What Is an IEC Recognized Organization? Here's Why It Matters

If you’ve started researching working holidays abroad, you’ve probably come across the term “IEC Recognized Organization” or “RO.” But what exactly is a Recognized Organization, and do you actually need one? The short answer is that it’s entirely up to you!

However, if you’re looking for extra support before, during, and even after your working holiday, partnering with a Recognized Organization can make your experience much smoother. At A-Way to Work, a program of International Rural Exchange Canada (IREC), we’re proud to be one of only a handful of organizations officially recognized by the Government of Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.

Let’s break down what that means and why it matters.

What Is International Experience Canada (IEC)?

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a Government of Canada program that allows young Canadians (typically aged 18–35) to work and travel in more than 35 partner countries and territories around the world. It also allows eligible youth from partner countries to come to Canada for the same type of cultural exchange.

Through IEC, Canadians can gain international work experience, professional skills, cultural exchange opportunities and the chance to travel while earning money. Many Canadians have returned to Canada with life-changing experiences valuable to both their personal and professional lives.

Depending on your destination, you may be able to live and work abroad for up to two years.

What Is an IEC Recognized Organization?

A Recognized Organization (RO) is an organization approved by the Government of Canada’s International Experience Canada program to help young people participate in international work and travel experiences. Recognized Organizations don’t issue visas or make immigration decisions. Instead, they provide guidance, resources, and support to help participants prepare for life abroad.

Depending on the organization, that support may include:

Job assistance
Accommodation support
Visa guidance
Pre-departure preparation
Health & Travel insurance options
Arrival resources
Ongoing support while abroad

Think of a Recognized Organization as an experienced guide that helps you navigate your working holiday from start to finish.

Do You Need a Recognized Organization?

Many Canadians apply directly through the IEC program and organize everything themselves. For confident travellers, that’s a perfectly valid option, if you’re comfortable researching visas, finding jobs, organizing accommodation, and navigating life in a new country completely on your own

However, if it’s your first time travelling overseas or you simply want experienced guidance; a Recognized Organization can save you time, reduce stress, and provide support when unexpected challenges arise. That’s where we come in. We provide you with expert guidance, trusted resources, and a support team behind you every step of the way, working with a Recognized Organization can make the process much easier.

Why Choose A-Way to Work?

Every Recognized Organization offers different services. At A-Way to Work, we believe a working holiday should be more than just getting a visa/work permit. We’re here to help you build an experience. As a Canadian non-profit organization with decades of experience; over 40 years in international exchange, we support young Canadians before they leave, while they’re abroad, and when they return home. Our goal is simple: help you feel confident so you can focus on enjoying your adventure. Depending on the program you choose, our services can include:

Working holiday guidance
Verified job opportunities
Accommodation assistance
Visa support
Insurance guidance
Pre-departure resources
24/7 emergency support
Community through our Circle app
Travel resources
Support throughout your journey

We also have a program for more independent travellers called Go-Solo.

Why Choose A-Way to Work Over Applying on Your Own?

Apply on Your Own	A-Way to Work
Find jobs yourself	Verified job support (where applicable)
Research everything independently	Personalized guidance
Arrange accommodation yourself	Accommodation assistance
Handle issues alone	24/7 support while abroad
No community	Access to Circle, and fellow travellers

More Than Just Outbound Travel

One thing that makes us different is that in addition to helping Canadians work abroad, we also welcome hundreds of international young people to Canada every year through the same spirit of cultural exchange. We are deeply rooted in supporting Canadian agriculture. We don’t just believe in helping Canadians explore the world, we believe international exchange changes lives, strengthens communities, and creates lasting global connections.

Ready to Start Your Working Holiday?

Whether you’re dreaming of Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, or another destination, A-Way to Work is here to help you turn that dream into reality.

We’ll help you spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time planning the adventure of a lifetime.