The International Experience Canada (IEC) program has released its country quotas for work permits in 2025.
Through the IEC, young individuals from countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs) with Canada can obtain Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permits. This includes open work permits (OWPs) under the Working Holiday stream.
Eligibility requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, with an upper age limit of either 30 or 35, depending on their country of citizenship.
This article outlines the newly announced country quotas and provides an overview of the different work permit streams available under the IEC.
Country Quotas
The table below details the work permit quotas for each participating country, along with the maximum eligible age for applicants. 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 |
Understanding the IEC Program
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program provides work permits to foreign nationals through three different streams.
Established under Canada’s international agreements with various countries, the IEC allows young individuals from partner nations to live and work in Canada on a temporary basis. In return, Canadian youth can access similar opportunities in these participating countries.
Eligible citizens from countries with youth mobility agreements with Canada can apply for a work permit under one of the following IEC categories:
- The Working Holiday stream
- The Young Professionals stream
- The International Co-op stream
Each category serves a distinct purpose, with two providing employer-specific work permits and one granting open work permits (OWPs) to eligible applicants, as outlined below:
IEC Work Permit Categories
|
Work Permit Category |
When to Apply |
Type of Work Permit Issued |
|
Working Holiday |
- No job offer required. - Want to work for multiple employers. - Plan to work in different locations. - Wish to earn money while traveling. |
Open Work Permit (OWP) |
|
Young Professionals |
- Have a job offer that contributes to professional development. - Will work for the same employer at a fixed location. - The job is paid and not self-employed. |
Employer-Specific Work Permit |
|
International Co-op (Internship) |
- Enrolled as a student at a post-secondary institution. - Have a job offer for a mandatory work placement/internship in Canada. - Internship is required for completing studies. - Will work for the same employer at a fixed location. |
Employer-Specific Work Permit |
Eligibility Criteria for IEC Programs
To qualify for an IEC work permit, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold citizenship (passport) from a country or residency in a territory that has a Youth Mobility Agreement (bYMA) with Canada.
- Possess a valid passport covering the entire stay in Canada.
- Fall within the age limit specified in the youth mobility agreement (either 18-35 or 18-30, depending on the country).
- Have a minimum of $2,500 upon arrival to cover initial living expenses.
- Obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay (proof may be required at the Canadian port of entry).
- Be admissible to Canada.
- Not have any dependents accompanying them.
- Hold a round-trip ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a departure ticket at the end of their stay.
- Pay all applicable application fees.
