new tab

Be sponsored as a parent or grandparent

• have a child or grandchild in Canada that you’re related to by blood or adoption

Your child or grandchild must also be eligible to sponsor you.

Find out if you’re eligible to be sponsored as a parent or grandparent Opens in a new tab

Be sponsored as a relative

• an orphaned sibling, nephew, niece or grandchild
• another relative
• are eligible to be sponsored as a relative

Your relative must also be eligible to sponsor you.

Find out if you're eligible for family sponsorship Opens in a new tab

Parent and grandparent super visa

Starting from: CAN$100

• are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
• have a letter from your child or grandchild inviting you to Canada
• have proof of qualifying health insurance

Find out if you’re eligible  - Parent and grandparent super visa Opens in a new tab

International Experience Canada

Starting from: CAN$172

International Experience Canada (IEC) includes 3 categories: International Co-op (Internship), Young Professionals and Working Holiday.

• are 18 to 35 years old (some countries or territories have an age limit of 29 or 30 years old)
• are from a participant country or territory
• meet the requirements for your country or territory

Find out if you’re eligible  - International Experience Canada Opens in a new tab

International Experience Canada: Recognized organizations

Vary by recognized organization

• you’re 18 to 35 years old (some countries or territories have an age limit of 29 or 30 years old)
• your country or territory doesn’t have an agreement with Canada
• you meet all the recognized organization’s requirements

Find recognized organizations Opens in a new tab

Visit Canada

Vary by document

You need a travel document to visit Canada

• Most visitors need to apply for a travel document such as a visa  or  an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
• Other visitors, such as US citizens, only need a valid passport.

Find out what document you need Opens in a new tab

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Programs not included in this tool

This tool includes our regular immigration programs. There are other programs that could apply to your situation, including:

• refugee resettlement and asylum claims
• special programs and measures
• temporary foreign workers
• permanent foreign workers
• newcomers as interns

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Page details

International Experience Canada

What is International Experience Canada?

Originating in 1951 as a cultural youth exchange initiative following World War II, the program now has more than 30 active youth mobility arrangements with country and territory partners across Europe, East Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Its primary objectives include building the global competencies of Canadian and foreign national youth, and leveraging youth mobility arrangements as a strategic tool in diplomatic relations to strengthen global relationships.

How does it work?

IEC has three program streams through which foreign youth may work and travel in Canada:

The working holiday stream facilitates work and travel through an open work permit that allows foreign youth to work for virtually any employer in any location in Canada

The international co-op and young professionals’ streams facilitate internships and professional work experience through employer-specific work permits.

Similarly, Canadian youth can access a variety of work-travel program streams in partner countries and territories. Access to specific work permit streams depends on the negotiated arrangement between Canada and each of its partners.

What is GO International's role in this program?

As a Recognized Organization (RO) of IEC, GO International has been designated a partner in raising awareness and providing support services to foreign national and Canadian youth.

The Government of Canada works with key stakeholders like GO International in Canada and abroad to raise awareness of the program, promote the benefits of international experience, and to equip Canadian youth with information to successfully embark on international work and travel experiences through IEC.

Useful Links

Work and Travel abroad with International Experience Canada

Work and Travel in Canada with International Experience Canada

International Experience Canada – Recognized Organizations

International Experience Canada: Who can apply

Follow IEC on Social Media:

Use hashtag #IECvoyage to share your travel stories.

Utilisez le hashtag #EICvoyage pour partager vos aventures sur Twitter.

Let's Get Working!

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Record your trips outside Canada

As a temporary or permanent resident, it’s a good idea to write down your trips outside Canada by air, land or boat, including day trips to the United States. You’ll need this information when you apply for a new Permanent Residence card and when you apply for citizenship .

The travel journal is an easy way to record trips outside Canada. Keep it with your passport or other travel documents. This is not an official document and we don’t need to see it. It’s just to help you remember your trips. You won’t need to send it to us with your application.

Download the travel journal

What to record

• The date you left and the date you came back to Canada, even if it’s the same day
• Countries you visited
• Why you left – give examples like vacation, work, family, etc.
• Include any day trips (less than 24 hours), including to the United States
• When the journal is full, keep it safe and print a new copy

Example of how to fill out the travel journal

Page details

• Solar Eclipse 2024

See the 2024 Solar Eclipse’s Path of Totality

A total solar eclipse is expected to pass through the United States on April 8, 2024, giving stargazers across the country the opportunity to view the celestial phenomenon in which the sun is completely covered by the moon.

The eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas and exit in Maine. It is the last time a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous United States until 2044.

Here's what to know about the path of the eclipse and where you can see it.

Read More : How Animals and Nature React to an Eclipse

Where can you see the total solar eclipse?

The eclipse will cross through North America, passing over parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 

The eclipse will enter the United States in Texas, and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Much of the eclipse's visibility depends on the weather. A cloudy day could prevent visitors from seeing the spectacle altogether.

When does the solar eclipse start and end?

The solar eclipse will begin in Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. It will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

The longest duration of totality—which is when the moon completely covers the sun — will be 4 minutes, 28 seconds, near Torreón, Mexico. Most places along the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes.

Read More : The Eclipse Could Bring $1.5 Billion Into States on the Path of Totality

Where’s the best place to see the total solar eclipse?

The best place to witness the event is along the path of totality. Thirteen states will be along the path of totality, and many towns across the country are preparing for the deluge of visitors— planning eclipse watch parties and events in the days leading up to totality.

In Rochester, NY, the Rochester Museum and Science Center is hosting a multi-day festival that includes a range of events and activities. Russellville, Arkansas will host an event with activities including live music, science presentations, tethered hot-air balloon rides, and telescope viewings.

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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