Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers young adults from partner nations the chance to live, work, and explore the country without the lengthy Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.
Instead of waiting for extensive employer verification, IEC participants can secure one- to two-year work permits more quickly and flexibly than those applying under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
For many, this program is more than just a job opportunity, i.e., it’s a cultural exchange, a career boost, and a gateway to Canada’s stunning landscapes. Along the way, it helps participants gain valuable international work experience.
The IEC is only available to citizens of countries that have bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements with Canada. Depending on the specific agreement, the eligible age limit is either 18 – 30 or 18 – 35.
Some countries also allow participants to join more than once, giving them the chance to extend or return for another working holiday. Below, you’ll find the complete list of eligible countries for Canada’s LMIA-exempt work permits.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
Countries, Age Limits, And Repeat Participation
The table below outlines the maximum eligible age for each participating country, as well as how many times an individual can take part in the program. Each agreement is unique, so participation rules can vary.
| Country | Upper Age Limit | Number Of Times You May Participate |
| Andorra | 30 | 1 |
| Australia | 35 | 3 |
| Austria | 35 | 3 |
| Belgium | 30 | 1 |
| Chile | 35 | 2 |
| Costa Rica | 35 | 2 |
| Croatia | 35 | 2 |
| Czech Republic | 35 | 2 |
| Denmark | 35 | 1 |
| Estonia | 35 | 2 |
| Finland | 35 | 3 |
| France | 35 | 3 |
| Germany | 35 | 2 |
| Greece | 35 | 2 |
| Hong Kong | 30 | 1 |
| Iceland | 30 | 2 |
| Ireland | 35 | 3 |
| Italy | 35 | 2 |
| Japan | 30 | 2 |
| Korea, Rep. | 35 | 2 |
| Latvia | 35 | 2 |
| Lithuania | 35 | 2 |
| Luxembourg | 35 | 1 |
| Netherlands | 30 | 2 |
| New Zealand | 35 | 1 |
| Norway | 35 | 2 |
| Poland | 35 | 2 |
| Portugal | 35 | 1 |
| San Marino | 35 | 2 |
| Slovakia | 35 | 2 |
| Slovenia | 35 | 2 |
| Spain | 35 | 2 |
| Sweden | 30 | 2 |
| Switzerland | 35 | 2 |
| Taiwan | 35 | 1 |
| United Kingdom | 35 | 2 |
Note: All applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify, regardless of their country or IEC category.
Many countries also impose specific restrictions such as participation only once per category or mandatory waiting periods between applications. Always check the IRCC “Who can apply” page for your country’s latest details.
Key Eligibility Criteria For IEC
Since we have discussed the complete list of eligible countries for Canada’s LMIA-exempt work permits, let us discuss the eligibility criteria for the IEC.
To qualify for IEC, you must:
- Hold citizenship from a partner country with a youth mobility agreement with Canada
- Be between 18 and your country’s maximum eligible age limit (30 or 35)
- Have private health insurance for your entire stay
- Hold a passport valid for your full duration in Canada
- Have at least CAD $2,500 available to support yourself for the first three months
- Possess a round-trip ticket or enough funds to purchase one before departure
- Meet Canada’s admissibility requirements (health, security, and immigration checks)
IEC Program Overview And Categories
Well, IEC promotes youth mobility between Canada and partner nations through three main categories:
- Working Holiday – Ideal for travelers wanting job flexibility. This open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada.
- Young Professionals – Designed for those with a job offer in their field, providing targeted professional growth.
- International Co-op (Internship) – For students completing work placements or internships related to their studies.
IEC Categories At A Glance
| Closed or open work permit? | Job offer required? | How competitive? | Additional requirements | |
| Working Holiday | Open | No | Very competitive | N/A. |
| Young Professionals* | Closed | Yes | Not very competitive | – Job offers must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, or TEER 4 related to your field of study. – Cannot be self-employed. |
| International Co-op (Internship)* | Closed | Yes | The least competitive | – Must be currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution. – Job offer can be for a work placement or internship and is required to complete your studies. – Internship must be directly linked to your field of study. – Whether an internship needs to be paid is dependent on a province or territory’s labour code. |
Employment must follow local labour laws, including minimum wage rules.
For many countries, Working Holiday permits are so popular that IRCC uses a lottery system. If you already have a job offer, applying under Young Professionals or International Co-op may give you a higher selection chance.
Step-By-Step IEC Application Process
Since we have discussed the list of eligible countries for Canada’s LMIA-exempt work permits, here’s a step-by-step IEC application process.
- Create And Submit A Profile – Complete your candidate profile on IRCC’s website. Your answers will determine which IEC pools you qualify for.
- Enter The Candidate Pool – Profiles remain active until the season closes or you’re invited to apply.
- Receive An Invitation To Apply (ITA) – Invitations are issued in rounds. Keep track of trends on IRCC’s “Rounds of Invitations” page.
- Accept Your ITA – You have 10 days to accept. After acceptance, you’ll have 20 days to submit your complete application.
- Submit Required Documents – This includes your passport, proof of funds, insurance, and job offer (if applicable).
- Pay The Fees:
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- IEC participation fee: $179.75 (all categories)
- Open Work Permit holder fee: $100 (Working Holiday only)
- Employer compliance fee: $230 (Young Professionals & International Co-op)
- Biometrics fee: $85 (if required)
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- Wait For Processing – For 2025, IRCC aims to process most applications within six weeks.
- Receive Your Port of Entry (POE) Letter – Bring this with you to Canada to activate your work permit.
Note: You cannot include family members in your IEC application. They must apply separately for their own work or study permits or visitor visas if they wish to join you.
Final Thoughts
The IEC program is one of the most accessible ways for young people to gain Canadian work experience. It offers the chance to grow your career, travel extensively, and form lasting international connections.
If you’re eligible, preparing your documents early and applying strategically will improve your chances of securing a spot — especially in high-demand categories. For adventurous, career-minded youth, the IEC can be the perfect bridge to both professional development and unforgettable Canadian experiences.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
