Are you between 18 to 35 years old and dreaming of living and working in Canada? This might be your last opportunity in 2025 to make it happen under the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program — a unique, LMIA-exempt work permit pathway designed for young professionals from select countries.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the final round of IEC 2025 invitations will be held during the week of October 20, and the deadline to submit your profile is 9 a.m. EDT on October 20, 2025.
So, if you haven’t submitted your IEC candidate profile yet, now is the time!
🌍 What Is the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?
The IEC Program allows young citizens from over 35 participating countries to live, travel, and work in Canada for up to two years. It operates under reciprocal agreements — meaning Canadian youth also get similar opportunities abroad.
The program has three main categories:
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Working Holiday – Ideal for those who want to travel and work temporarily in Canada without a pre-arranged job offer.
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Young Professionals – For individuals with a job offer in Canada related to their career or education field.
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International Co-op (Internship) – For students who want to complete an internship with a Canadian employer.
One of the biggest advantages of the IEC is that it’s exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — making it a faster and simpler work permit option.
⏰ Key Deadlines and Eligibility
To qualify for the IEC 2025 work permit, you must:
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Be a citizen or legal resident of a country with a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
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Be aged 18–30 or 18–35, depending on your country.
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Have at least $2,500 CAD in funds to support yourself upon arrival.
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Hold private health insurance and a valid passport for your entire stay.
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Have a round-trip ticket or enough funds to leave Canada when your permit expires.
Countries like Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the UK, and many others are part of this program.
📅 Important: If you miss the October 20 deadline, you’ll need to wait until the 2026 IEC pools open in January to apply again.
🧾 How to Apply for an IEC Work Permit
Here’s how the process works:
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Create and submit an IEC profile on the official IRCC website.
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Once accepted into a pool, IRCC may invite you to apply for a work permit.
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If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you’ll have 10 days to accept and 20 days to submit your full application.
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Pay the required fees — typically $179.75 CAD, plus an $85 biometrics fee (if applicable).
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Depending on your IEC category, additional fees apply, such as the $100 Open Work Permit fee (for Working Holiday) or $230 employer compliance fee (for Young Professionals and Co-op categories).
Given the lottery-based selection system, submitting your profile early improves your chances of being selected.
💼 Why IEC 2025 Is a Great Opportunity
The IEC program is one of the most accessible work permit options for international youth. It provides valuable Canadian work experience, which can later boost your eligibility for Permanent Residency (PR) under programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
For those considering a long-term future in Canada, IEC can be a stepping stone to PR — especially if you gain Canadian work experience in a skilled occupation.
🇨🇦 How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
At ICC Immigration, we understand that every immigration journey is unique. Whether you’re applying for a temporary work permit like IEC or planning your Permanent Residency (PR), our expert team can help you navigate the process with confidence and success.
Here’s how ICC Immigration supports your Canadian dream:
✅ Permanent Residency Applications
We help you identify the most suitable PR pathways — from Express Entry to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) — and ensure your application is error-free and submission-ready, increasing your chances of approval.
🎓 Work Permits and Study Permits
Our experts guide you in securing the right study or work permits, helping you build a strong foundation toward a permanent future in Canada.
👨👩👧 Family Sponsorship
If your loved ones are in Canada, we can help you reunite with your family under Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program, ensuring every detail of your application meets IRCC’s standards.
⚖️ Expert Legal Guidance
Navigating Canada’s immigration system can be overwhelming. Our team provides personalized legal advice, ensuring your application complies with the latest IRCC regulations.
Instead of relying on uncertain options like asylum claims, ICC Immigration helps you choose stable, long-term immigration pathways that lead to Permanent Residency and Citizenship.
Whether you’re already in Canada or applying from abroad, our experts will support you every step of the way — from eligibility checks to document preparation and final submission.