Guide to IEC Program

Tue Aug

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Canada has long been a top destination for young professionals looking to gain international experience. Through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, youth from select countries can live and work in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This step often delays the traditional work permit process. This streamlined pathway is opening new doors for early-career workers. It is shaping the future of Canada’s global talent strategy.

Canada designed the IEC for citizens of countries that have bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs) with it. These agreements allow young people, typically aged 18–30 or 18–35, to obtain work permits for one or two years, depending on their nationality and the specific terms of their country’s agreement.

Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the IEC does not require an LMIA. This means less red tape, faster processing, and greater flexibility for both employers and job seekers.

In some cases, participants can join the program more than once, either in the same category or in different categories, depending on the agreement with their country.

The IEC is not open to everyone - it’s available only to citizens of partner countries. The upper age limit and the number of times someone can participate vary.

Below is a summary of maximum age limits and participation opportunities:

Upper Age Limit of 30 (1–2 participations):

Netherlands (2)
Sweden (2)
Taiwan (1)
Andorra (1)
Belgium (1)
Hong Kong (1)
Iceland (2)
Japan (2)

Upper Age Limit of 35 (1–3 participations):

Australia (3)
Austria (3)
Chile (2)
Costa Rica (2)
Croatia (2)
Czech Republic (2)
Denmark (1)
Estonia (2)
Finland (3)
France (3)
Germany (2)
Greece (2)
Ireland (3)
Italy (2)
Korea, Rep. (2)
Latvia (2)
Lithuania (2)
Luxembourg (1)
New Zealand (1)
Norway (2)
Poland (2)
Portugal (1)
San Marino (2)
Slovakia (2)
Slovenia (2)
Spain (2)
Switzerland (2)
United Kingdom (2)

The minimum age to qualify is 18, regardless of country or category.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the IEC, applicants must:

Hold citizenship from a partner country or be a resident of a territory with a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
Be between 18 and the maximum eligible age for their country (either 30 or 35).
Have private health insurance for their entire stay.
Possess a valid passport covering the whole duration of the work permit.
Show proof of at least $2,500 CAD in available funds to support initial living costs.
Have a return ticket or enough money to purchase one.
Be admissible to Canada (i.e., meet entry requirements).
In exceptional cases, citizens of non-partner countries may still access the IEC through recognized organizations (ROs) in Canada.

The IEC offers three main categories:

Young Professionals – Intended for career-focused individuals with a job offer in their field, providing valuable professional development.
Working Holiday – Designed for those who want the freedom to travel and work in Canada for any employer.
International Co-op (Internship) – For students who need work placement or internship experience to complete their studies.

Each category has slightly different rules regarding job offers, employer requirements, and work permit conditions.

How to Apply

Check Eligibility: Confirm age, nationality, and other requirements.
Create a Profile: Submit an IEC profile online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Receive an Invitation: If selected from the pool, you’ll get an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Submitting the Application: Please provide the required documents, complete the biometrics, and pay the applicable fees.
Receiving Your Work Permit: Upon approval, you can enter Canada and start working.

For early career workers, the IEC program is more than just a job opportunity - it’s a launchpad for personal and professional growth. Removing the LMIA barrier creates a faster, more accessible route to gain Canadian work experience.

With ongoing labour shortages, a welcoming immigration policy, and growing international partnerships, Canada’s LMIA-exempt IEC work permits are set to remain a powerful draw for young talent worldwide. In 2025 and beyond, experts anticipate that this trend will grow, urging qualified candidates to pursue this opportunity.

If you are looking to study, work, visit or migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services at +1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company, to get the best help you need.

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