Canada has become one of the most popular destinations for young Spaniards looking for work abroad. With a well-structured immigration system and a solid economy, the country offers several legal routes to work temporarily or permanently. According to figures from the Government of Canada, more than 900,000 work permits were issued on a temporary basis in 2023, and more than 70% went to skilled foreign workers.
For Spanish citizens, one of the main attractions is the youth mobility agreement known as International Experience Canada (IEC), which makes it easier to obtain work permits of up to two years for young people aged 18 to 35. In 2024 Canada offered more than 1,300 places to Spanish applicants under this programme source. It is an ideal option for anyone who wants to explore the country while gaining international work experience.
Interestingly, Spain is one of the 30 countries with which Canada has bilateral agreements on labour mobility. That makes Spanish applicants preferred candidates compared with other nationalities. What is more, with a minimum command of English or French and a job offer already in hand, it is possible to access more specialised work permits or even to start the process towards permanent residence.
Types of work permit available
There are two broad types of work permit in Canada: the open work permit and the employer-specific work permit. Each has its own features and applies in different situations.
Open work permit
This type of permit lets the holder work for almost any employer in Canada without needing a job offer beforehand. It is ideal for anyone looking for flexibility, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, agriculture or general services. It is granted, for example, to Working Holiday participants within the framework of International Experience Canada (IEC), or to the spouses of certain workers or international students.
Employer-specific work permit
This permit only allows you to work for the employer named in the application, in the city and occupation specified. It is usually tied to a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which certifies that no Canadian is available to fill the vacancy. There are exemptions from the LMIA, for instance under international agreements (such as CETA between Canada and the EU) or for jobs in sectors with proven labour shortages.
Both permits can run from a few months to several years and, in many cases, can be renewed or even serve as the basis for future permanent residence.
General requirements for Spanish citizens
Before applying for a work permit it is essential to meet a series of general requirements set by the Canadian government. Although they vary slightly depending on the type of permit or programme, some elements apply to all Spanish citizens:
- A valid passport: it must be valid for the whole of your planned stay in Canada. If your passport expires sooner, the work permit will only be valid until that date.
- Proof of funds: Canada requires you to show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. For the Working Holiday programme, for example, you need at least 2,500 CAD (around €1,600) in your bank account.
- Medical insurance: you must take out international insurance covering medical care, hospital treatment and repatriation for the whole of your stay.
- A criminal record certificate: although it is not always required, it may be requested as part of the process, particularly for long-stay permits.
- Biometrics: since 2018, Spanish citizens have had to attend an authorised visa application centre (VAC) to have their fingerprints and photograph taken.
In some cases, such as young professional programmes or provincial nominations, you may also be asked for a medical examination and an educational credential assessment (ECA)..
The International Experience Canada (IEC) programme
The IEC is a bilateral agreement between Canada and Spain that allows young people to live and work in the country for periods of up to 24 months. It is divided into three categories:
Working Holiday: work and travel freely
The Working Holiday category is the most popular option among young Spaniards who want to live in Canada. This permit is open, which means that you do not need a job offer beforehand and can work for almost any Canadian employer.
Ideal for anyone who wants to travel and work flexibly, this permit lets you travel around the country, move city, try out different sectors (hospitality, agriculture, retail and so on) and fund your stay with temporary jobs.
Key features:
- Age: 18 to 35 (inclusive)
- Duration: up to 12 months (in some cases it can reach 24 months if renewed from within Canada subject to certain conditions)
- No prior job offer required
- Proof of funds required (at least 2,500 CAD) plus medical insurance
- Limited places each year (more than 1,300 for Spain in 2024)
This permit is an excellent first taste of Canada and can be a springboard to other opportunities, such as study or permanent migration.
Young Professionals: work in your field of training
The Young Professionals category is designed for young people who want to gain work experience in their professional field or field of study. Unlike the Working Holiday, this permit does require a job offer beforehand from a Canadian company willing to hire you in a role that matches your profile.
This type of permit is intended to foster international professional development, so the job offer must be paid, full-time and related to the applicant’s degree or previous experience.
Key features:
- Age: 18 to 35
- A job offer in your professional field is required
- The permit is employer-specific (you cannot change company)
- It can earn you extra points in future immigration processes
- Ideal for technical profiles, engineers, designers, developers and the like
This permit can also open the door to more stable migration routes, since it demonstrates relevant Canadian work experience.
International Co-op: work placements during your degree
The International Co-op (Internship) category is aimed at university students currently enrolled at a higher education institution in Spain who need to complete a compulsory work placement as part of their course.
To be eligible you must have a placement offer in Canada, sign an agreement between your university, the Canadian employer and yourself, and show that the placement is related to your studies.
Key features:
- You must be a full-time university student in Spain
- You must have a placement offer related to your studies
- The permit is employer-specific
- You must remain a student throughout the placement
- Excellent for those studying engineering, marketing, medicine, architecture and similar subjects
This category lets you gain international experience while you finish your studies and can strengthen your professional profile considerably in future.
