Canada’s IEC Program Offers LMIA-Exempt Work Permits to Young Professionals and Holiday Workers from 30+ Countries

The Government of Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program is offering young adults from countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs) the chance to work in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

IEC work permits—valid for one to two years—are part of a reciprocal arrangement allowing Canadian youth similar opportunities abroad. This pathway is faster and less bureaucratic than permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Eligibility and Age Requirements

Applicants must be between 18–30 or 18–35 years old, depending on their nationality. The program covers citizens from over 30 participating countries including Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, and the UK.

Some countries allow multiple participations—up to three times—while others limit applicants to once. Restrictions also apply on whether you can participate in different IEC categories multiple times.

In addition to age and nationality requirements, applicants must:

• Hold a valid passport for the entire work period.
• Have private health insurance for the duration of their stay.
• Show proof of at least $2,500 CAD to cover initial expenses.
• Possess a round-trip ticket or enough funds to purchase one.
• Meet Canadian admissibility requirements.

Eligible Countries under IEC Youth Mobility Agreements

Country	Max Age	Times You Can 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

IEC Categories

1. Working Holiday – Open work permit, no job offer required, very competitive, lottery-based in most countries.
2. Young Professionals – Closed work permit tied to a specific employer, job offer required in a skilled occupation (TEER 0–3 or related TEER 4), cannot be self-employed.
3. International Co-op (Internship) – Closed work permit, job offer required for an internship or work placement related to studies, must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution.

Application Process

1. Create an IEC candidate profile online.
2. Enter the relevant candidate pools based on eligibility.
3. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC.
4. Accept ITA within 10 days and apply for a work permit within 20 days.
5. Pay program fees:
   • $179.75 (all participants)
   • +$100 (Working Holiday open work permit fee)
   • $230 employer compliance fee (Young Professionals & Co-op, paid by employer)
   • $85 biometrics fee (if required)

Applications are typically processed in six weeks, and successful applicants receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter to present upon arrival in Canada.

Note: Family members cannot be included in the IEC application—they must apply separately.

For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!