The International Experience Canada (IEC) program has revealed its quotas for issuing work permits in 2025.
Under the IEC program, young people from countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs) with Canada are eligible for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permits, including open work permits (OWPs) available under the Working Holiday stream.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old and no older than 30 or 35, depending on their country of citizenship.
This article will outline the announced country quotas and provide an overview of the work permit streams available under the IEC.
Country Quotas
The following table shows the quotas for work permits available to citizens of each participating country, along with the maximum eligible age for youth from that country (in all cases, applicants must be at least 18 years old).
| Country | Working Holiday | Young Professionals | International Co-op | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra | 25 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| Australia | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 35 |
| Austria | 100 | 60 | 20 | 35 |
| Belgium | 750 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| Chile | 725 | 20 | 5 | 35 |
| Costa Rica | 80 | 15 | 5 | 35 |
| Croatia | 85 | 10 | 5 | 35 |
| Denmark | 350 | N/A | N/A | 35 |
| Estonia | 110 | 10 | 5 | 35 |
| France | 6,615 | 2,080 | 3,590 | 35 |
| Germany | 3,490 | 350 | 160 | 35 |
| Greece | 180 | 10 | 10 | 35 |
| Hong Kong | 200 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| Ireland | 3,800 | 150 | 50 | 35 |
| Italy | 1,750 | 200 | 50 | 35 |
| Japan | 6,500 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| Korea, Rep. | 10,000 | 1,500 | 500 | 35 |
| Latvia | 40 | 8 | 2 | 35 |
| Lithuania | 175 | 20 | 5 | 35 |
| Luxembourg | 80 | 10 | 10 | 30 |
| Netherlands | 430 | 170 | N/A | 30 |
| New Zealand | 2,500 | N/A | N/A | 35 |
| Norway | 130 | 15 | 5 | 35 |
| Poland | 435 | 110 | 5 | 35 |
| Portugal | 750 | 40 | 10 | 35 |
| San Marino | 25 | N/A | N/A | 35 |
| Slovakia | 315 | 30 | 5 | 35 |
| Slovenia | 80 | 15 | 5 | 35 |
| Spain | 800 | 120 | 30 | 35 |
| Sweden | 350 | 40 | 10 | 30 |
| Switzerland | N/A | 200 | 50 | 35 |
| Taiwan | 940 | 50 | 10 | 35 |
| United Kingdom | 9,000 | 900 | 100 | 30 |
What is the IEC Program?
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers work permits to young people from participating countries under three main categories:
- Working Holiday: For those who want to work for multiple employers and locations in Canada, usually to fund their travels.
- Young Professionals: For individuals with a job offer that contributes to their professional development.
- International Co-op (Internship): For students who need a work placement or internship as part of their academic requirements.
These work permits allow youth to live and work temporarily in Canada as part of Canada’s agreements with various countries. Likewise, Canadian youth are given similar opportunities in these partner countries.
Work Permit Streams
Each IEC stream operates differently, with two streams offering employer-specific work permits and one providing open work permits (OWPs). Here’s an overview:
- Working Holiday: For those who don’t have a job offer and want to work for multiple employers in various locations across Canada. This stream issues an open work permit (OWP).
- Young Professionals: For those with a job offer in Canada that supports their professional development. This stream issues an employer-specific work permit, meaning the applicant must work for the same employer in one location.
- International Co-op (Internship): For students who have a job offer for an internship or work placement required for their studies. This stream also issues an employer-specific work permit.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for an IEC work permit, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a country with a bYMA with Canada.
- Hold a valid passport for the full duration of their stay.
- Be within the eligible age range as specified in the agreement (18-35 or 18-30, depending on the country).
- Have at least $2,500 available for living expenses upon arrival.
- Be able to secure health insurance for the duration of their stay (proof may be required at the port of entry).
- Be admissible to Canada.
- Not bring dependents.
- Have a round-trip ticket or funds to buy one.
Applicants must also pay any required fees during the application process.
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