First IEC 2025 Draw Sends 10,274 Canada Work Permit Invitations
The International Experience Canada (IEC) 2025 season has officially launched with an impressive start, marking a significant milestone in Canada’s work permit opportunities for international youth. As of the first round of invitations, which concluded on January 17, 2025, a total of 10,274 work permit invitations were issued across three key categories: Working Holiday Visa, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship).
This year’s IEC program is designed to foster cultural exchange and provide international youth with valuable professional experience in Canada. Below, we dive into the specifics of the invitations issued across various categories, as well as details about the countries and the chances of receiving an invitation in the upcoming rounds.
Table of Contents
- IEC 2025 Overview: Key Categories and Opportunities
- Working Holiday Visa: Country-Wise Invitation Breakdown
- Young Professionals: Invitations and Eligibility
- International Co-op (Internship): Opportunities for Students
- IEC 2025 Fees and Additional Information
- What to Expect in Future Draws
1. IEC 2025 Overview: Key Categories and Opportunities
The IEC 2025 season has opened with over 10,000 invitations issued in the first rounds. The program offers three distinct categories for applicants:
- Working Holiday Visa: This category offers an open work permit, allowing individuals to work for multiple employers in Canada and explore the country.
- Young Professionals: An employer-specific work permit that enables candidates to gain professional experience with a Canadian employer in their field.
- International Co-op (Internship): Aimed at postsecondary students who wish to gain practical experience in their area of study by completing an internship or work placement in Canada.
These categories are designed to provide youth from eligible countries with unique opportunities to live, work, and experience Canada. The 2025 season officially began on December 16, 2024, with invitations continuing through 2025.
2. Working Holiday Visa: Country-Wise Invitation Breakdown
The Working Holiday Visa offers a significant opportunity for youth to live and work in Canada while exploring the country. In the initial round, 8,260 invitations were issued under this category.
Invitations by Country:
- Australia: 1,150 invitations
- Ireland: 700 invitations
- UK: 1,500 invitations
- Germany: Invitations pending
- France: 615 invitations
- New Zealand: 355 invitations
Other countries such as Chile, Belgium, Spain, and Korea also received invitations, with some countries like France having a very low chance for the next round due to a large pool of applicants already in the system.
This category is highly sought after and offers flexibility, allowing recipients to work with multiple employers throughout their stay in Canada.
3. Young Professionals: Invitations and Eligibility
The Young Professionals category targets individuals who already have a job offer in Canada. This stream offers employer-specific work permits that allow the recipient to work with the same employer at a single location. This is a great way for young professionals to gain experience in their field while living in Canada.
In the first round, 1,165 invitations were issued under this category.
Invitations by Country:
- Australia: 46 invitations
- France: 390 invitations
- Germany: Invitations pending
- Italy: 38 invitations
- South Korea: 172 invitations
This category has more stringent eligibility criteria, as candidates need a confirmed job offer in Canada that aligns with their professional development goals.
4. International Co-op (Internship): Opportunities for Students
The International Co-op (Internship) category is a unique opportunity for postsecondary students to gain hands-on work experience in Canada. Eligible candidates must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer for a work placement or internship.
In the first round, 849 invitations were issued to candidates seeking this opportunity.
Invitations by Country:
- Australia: No invitations yet
- France: 788 invitations
- Finland: 3 invitations
- Italy: 12 invitations
- South Korea: 10 invitations
This category is ideal for students looking to complete internships or co-op placements that align with their academic and professional goals.
5. IEC 2025 Fees and Additional Information
The Canadian government has set the following fees for applicants:
- Working Holiday Visa applicants: $179.75 CAD
- Biometric fees: $85 CAD (applicable to candidates required to submit biometrics)
It’s important for applicants to be aware of these fees and ensure they complete their application process correctly.
6. What to Expect in Future Draws
The IEC 2025 season is off to a great start, with thousands of youth receiving invitations in the initial rounds. Future rounds are expected to continue throughout the year, and candidates should keep their profiles updated to increase their chances of receiving an invitation in subsequent draws.
While some countries, such as Australia, the UK, and New Zealand, are likely to continue seeing high numbers of invitations, others with smaller pools, such as Costa Rica and Croatia, have a lower chance in the immediate future.
Conclusion
The first rounds of the IEC 2025 season have successfully distributed 10,274 invitations to youth across the world, opening doors for professional development, cultural exchange, and international travel. As the season progresses, more invitations are expected, providing even more opportunities for youth to live and work in Canada.
If you are eligible, make sure your IEC profile is up to date to increase your chances of receiving an invitation in future rounds. With the right preparation, this could be the beginning of an unforgettable Canadian adventure!
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
