
Canada Unveils 2025 Quotas for LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Under the IEC Program
In a move aimed at fostering global mobility and offering Canadian work opportunities to youth worldwide, the Government of Canada has announced the 2025 quotas for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. The IEC allows youth from partner countries, under existing bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs), to apply for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permits, with various categories for different professional and personal goals.
The quotas outline the number of work permits available for youth from different countries, alongside the age limits set for each participating nation. The 2025 quotas also specify the number of permits available under each of the IEC’s three distinct streams: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op.
Country-Specific Work Permit Quotas and Eligibility
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the quotas and age limits for applicants based on their citizenship country. The quotas indicate the maximum number of work permits available for each stream—Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op—while the upper age limit for each country’s youth varies from 30 to 35 years of age.
Country | Working Holiday | Young Professionals | International Co-op | Upper Age Limit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Andorra | 25 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
Australia | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 35 |
Austria | 100 | 600 | 20 | 35 |
Belgium | 750 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
Chile | 725 | 20 | 5 | 35 |
Costa Rica | 80 | 15 | 5 | 35 |
Croatia | 85 | 10 | 5 | 35 |
Denmark | 350 | N/A | N/A | 35 |
Estonia | 110 | 10 | 5 | 35 |
France | 6,615 | 2,080 | 3,590 | 35 |
Germany | 3,490 | 350 | 160 | 35 |
Greece | 180 | 10 | 10 | 35 |
Hong Kong | 200 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
Ireland | 3,800 | 150 | 50 | 35 |
Italy | 1,750 | 200 | 50 | 35 |
Japan | 6,500 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
Korea, Rep. | 10,000 | 1,500 | 500 | 35 |
Latvia | 40 | 8 | 2 | 35 |
Lithuania | 175 | 20 | 5 | 35 |
Luxembourg | 80 | 10 | 10 | 30 |
Netherlands | 430 | 170 | N/A | 30 |
New Zealand | 2,500 | N/A | N/A | 35 |
Norway | 130 | 15 | 5 | 35 |
Poland | 435 | 110 | 5 | 35 |
Portugal | 750 | 40 | 10 | 35 |
San Marino | 25 | N/A | N/A | 35 |
Slovakia | 315 | 30 | 5 | 35 |
Slovenia | 80 | 15 | 5 | 35 |
Spain | 800 | 120 | 30 | 35 |
Sweden | 350 | 40 | 10 | 30 |
Switzerland | N/A | 200 | 50 | 35 |
Taiwan | 940 | 50 | 10 | 35 |
United Kingdom | 9,000 | 900 | 100 | 30 |
Understanding the IEC Program and Its Streams
The IEC program was designed to provide youth from eligible countries with the opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, travel, and immerse themselves in Canadian culture. Through international agreements with various nations, Canada ensures that its young citizens have similar opportunities abroad.
There are three key categories under the IEC program, each tailored to different types of work experiences:
- Working Holiday
This stream is ideal for individuals who don’t have a job offer lined up before arriving in Canada and want the flexibility to work for multiple employers in different locations. It provides an open work permit (OWP), allowing holders to work in any job during their stay. Many use this opportunity to fund their travel and exploration of Canada. - Young Professionals
Youth with a job offer in Canada that aligns with their professional development can apply under this category. Applicants must work for the same employer and stay at a specific location. This category provides an employer-specific work permit, which limits the work to the outlined role and employer. - International Co-op (Internship)
Students who need to complete a work placement or internship as part of their studies can apply under this category. Applicants must have a job offer in Canada that meets the requirements of their academic program. Like the Young Professionals stream, this provides an employer-specific work permit.
Eligibility Requirements for the IEC Program
To qualify for an IEC work permit, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of a country with a bYMA agreement with Canada.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35, depending on the country).
- Hold a valid passport for the duration of the stay in Canada.
- Have at least CAD 2,500 available to cover initial living expenses upon arrival.
- Have health insurance coverage for the full duration of their stay (proof required at the Canadian port of entry).
- Be admissible to Canada and meet all immigration requirements.
- Not bring dependents (spouses or children) during the stay.
- Be able to prove sufficient funds for a round-trip ticket or show the ability to purchase one.
For full details on each category and to verify eligibility, applicants are encouraged to visit Canada’s official IEC webpage.
Final Thoughts
With these newly announced quotas, the IEC program offers expanded opportunities for international youth to gain valuable work experience in Canada while also fostering global connections. Whether for those looking for a working holiday, a professional development opportunity, or an academic internship, the IEC provides pathways to experiencing Canada and advancing personal and career goals.
For more information and to begin the application process, eligible youth can contact www.cadimmigration.com
Note: The above quotas and details are accurate as of the announcement date and may be subject to changes. It is always best to consult official resources for the most current information.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!