The International Experience Canada (IEC) 2025 season has officially begun, offering international youth a wealth of opportunities to live, work, and explore Canada. In the initial rounds of invitations, which concluded on January 17, 2025, a total of 10,274 work permit invitations were issued, marking a strong start to this year’s program.
The IEC program supports cultural exchange and professional development, with three key categories for applicants: Working Holiday Visa, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship). Here’s a breakdown of the invitation distribution:
Working Holiday Visa:
- Invitations Issued: Nearly 8,260
- Eligible Countries: 34
- Current Pool: 33,825 applicants This visa offers recipients an open work permit, allowing them to work for multiple employers and explore Canada while funding their travel experiences.
Young Professionals:
- Invitations Issued: Over 1,165
- This category targets individuals with a job offer from a Canadian employer for an employer-specific work permit, requiring them to work at the same location for the same employer.
International Co-op (Internship):
- Invitations Issued: Nearly 849
- This category is designed for students seeking hands-on professional experience in Canada, with candidates working for the same employer in a structured work placement.
IEC 2025 Country-Wise Invitation Breakdown
The IEC 2025 season officially opened on December 16, 2024, allowing youth from eligible countries to submit their profiles into the pools. The Canadian government had earlier announced that the first rounds of invitations would begin the week of January 13, 2025. By January 17, thousands of invitations had already been sent, with more rounds scheduled in the coming weeks. Below is a detailed look at the invitations issued by country and category:
1. Working Holiday Visa Invitations by Country:
This visa provides recipients the flexibility to work for multiple employers and travel across Canada.
- Australia: 1,150 invitations
- Ireland: 700 invitations
- UK: 1,500 invitations
- Germany: Pending
- New Zealand: 355 invitations
2. Young Professionals Category Invitations by Country:
This stream is for those with a valid job offer, allowing them to work for the same employer in the same location.
- Australia: 46 invitations
- France: 390 invitations
- Germany: Pending
- Spain: 26 invitations
- UK: 219 invitations
3. International Co-op (Internship) Invitations by Country:
This category allows postsecondary students to gain practical experience in Canada through work placements or internships.
- Australia: 0 invitations
- France: 788 invitations
- Germany: Pending
- Spain: 5 invitations
- UK: 8 invitations
IEC 2025 Fees
The application fees for the IEC 2025 season are as follows:
- Working Holiday Applicants: $179.75 CAD
- Biometric Fee: $85 CAD (for candidates required to submit biometrics)
With over 10,000 invitations already issued, the IEC 2025 season is off to a promising start. Eligible candidates are encouraged to complete and update their profiles to maximize their chances in upcoming invitation rounds. Keep an eye out for future invitations and get ready to embark on an unforgettable Canadian adventure!
