Your Guide to the 2025 IEC Program: Work and Travel in Canada

If you’ve been dreaming of moving to Canada to work and explore, there’s good news: the International Experience Canada (IEC) pool is now open for 2025!

The IEC program offers youth from specific countries an opportunity to live and work in Canada with a streamlined process that provides greater certainty compared to many other work permit programs.

Working in Canada through the IEC can also boost your chances of obtaining permanent residency. Canadian work experience is a key requirement for the Canadian Experience Class and can enhance your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Express Entry.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this blog:

1. What the IEC program is
2. Who is eligible to apply
3. Steps to get started
   
   

What is the IEC Program?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a temporary work program designed for youth. It enables participants to live and work in Canada under three distinct categories:

1. Working Holiday: For those who don’t have a job offer and want the freedom to work for multiple employers and explore different parts of Canada.
2. Young Professionals: For individuals with a job offer related to their career development, allowing them to work for one employer in a specific location.
3. International Co-op (Internship): For students who need a work placement or internship in Canada as part of their studies.
   
   

Work Permit Types

• Open Work Permits (OWPs): Flexible permits allowing you to work for most employers across Canada.
• Employer-Specific Work Permits: Tied to one employer, these permits specify where and for whom you’ll work.
  
  

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the IEC, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a citizen of a country with a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
2. Hold a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay.
3. Be within the eligible age range (typically 18-35 or 18-30, depending on your country).
4. Have at least CAD $2,500 for initial expenses.
5. Obtain health insurance for your stay.
6. Be admissible to Canada (no criminal or health-related bans).
7. Travel without dependents.
8. Have a round-trip ticket or funds to purchase one.
9. Pay the required application fees.

You can check if your country has a youth mobility agreement with Canada and its specific terms on the IEC website.

How to Apply to the IEC Program

Applying to the IEC involves two main steps:

1. Create Your Profile
   Submit your candidate profile to the IEC pool. This includes basic details about you and your eligibility.
2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
   Profiles in the pool are reviewed in invitation rounds, typically starting early in the year. If you’re invited, you’ll have 10 days to either accept the invitation and start your work permit application or decline it.
   
   

Increase Your Chances

Your chances of receiving an ITA depend on several factors, including:

• The quota for your country
• The number of candidates in the pool
• Remaining spots available

The IEC website provides a likelihood rating for receiving an ITA, ranging from “very low” to “excellent.”

Get Started Today

The IEC program offers an exciting pathway for youth to gain valuable work experience while exploring Canada. Whether you’re looking for a working holiday, career development, or an internship opportunity, this program could be your ticket to adventure in Canada.

Check out the official IEC website for detailed application steps and country-specific quotas. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this life-changing experience in 2025!