The application process starts by creating a profile on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. Once you are in the candidate pool, you take part in random invitation rounds. As places are limited, it is advisable to apply as early as possible and have all your documents ready.
In 2024 more than 1,300 places for Spanish applicants were opened in the Working Holiday category. The quota fills quickly, so speed and organisation are key.
Other routes: LMIA, Express Entry and provincial nominations
If you do not fit the IEC profile, or if you are after a long-term option, there are other routes to a work permit and, eventually, permanent residence in Canada.
LMIA – Labour Market Impact Assessment
The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers must apply for when they want to hire a foreign worker, and it is one of the most demanding requirements for obtaining an employer-specific work permit.
The purpose of the LMIA is to demonstrate to the Government of Canada that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the post, and that the company is therefore justified in hiring a foreign national. The process usually takes several weeks and includes a rigorous assessment of the impact the hire would have on the local labour market.
Key features:
- A formal job offer from a Canadian employer is required.
- The employer must advertise the vacancy and show that it could not be filled locally.
- Once the LMIA is approved, the foreign national can apply for an employer-specific work permit for that employer.
- The permit usually lasts one to two years and can be renewed.
- The LMIA earns extra points in the Express Entry system, if you are aiming to migrate permanently.
This route is ideal for professionals with specialised technical profiles, demonstrable experience and who have already been approached by a Canadian company. The process can be bureaucratic, but it is a solid and effective option.
Express Entry: the most popular economic immigration system
Express Entry is the digital system that manages the Canadian government’s economic immigration applications. It does not grant a work permit directly; instead it grants permanent residence to qualified people.
It works through a points system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assesses:
- Age
- Level of education
- Work experience (in Canada and abroad)
- Knowledge of English and/or French
- A valid job offer (with an LMIA, for example)
- Adaptability (a partner studying or working in Canada, previous study in the country and so on)
Candidates create a profile and enter a “pool”, or waiting group. The government periodically holds draws and invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.
Who can apply?
There are three sub-programmes:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: for professionals with international experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: for skilled tradespeople (electricians, welders and so on).
- Canadian Experience Class: for those who already have recent Canadian work experience.
Holding a valid job offer (preferably with an LMIA) significantly increases your score, but it is not compulsory. This system is ideal for anyone planning long-term emigration, with access to employment, healthcare, education and other rights as a permanent resident.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): the regional route to residence
The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate foreign candidates so that they can work and settle in a particular region. Canada wants to decentralise immigration and make sure that less populated regions, or those with specific needs, also receive international talent.
Each province has different criteria and priority sectors. For example:
- Ontario may prioritise technology or healthcare profiles.
- Alberta tends to look for workers in energy or agriculture.
- British Columbia seeks IT and financial services experts.
- Saskatchewan focuses on skilled trades and construction.
How does it work?
- You can apply directly to a provincial programme (outside Express Entry), or
- You can enter the Express Entry system and be nominated from there, which earns you 600 extra points and practically guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
In some cases a job offer is needed; in others it is enough to meet local demand criteria. Many provinces also publish in-demand occupation lists, which lets Spanish professionals assess whether their profile fits.
There are also special programmes such as the Atlantic Immigration Program and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, designed to attract foreign talent to less populated regions.
Are you ready to take the plunge?
Working in Canada as a Spanish citizen is entirely feasible thanks to the many agreements and migration routes available. From flexible options such as the IEC to more structured paths such as Express Entry, the possibilities suit both young people in search of adventure and professionals with established experience.
The process calls for planning, patience and attention to detail, but the benefits of gaining experience in a multicultural, innovative and safe country like Canada are enormous. If you are considering this step, always check official sources and, if possible, speak to an accredited immigration adviser to make the most of your chances.
To read more on related subjects, take a look at our other posts:
- Moving to the United States from Spain
- Beyond the trip: why are cultural exchanges the best language teacher?
- TOEFL vs IELTS: which is better for working or studying abroad?
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Not exactly. As a Spanish citizen you can enter Canada with an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) if you are going as a tourist or with certain temporary work permits. However, if you obtain a work permit, it already includes the right to enter the country (although in many cases you will also be issued an eTA automatically).
It is possible, but very limited. For most jobs, especially skilled ones, you will need at least an intermediate level of English or French. Sectors such as agriculture, cleaning or construction may be more tolerant, but a basic knowledge of one of the two official languages is still valued.
You must show that you have at least 2,500 Canadian dollars (CAD) when you enter the country. You must also have a return ticket or enough additional funds to buy one. You are also required to hold international medical insurance for the whole of your stay.
Yes. Many temporary workers in Canada on a valid permit can apply for permanent residence through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) or other routes. Canadian work experience usually improves your chances considerably.
In most cases, you cannot renew a work permit under the Working Holidayprogramme. However, if you find a job offer and your employer is willing to apply for an LMIA, or if you apply to another programme such as Young Professionals, you can change status and obtain a new permit from inside Canada.