Canada Sets Country Quotas for LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Under the IEC
Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program has
released its country quotas for 2025, outlining how many work permits will be
available to eligible youth from participating countries. These permits are
exempt from Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), making it easier for
young individuals to live and work in Canada on a temporary basis.
What is the IEC?
The IEC is a reciprocal youth mobility program that allows
young people from countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs) to
obtain Canadian work permits. These agreements also enable Canadian youth to
live and work in those partner countries. Depending on the stream, successful
applicants can receive either an open work permit (OWP) or an employer-specific
permit.
Country Quotas and Age Limits
Each country participating in the IEC program has a
specific quota and age limit for eligible applicants. For example, citizens of
Australia have no cap on the number of work permits, while other countries,
like Austria or Belgium, have limited spots. The age range typically falls
between 18 and 30 or 18 and 35, depending on the country of citizenship. A
detailed breakdown of quotas by country and stream can help applicants plan
their submission before spaces fill up.
IEC Work Permit Streams
The IEC program features three distinct streams:
- Working
Holiday:
- Ideal
for those without a job offer who want flexibility to work with multiple
employers or in different locations.
- Issued
as an open work permit (OWP).
- Young
Professionals:
- Designed
for candidates with a job offer that supports their professional
development.
- Requires
working for the same employer at a specific location.
- Issued
as an employer-specific permit.
- International
Co-op (Internship):
- Geared
toward students with a required work placement or internship in Canada.
- Must
work for the same employer at a fixed location.
- Issued
as an employer-specific permit.
Not every country with a youth mobility agreement is eligible for every stream.
Some nations are limited to one or two categories, while others, like
Australia, can participate in all three.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the IEC, applicants must meet the following
requirements:
- Be
a citizen of a country with a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
- Hold
a valid passport for their entire stay.
- Be
within the eligible age range for their country (18-30 or 18-35).
- Have
at least $2,500 upon arrival to cover initial expenses.
- Obtain
health insurance for the duration of their stay.
- Be
admissible to Canada.
- Not
bring dependents.
- Have
a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.
- Pay
any applicable fees.
A Popular Pathway for Young Workers
The IEC program continues to be a popular route for young
people seeking a temporary working experience in Canada. By setting clear
quotas and straightforward eligibility requirements, it remains a viable option
for youth around the world who wish to work, travel, and gain international
experience. Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program has released
its country quotas for 2025, outlining how many work permits will be available
to eligible youth from participating countries. These permits are exempt from
Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), making it easier for young
individuals to live and work in Canada on a temporary basis.
What is the IEC?
The IEC is a reciprocal youth mobility program that allows
young people from countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs) to
obtain Canadian work permits. These agreements also enable Canadian youth to
live and work in those partner countries. Depending on the stream, successful
applicants can receive either an open work permit (OWP) or an employer-specific
permit.
Country Quotas and Age Limits
Each country participating in the IEC program has a
specific quota and age limit for eligible applicants. For example, citizens of
Australia have no cap on the number of work permits, while other countries,
like Austria or Belgium, have limited spots. The age range typically falls
between 18 and 30 or 18 and 35, depending on the country of citizenship. A
detailed breakdown of quotas by country and stream can help applicants plan
their submission before spaces fill up.
IEC Work Permit Streams
The IEC program features three distinct streams:
- Working
Holiday:
- Ideal
for those without a job offer who want flexibility to work with multiple
employers or in different locations.
- Issued
as an open work permit (OWP).
- Young
Professionals:
- Designed
for candidates with a job offer that supports their professional
development.
- Requires
working for the same employer at a specific location.
- Issued
as an employer-specific permit.
- International
Co-op (Internship):
- Geared
toward students with a required work placement or internship in Canada.
- Must
work for the same employer at a fixed location.
- Issued
as an employer-specific permit.
Not every country with a youth mobility agreement is eligible for every stream.
Some nations are limited to one or two categories, while others, like
Australia, can participate in all three.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the IEC, applicants must meet the following
requirements:
- Be
a citizen of a country with a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
- Hold
a valid passport for their entire stay.
- Be
within the eligible age range for their country (18-30 or 18-35).
- Have
at least $2,500 upon arrival to cover initial expenses.
- Obtain
health insurance for the duration of their stay.
- Be
admissible to Canada.
- Not
bring dependents.
- Have
a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.
- Pay
any applicable fees.
A Popular Pathway for Young Workers
The IEC program continues to be a popular route for young
people seeking a temporary working experience in Canada. By setting clear
quotas and straightforward eligibility requirements, it remains a viable option
for youth around the world who wish to work, travel, and gain international
experience.
