Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program opens the door for young adults from select countries to live, work, and explore Canada without going through the often time-consuming Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.


Instead of lengthy employer verification requirements, IEC participants can access one- to two-year work permits more quickly and with greater flexibility than those applying under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

For many, this is more than just a work opportunity—it’s a cultural exchange, a career-building step, and a chance to see the country’s diverse landscapes while gaining valuable international experience. 

Well, The IEC program is available to citizens of countries that have bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements with Canada. Depending on the agreement, the eligible age range is either 18–30 or 18–35.

Some countries also allow participants to join the program more than once. Today, we will discuss the list of countries eligible for LMIA-exempt work permits in Canada. 

So, without further ado, let us begin!

Eligible Countries And Age Limits

The table below lists the maximum eligible age for each participating country and how many times an individual can take part in the program. These agreements differ, so your country’s rules may vary on repeat participation and eligible categories.

Country Upper Age Limit Number Of Times You May 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

Foreign nationals must be at least 18 years old to qualify, regardless of their country or IEC category.

Note: Many countries place specific restrictions on participation, such as only once per category or requiring a gap between applications. Always check the IRCC “Who can apply” page for your country’s details.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the IEC, you must:

  • Hold citizenship from a country with a youth mobility agreement with Canada 
  • Be 18 years old or older (up to 30 or 35 depending on nationality)
  • Have private health insurance for your entire stay
  • Hold a passport valid for your full stay in Canada
  • Have at least $2,500 CAD in available funds to support your first three months
  • Possess a round-trip ticket or enough funds to purchase one at the end of your stay
  • Be admissible to Canada (i.e., meet health, security, and immigration requirements)

IEC Program Overview

Apart from discussing about the countries eligible for LMIA-exempt work permits in Canada, let us discuss the IEC program as well. The International Experience Canada program is designed to encourage youth mobility between Canada and its partner countries. It offers three distinct work permit categories:

  • Working Holiday – For travelers who want flexibility. This is an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer in Canada.
  • Young Professionals – For those with a job offer in their field, aiming to gain targeted professional experience.
  • International Co-op (Internship) – For students who need to complete a work placement or internship related to their studies.

IEC Categories At A Glance

Closed or open work permit? Job offer required? How competitive? Additional requirements
Working Holiday Open No Very competitive N/A.
Young Professionals* Closed Yes Not very competitive – Job offers must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, or TEER 4 related to your field of study.

– Cannot be self-employed.
International Co-op (Internship)* Closed Yes The least competitive – Must be currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution.

– Job offer can be for a work placement or internship and is required to complete your studies.

–  Internship must be directly linked to your field of study.

– Whether an internship needs to be paid is dependent on a province or territory’s labour code.

Note that employment must meet local labour laws, including minimum wage rules.

In many countries, Working Holiday permits are in such high demand that a lottery system is used. If you already have a job offer, the Young Professionals or International Co-op categories may give you a higher chance of selection.

How To Apply For IEC?

The IEC application process involves several key steps. Have a look!

  • Create And Submit A Profile – Complete your candidate profile on the IRCC website. Your information determines which IEC pools you qualify for.
  • Enter The Candidate Pool – Your profile remains in the pool until the season closes or you are invited to apply.
  • Receive An Invitation To Apply (ITA) – Invitations are issued in rounds. Check IRCC’s “Rounds of invitations” page for selection trends.
  • Accept Your ITA – You have 10 days to accept. Once accepted, you’ll have 20 days to submit your complete application.
  • Submit Required Documents – Provide everything listed in your personalized document checklist (passport, proof of funds, insurance, job offer if applicable, etc.).
  • Pay The Fees:
      • IEC participation fee: $179.75 (all categories)
      • Open Work Permit holder fee: $100 (Working Holiday only)
      • Employer compliance fee: $230 (Young Professionals and International Co-op)
      • Biometrics fee: $85 (if required)
  • Wait For Processing – IRCC aims to process most IEC work permit applications in six weeks for the 2025 season.
  • Receive Your Port Of Entry (POE) Letter – Bring this with you to Canada to activate your work permit.

You cannot include family members on your IEC application. If they wish to join you in Canada, they must apply separately for their own work permit, study permit, or visitor visa.

Conclusion

The IEC program is one of the most accessible pathways for young people to gain Canadian work experience. It offers an opportunity to grow professionally, travel extensively, and build cross-cultural connections.

If you’re eligible, preparing early and applying strategically can significantly improve your chances of securing a spot.

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