IEC 2025 Full Guide – Eligibility, Countries, and Application Process

Canada has long been one of the world’s most desirable destinations for young travelers and professionals seeking international experience. Through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, young citizens from partner countries can live, work, and travel in Canada temporarily — gaining valuable professional and cultural experience.

Managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the IEC 2025 season welcomes thousands of youth to Canada every year under three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship).

1. What Is the International Experience Canada Program?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative is a youth mobility agreement between Canada and 36 countries and territories.
It aims to help young people:

• Gain international work experience in Canada
• Explore Canadian culture and improve English or French language skills
• Build connections that can support future immigration goals

IEC participants receive temporary work permits, typically valid for 12 to 24 months, depending on their country’s agreement.

2. Who Can Apply for IEC 2025?

To apply for IEC 2025, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Basic Requirements

• Be a citizen of one of the countries that have a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old (some countries limit eligibility to 30).
• Hold a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay.
• Have health insurance that covers your stay in Canada.
• Show proof of sufficient funds (minimum CAD $2,500).
• Be admissible to Canada (no criminal or medical ineligibility).
• Have a return ticket or enough funds to buy one.
• Not be accompanied by dependents (IEC does not include family sponsorship).

Who Cannot Apply

• Refugee travel document holders, even if issued by an IEC partner country.
• Citizens of countries without a Youth Mobility Agreement (unless applying through a Recognized Organization).

3. Full List of Eligible Countries (as of 2025)

According to IRCC, citizens of the following 36 countries and territories can apply under at least one IEC category:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

Each bilateral agreement specifies:

• Eligible age range
• Duration of stay (typically 12–24 months)
• Number of participations allowed (one or two)
• Available categories (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or Co-op)

4. IEC Categories Explained

1️⃣ Working Holiday

• Best for travelers who don’t have a job offer.
• Receive an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer across Canada.
• Perfect for exploring Canada while working short-term or seasonal jobs.

2️⃣ Young Professionals

• For those with a valid job offer in Canada related to their career path.
• Provides an employer-specific work permit.
• Helps participants gain career-building experience in their professional field.

3️⃣ International Co-op (Internship)

• Designed for students who need a work placement or internship as part of their academic program.
• Work permit is tied to a single employer.
• Ideal for university or college students looking for global industry experience.

5. How to Apply for IEC 2025

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Use the IRCC eligibility tool to confirm if your country participates and which category applies.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/iec.html

Step 2: Create an IEC Profile

Create an account on IRCC’s website and submit your IEC profile to the appropriate “pool.”

Step 3: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC conducts regular rounds of invitations. If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through your IRCC account.

Step 4: Submit Application for Work Permit

Once invited, you have 10 days to accept the invitation and 20 days to submit your completed application with:

• Biometric data
• Passport copy
• Police certificates
• Proof of funds and insurance

Step 5: Receive Work Permit

If approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, which you present when you arrive in Canada to obtain your work permit.

6. Why Apply for IEC?

Participating in IEC offers numerous benefits:

• Gain international work experience to enhance your resume.
• Improve language and intercultural skills.
• Experience Canadian lifestyle and diversity.
• Build networks that may help with future immigration pathways such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

7. Conclusion

The International Experience Canada (IEC) 2025 program remains a remarkable opportunity for young people worldwide to work, travel, and grow in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.

If you’re from a participating country, this is your chance to embark on a unique adventure that combines career growth, cultural exploration, and global networking — all while experiencing life in Canada.