The 2025 International Experience Canada (IEC) season is now open

The 2025 International Experience Canada (IEC) season has started, with pools open to eligible candidates from December 16, 2024.

If you want to work and explore Canada, now is the time to apply!

Candidates can create their profiles online and prepare for the first round of invitations, which will be sent out on January 13, 2025.

It’s important to apply early to increase your chances, as Canada plans to reduce the number of IEC spots in 2025.

What is International Experience Canada (IEC)?

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a program that offers young people from partner countries the opportunity to work and explore Canada.

The program has three main categories:

Working Holiday
This option is ideal for those who want the freedom to work with any employer in Canada. Participants receive an open work permit, allowing them to change jobs and locations throughout their time in Canada.

Young Professionals
This program is designed for those looking to gain valuable professional experience in Canada. To apply, you must have a job offer from a Canadian employer. It provides an employer-specific work permit, meaning you’ll work for the same employer at a set location.

International Co-op
This category is for international students who need to complete an internship or work placement in Canada as part of their academic program. Participation is limited to work placements that are required for the student’s studies.

What’s Changing for IEC 2025?

The 2025 IEC season introduces several changes, including updates to program fees and quotas. Here’s a closer look at the key updates:

Increased IEC Fee
The IEC fee has increased to CAD $179.75, up from CAD $172 in 2024.

Quotas and Allocation Changes
Although full quotas and timelines for all countries haven’t been fully announced, here are some key updates based on available information:

• France: The quotas for the Working Holiday and Young Professionals programs have been reduced by over 2,000 spots combined, while the International Co-op program has gained nearly 3,000 spots.
• United Kingdom: Exact quotas haven’t been released, but IRCC has suggested that Working Holiday quotas will be redistributed to improve selection chances.
• South Korea: The Working Holiday quota has decreased by 1,625 spots, but the quotas for the Young Professionals and International Co-op programs have been increased by the same amount, keeping the total allocation the same.
• Taiwan: The Working Holiday quota has been cut by 2,240 spots, the largest decrease among participating countries.
• Australia: Australians previously had unlimited quotas for all categories. However, the lack of an announced quota for 2025 suggests there may be new limits this year.

Why Should You Apply Early for IEC 2025?

Submitting your profile early boosts your chances of getting an invitation.

Invitations are sent through a random lottery system, and applying early ensures your profile is included in multiple invitation rounds.

The first round will begin the week of January 13, 2025, for certain countries.

How to Prepare for IEC 2025

If you’re planning to join IEC 2025, follow these steps to get ready:

Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you qualify for one of the three IEC programs. Use free online tools or visit the IRCC website to review the eligibility requirements.

Create Your IEC Profile
Log in to your IRCC account and create a new profile. If you’ve participated in past IEC seasons, you’ll need to create a fresh profile for 2025.

Submit Your Profile
Once your profile is complete, submit it to the IEC pools. Submitting early increases your chances of being considered in all invitation rounds.

Prepare for the Work Permit Application
If you receive an invitation, you must respond quickly. You’ll have 10 days to accept or decline the invitation, and once accepted, you’ll have 20 days to submit your work permit application.

Stay Informed
Keep an eye on updates from IRCC regarding quotas and invitation rounds so you can adjust your plans accordingly.

How IEC Works

The IEC process is simple but requires attention to detail. Here’s how it works:

Submit a Profile
Create and submit your profile through your IRCC account. Double-check that all the details are accurate and complete.

Receive an Invitation
Invitations are sent out weekly through a randomized lottery. Applying early increases your chances of being selected.

Submit a Work Permit Application
Once you receive an invitation, accept it within 10 days. Then, submit your work permit application within the next 20 days.

Eligible Countries for Working Holiday Visas (IEC 2025)

What is the processing time for International Experience Canada

The average processing time for most International Experience Canada work permits is around 6 weeks, with 80% of applications processed within this period.