Canada has revealed the country quotas for its International Experience Canada (IEC) program for 2025, offering young people from eligible countries the chance to work and travel in Canada through LMIA-exempt work permits. The IEC program is part of Canada’s Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMA), allowing citizens of partner nations to obtain a work permit and gain valuable work experience.
The IEC program provides three types of work permits:
- Working Holiday Visa (Open Work Permit)
- Young Professionals Visa (Employer-Specific Work Permit)
- International Co-op Visa (Internship, Employer-Specific Work Permit)
If you’re planning to apply for an IEC work permit in 2025, this article will cover the country quotas, eligibility requirements, and the different work permit categories to help you get started.
2025 IEC Country Quotas: Who Can Apply?
Canada sets specific quotas for each participating country in the IEC program. Below is a summary of the work permit quotas for 2025, along with the maximum age limit for applicants from each country.
| Country | Working Holiday | Young Professionals | International Co-op | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 35 |
| France | 6,615 | 2,080 | 3,590 | 35 |
| Germany | 3,490 | 350 | 160 | 35 |
| Ireland | 3,800 | 150 | 50 | 35 |
| Japan | 6,500 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| South Korea | 10,000 | 1,500 | 500 | 35 |
| United Kingdom | 9,000 | 900 | 100 | 30 |
| Italy | 1,750 | 200 | 50 | 35 |
| Spain | 800 | 120 | 30 | 35 |
| New Zealand | 2,500 | N/A | N/A | 35 |
(For a full list of country quotas, visit the official Canada IEC website.)
What is the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?
The IEC program allows young individuals from partner countries to live, travel, and work in Canada for a limited time. It is a reciprocal agreement, meaning Canadian youth can also work in these countries under similar conditions.
IEC Work Permit Streams
Depending on your situation, you can apply for one of three types of IEC work permits:
1. Working Holiday Visa (Open Work Permit)
If you don’t have a job offer but want the flexibility to work for multiple employers in different locations across Canada, the Working Holiday Visa is ideal. This Open Work Permit (OWP) lets you gain experience while exploring Canada.
Who Should Apply?
✔️ Those without a pre-arranged job offer ✔️ Those who want to work for multiple employers ✔️ Those who want to travel while working
2. Young Professionals Visa (Employer-Specific Work Permit)
If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, the Young Professionals Visa allows you to work for the same employer in the same location. This Employer-Specific Work Permit is designed for career development.
Who Should Apply?
✔️ Those with a valid Canadian job offer ✔️ Those looking for professional development ✔️ Those who will work for a single employer
3. International Co-op Visa (Employer-Specific Internship Work Permit)
If you’re a student needing an internship or work placement as part of your studies, you can apply under the International Co-op category. This is also an Employer-Specific Work Permit.
Who Should Apply?
✔️ Those enrolled in a post-secondary institution ✔️ Those with a required internship placement in Canada ✔️ Those willing to work for a single employer
IEC Work Permit Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an IEC work permit in 2025, you must meet the following requirements:
✔️ Be a citizen of a country with a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement (bYMA) with Canada. ✔️ Have a valid passport for the duration of your stay. ✔️ Be within the age limit (18-30 or 18-35, depending on the country). ✔️ Have at least $2,500 CAD for living expenses. ✔️ Obtain health insurance for your entire stay in Canada. ✔️ Be admissible to Canada (no criminal record, valid visa if required). ✔️ Have a round-trip ticket or enough funds to purchase one. ✔️ Pay the required application fees. ✔️ Not bring any dependents.
How to Apply for an IEC Work Permit?
Applying for an IEC work permit involves a few key steps:
- Check if your country has an IEC agreement with Canada.
- Create an IEC profile on the Government of Canada’s website.
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC.
- Submit your work permit application and supporting documents.
- Undergo medical exams and background checks (if required).
- Receive your Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.
- Travel to Canada and activate your work permit!
Why Choose the IEC Program?
The IEC program is one of the easiest ways to work and explore Canada without the need for an LMIA. It provides international youth with valuable work experience, cultural exposure, and networking opportunities, making it an attractive pathway for those considering future immigration to Canada.
If you’re eligible, don’t miss your chance to apply for an IEC work permit in 2025!
