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

In a significant update for young professionals and travelers worldwide, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially released the country-specific quotas for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program for 2025. The announcement outlines the number of LMIA-exempt work permits available under the program, offering clarity for applicants planning to live and work in Canada next year.

The IEC program, designed for individuals aged 18 to 30 or 35 (depending on their country of citizenship), provides a unique opportunity for international youth to gain Canadian work experience through three streams: the Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op categories. This year, the program has introduced detailed quotas for each participating country, ensuring a fair distribution of opportunities for applicants from around the globe.

Country-Specific Quotas and Eligibility Details

The IEC program has allocated specific quotas for each participating country, ensuring a balanced distribution of opportunities. Below is a detailed breakdown of the 2025 quotas for countries not previously highlighted:

Country-Specific Quotas

Here is a detailed breakdown of the quotas for each participating country:

• Andorra: 25 spots for Working Holiday visas.
• Austria: 100 spots for Working Holiday, 60 for Young Professionals, and 20 for International Co-op.
• Belgium: 750 spots for Working Holiday.
• Chile: 725 spots for Working Holiday, 20 for Young Professionals, and 5 for International Co-op.
• Costa Rica: 80 spots for Working Holiday, 15 for Young Professionals, and 5 for International Co-op.
• Croatia: 85 spots for Working Holiday, 10 for Young Professionals, and 5 for International Co-op.
• Denmark: 350 spots for Working Holiday.
• Estonia: 110 spots for Working Holiday, 10 for Young Professionals, and 5 for International Co-op.
• Germany: 3,490 spots for Working Holiday, 350 for Young Professionals, and 160 for International Co-op.
• Greece: 180 spots for Working Holiday, 10 for Young Professionals, and 10 for International Co-op.
• Hong Kong: 200 spots for Working Holiday.
• Ireland: 3,800 spots for Working Holiday, 150 for Young Professionals, and 50 for International Co-op.
• Italy: 1,750 spots for Working Holiday, 200 for Young Professionals, and 50 for International Co-op.
• Latvia: 40 spots for Working Holiday, 8 for Young Professionals, and 2 for International Co-op.
• Lithuania: 175 spots for Working Holiday, 20 for Young Professionals, and 5 for International Co-op.
• Luxembourg: 80 spots for Working Holiday, 10 for Young Professionals, and 10 for International Co-op.
• Netherlands: 430 spots for Working Holiday, 170 for Young Professionals.
• New Zealand: 2,500 spots for Working Holiday.
• Norway: 130 spots for Working Holiday, 15 for Young Professionals, and 5 for International Co-op.
• Poland: 435 spots for Working Holiday, 110 for Young Professionals, and 5 for International Co-op.
• Portugal: 750 spots for Working Holiday, 40 for Young Professionals, and 10 for International Co-op.
• San Marino: 25 spots for Working Holiday.
• Slovakia: 315 spots for Working Holiday, 30 for Young Professionals, and 5 for International Co-op.
• Slovenia: 80 spots for Working Holiday, 15 for Young Professionals, and 5 for International Co-op.
• Spain: 800 spots for Working Holiday, 120 for Young Professionals, and 30 for International Co-op.
• Sweden: 350 spots for Working Holiday, 40 for Young Professionals, and 10 for International Co-op.
• Switzerland: 200 spots for Young Professionals and 50 for International Co-op.
• Taiwan: 940 spots for Working Holiday, 50 for Young Professionals, and 10 for International Co-op.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the IEC program, foreign nationals must meet specific age requirements. They must be at least 18 years old and no older than 30 or 35, depending on their country of citizenship.

Application Process

Eligible candidates can create a profile and select their country or territory to find out when the first round of invitations will take place. The government will invite candidates from the IEC pools to apply for a work permit in rounds of invitations until no more spots are available or the IEC season closes.

Key Points

Application Fees
The application fee has been increased to CAD $179.75.

Travel Planning
Applicants should plan their travel accordingly, as work and study permits are no longer available to flagpole at ports of entry.

The IEC program continues to offer valuable opportunities for young individuals to gain work experience and improve their language skills in Canada. With the 2025 season now open, it is crucial for applicants to stay updated on quota announcements and apply early to increase their chances of securing a spot. Additionally, exploring alternative immigration pathways, such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs, can provide additional routes to living and working in Canada.

Conclusion

The announcement of the 2025 IEC country-specific quotas marks an exciting opportunity for young professionals and travelers worldwide to gain valuable work experience in Canada. With a diverse range of spots allocated across participating countries, the program continues to offer a fair and structured pathway for individuals to explore Canada while enhancing their careers. Whether through the Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op streams, the IEC program provides a unique chance to immerse oneself in Canadian culture and professional environments.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and application process carefully, as the competition for spots is expected to be high. Planning ahead, staying informed about quota updates, and submitting applications early will significantly increase the chances of securing a spot in this popular program. For those who may not secure an IEC spot, exploring alternative immigration pathways such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs can provide additional opportunities to live and work in Canada.

FAQ

What is the International Experience Canada (IEC) program?

The IEC program is a Canadian immigration initiative designed for young adults aged 18 to 30 or 35 (depending on citizenship) to live and work in Canada through three streams: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op.

Which countries have unlimited spots for the 2025 IEC program?

Australia is the only country with unlimited spots across all three IEC streams for 2025.

How many spots are available for Japan and the UK under the Working Holiday category?

Japan has 6,500 spots, and the UK has 9,000 spots allocated for the Working Holiday category in 2025.

What is the application fee for the 2025 IEC program?

The application fee for the 2025 IEC program is CAD $179.75.

Can I apply for an IEC work permit at a port of entry?

No, work permits are no longer available at ports of entry. Applicants must apply in advance through the official IRCC website.

What are the age requirements for the IEC program?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and no older than 30 or 35, depending on their country of citizenship.

How are candidates selected for the IEC program?

Candidates are selected through a round-based invitation system from the IEC pools until all spots are filled or the program closes for the season.

Are there alternative immigration pathways if I don’t secure an IEC spot?

Yes, alternative pathways such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are available for those seeking to live and work in Canada.