Want to Work in Canada? The 2025 IEC Program Is Your Ticket!
Discover the 2025 International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Learn about eligibility, work permit categories, and how to apply for your Canadian work adventure!
Gurmeet Sharma
The International Experience Canada (IEC) pool is now open for the 2025 season, offering an exciting opportunity for eligible youth to live and work in Canada. Under the IEC program, participants gain valuable work experience that can enhance their eligibility for Canadian permanent residence.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the IEC program, eligibility requirements, and application process.
What is the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?
The IEC is a temporary residence program that provides work permits to youth from countries with bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada. This program allows young individuals to work and explore Canada, while offering Canadian youth similar opportunities abroad.
Work Permit Categories
The IEC program issues work permits under three distinct categories, each tailored to specific needs:
| Category | When to Use | Type of Permit Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday | - No job offer required - Work for multiple employers - Work in various locations - Earn money while traveling |
Open Work Permit (OWP) |
| Young Professionals | - Job offer required - Job supports professional development - Work for one employer at one location |
Employer-Specific Work Permit |
| International Co-op | - For students with a required internship - Internship must relate to studies - Work for one employer at one location |
Employer-Specific Work Permit |
Employer-Specific Work Permits: Tied to one employer and location. Requests to change employers require documentation and approval by an immigration officer.
Open Work Permits (OWPs): Provide flexibility to work with multiple employers across various industries.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the IEC program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of a country with a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
- Hold a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay.
- Fall within the eligible age range (18–35 or 18–30, depending on their country).
- Have at least $2,500 CAD to cover expenses upon arrival.
- Obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay.
- Be admissible to Canada.
- Not bring dependents.
- Have a round-trip ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.
- Pay the applicable fees.
To confirm if your country is part of the program and to review the specific eligibility criteria, visit the official IEC webpage.
How to Apply for the IEC Program
The IEC application process is straightforward and involves the following steps:
-
Submit a Candidate Profile
Create a profile with basic information and enter the candidate pool for the desired work permit category. -
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Invitations are issued based on country quotas, category demand, and remaining spots. Invitation rounds typically start early in the year. -
Respond to the ITA
Once an ITA is received, candidates must either begin their work permit application within 10 days or decline the invitation. -
Apply for the Work Permit
Complete the application process by submitting all required documentation and fees.
Monitoring Your Chances
Candidates can track their likelihood of receiving an ITA using the IEC website. The likelihood score ranges from "Very Low" to "Excellent," based on factors such as the country’s quota and the number of candidates in the pool.
| Likelihood Rating | Chance of Receiving ITA |
|---|---|
| Excellent | 80–99% |
| Very Good | 60–79% |
| Fair | 40–59% |
| Low | 20–39% |
| Very Low | 1–19% |
Build Your Future in Canada
The IEC program not only provides an opportunity to work and travel in Canada but also serves as a pathway to permanent residence. Work experience gained through the IEC can contribute to eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry, significantly enhancing a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide to the IEC application process, visit the official IEC webpage. Start your journey toward an exciting work and travel experience in Canada today!
