Last call: final 2025 window to enter International Experience Canada pools closes October 20

Young professionals and travellers from participating countries have one last chance to be considered for an LMIA-exempt International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit in 2025. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will run the final invitation round of the season in the week of October 20, 2025, and profiles must be in the system before 9:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on October 20, 2025 to be eligible for selection.

The IEC program offers temporary, reciprocal work opportunities for youth from partner countries through three categories — Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship) — and does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Because demand routinely outstrips supply, IRCC uses pool-based draws (lotteries) to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Missing this deadline means waiting until the 2026 IEC season opens next January.

Who should act now

If you are a citizen of a participating IEC country and meet the age limits for your country (upper age limits are either 30 or 35, depending on nationality), you should submit a candidate profile immediately. Profiles entered before the deadline will be placed in the appropriate IEC pools and considered for the final round of 2025 invitations.

Which nationalities and age limits apply (overview)

Participating countries set their own maximum ages (either 30 or 35). The following nationalities were participating in 2025 (program status may shift year to year), with the country-specific upper age limits shown:

• Upper age 30: Andorra, Belgium, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Netherlands, San Marino, Sweden.
• Upper age 35: Australia, Austria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
• Note: some countries (for example the Netherlands) may have temporarily closed pools at times during the season; check eligibility carefully before applying.

(Users should confirm their own country’s exact age cut-off and pool status when preparing a profile — the age limit and pool availability determine eligibility.)

How IEC selection works

1. Submit a candidate profile (Expression of Interest). IRCC places eligible profiles into one or more IEC pools (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op) depending on the candidate’s details.
2. IRCC runs invitation rounds. IRCC draws names from pools and issues ITAs to a limited number of candidates. Selection is competitive and often lottery-based.
3. If invited, accept and apply. An ITA must be accepted by the candidate within 10 days. After acceptance, the candidate has 20 days to submit a complete IEC work permit application with the required documents and fees.
4. Fees and biometrics. Applicants and, in some categories, employers must pay prescribed fees; a biometrics fee may also be required.

Key eligibility basics

To participate in IEC you generally must:

• Be a citizen (or legal resident) of a participating country with a youth mobility agreement with Canada;
• Be within the country-specific age limit (18–30 or 18–35 depending on country);
• Hold private health insurance for the duration of your stay;
• Hold a passport valid for the entire planned stay;
• Show access to sufficient funds (roughly CAD 2,500) and a return ticket or funds to purchase one; and
• Meet category-specific criteria (for example, a job offer is normally required for Young Professionals and International Co-op categories; Working Holiday does not require a job offer).

IEC work permits are LMIA-exempt but some categories require an employer compliance fee paid by the employer. Working Holiday participants pay a specific fee for an open work permit.

Practical advice for candidates

• Submit your profile right away if you meet your country’s age and eligibility criteria and want a chance in the final 2025 round.
• Prepare documents in advance: passports, proof of funds, insurance details, job offer (if applicable), and any required education or work documents.
• Be ready to act: if you receive an ITA you must accept quickly and upload a complete application within 20 days. Incomplete or late applications are refused.
• Plan finances: IEC applicants must pay fees and may need biometrics — factor costs and processing time into your planning.
• If you miss the deadline: start preparing now for the 2026 season (profiles open in January) so you are ready when pools reopen.

Why IEC matters

IEC is one of the fastest, most flexible ways for young people to gain Canadian work experience, earn income, and explore life in Canada — and for employers it offers a reliable, LMIA-exempt route to hire young international talent for short-term or mutually beneficial placements.

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