Canada has officially revealed the country quotas for LMIA-exempt work permits under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program for 2025. The IEC program offers youth from eligible countries an opportunity to work and travel in Canada under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permits. This new update marks a significant step in Canada’s ongoing commitment to enhancing youth mobility agreements with its international partners.
Details of the 2025 LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Under the IEC Program
The IEC program is a key component of Canada’s immigration strategy, providing young individuals from over 30 countries with the chance to live and work in Canada temporarily. Through this program, eligible applicants can apply for open work permits or employer-specific work permits, depending on their work permit stream.
Canada has specific quotas for each partner country that defines the maximum number of youth who can participate in the program for 2025. These quotas are categorized based on the type of work permit and the youth’s age. The quotas vary by country and are reflective of bilateral youth mobility agreements (bYMA), which promote mutual benefits for youth from both Canada and partner countries.
The Three Work Permit Streams in the IEC Program
Canada’s IEC program provides youth with three distinct streams to choose from, depending on their circumstances and work aspirations:
- Working Holiday Stream
- Eligibility: For individuals who wish to travel and work in Canada. No job offer is required.
- Permit Type: Open Work Permit, allowing participants to work for any employer in Canada.
- Flexibility: This stream offers significant freedom for those seeking to explore and gain diverse work experience in Canada.
- Young Professionals Stream
- Eligibility: Individuals with a job offer in Canada that contributes to their professional growth.
- Permit Type: Employer-Specific Work Permit, meaning applicants can work only for the employer listed in their job offer.
- Professional Development: This stream focuses on job opportunities that support career advancement in fields such as technology, healthcare, and business.
- International Co-op (Internship) Stream
- Eligibility: For students who are enrolled in a post-secondary institution and need a work placement as part of their program.
- Permit Type: Employer-Specific Work Permit tied to the internship position.
- Job Alignment: The work must directly relate to the student’s field of study, providing valuable hands-on experience for future career prospects.
Country Quotas for 2025
The IEC 2025 quotas have been set based on the number of available permits under each stream and each country’s youth mobility agreement. Here’s a breakdown of the quotas by country:
Canada has officially revealed the 2025 quotas for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, offering LMIA-exempt work permits for youth from over 30 countries.
— The Canada Time (@thecanadatime) February 5, 2025
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IEC 2025 Quota Overview
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 | 60 | 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 |
Eligibility Criteria for IEC Work Permits
To participate in the IEC program and apply for a work permit, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, depending on the country.
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of a country with a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada.
- Passport: A valid passport for the duration of the stay in Canada.
- Funds: Proof of at least $2,500 CAD to support living expenses upon arrival in Canada.
- Health Insurance: Coverage for the entire stay in Canada.
- Ticket: Proof of a return ticket or funds to purchase one.
- Admissibility: Applicants must meet Canadian immigration requirements and not have dependents accompanying them.
Conclusion
The IEC 2025 quotas present a tremendous opportunity for youth across multiple countries to gain work experience, travel, and further their professional development in Canada. With over 30 countries involved, including major partners like Australia, Germany, France, and the UK, the program provides a flexible and rewarding pathway for international youth. Applicants should review the detailed quotas and eligibility criteria to determine the best work permit stream for their specific situation.
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