Canada Introduces Country Quotas for LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Under the IEC Program

Canada has officially released the country quotas for issuing work permits under the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program for 2025. This program allows eligible youth from partner nations to obtain Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permits, enabling them to work and travel in Canada.

What is the IEC Program?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a youth mobility initiative established through bilateral agreements between Canada and various nations. It enables young individuals to gain international work experience while exploring Canada's diverse work culture and lifestyle.

Under the IEC program, successful applicants receive work permits under three primary streams:

1. Working Holiday – Open Work Permit (OWP)

2. Young Professionals – Employer-Specific Work Permit

3. International Co-op (Internship) – Employer-Specific Work Permit

Eligibility Criteria for IEC Work Permits

To qualify for an IEC work permit, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a country with a Youth Mobility Agreement (bYMA) with Canada.

• Hold a valid passport for the duration of their stay.

• Fall within the eligible age range (18-30 or 18-35, depending on nationality).

• Have a minimum of $2,500 CAD to cover initial living expenses.

• Obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay.

• Be admissible to Canada (meet immigration and security requirements).

• Not have dependents accompanying them.

• Have a round-trip ticket or funds to purchase a return ticket.

• Pay all applicable processing fees.

IEC Country Quotas for 2025

Below is a summary of the country quotas for IEC work permits in 2025:

(For the full list of country quotas, visit the official Government of Canada IEC webpage.)

IEC Work Permit Streams

1. Working Holiday (Open Work Permit)

Best For:

• Individuals who do not have a job offer but want the flexibility to work for multiple employers.

• Those looking to travel while working in different locations across Canada.

Real-World Use Case:
A traveler from Germany arrives in Canada on a Working Holiday permit and works as a barista in Vancouver for six months. Later, they move to Toronto to work in a hotel while exploring the city.

2. Young Professionals (Employer-Specific Work Permit)

Best For:

• Those with a job offer in Canada that contributes to their career development.

• Professionals who will work for the same employer in a fixed location.

Real-World Use Case:
A software engineer from Ireland secures a job with a Canadian tech company in Montreal. They receive a Young Professionals work permit, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in the North American IT sector.

3. International Co-op (Internship) (Employer-Specific Work Permit)

Best For:

• University students requiring a work placement or internship as part of their academic program.

• Those who will work for a specific employer in a designated location.

Real-World Use Case:
A business student from France secures a six-month internship with a finance company in Toronto. Their work placement helps fulfill their university’s degree requirements while gaining international work exposure.

Benefits of IEC Work Permits

• Career Growth: Gain global work experience and improve job prospects in the future.

• Cultural Exchange: Experience Canadian workplace culture and network with professionals.

• Financial Stability: Earn while traveling to support living expenses in Canada.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Some IEC participants transition to long-term immigration programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.

Conclusion

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is an excellent opportunity for young individuals to live, work, and explore Canada while gaining valuable international work experience. With the 2025 country quotas now available, prospective applicants can begin planning their IEC journey.

For the latest updates and step-by-step guidance on applying, visit the official Government of Canada website.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are an immigration consultancy providing guidance on the IEC program and other immigration pathways to Canada. For official policies and application procedures, please refer to the Government of Canada website or consult a licensed immigration lawyer.