Maple News reports that Canada has unveiled the country-specific quotas for its 2025 International Experience Canada (IEC) program, opening doors for thousands of young professionals to gain working experience in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The IEC program enables youth aged 18 to either 30 or 35 (depending on nationality) from countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs) to obtain work permits under three key streams: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship). In return, Canadian youth benefit from reciprocal opportunities to live and work in participating countries.
Among the highlights for 2025: Australia continues to have no cap across all streams, offering unlimited permits. Other countries with substantial allocation include the UK (9,000 Working Holiday slots), France (6,615), Japan (6,500), and South Korea (10,000). Meanwhile, countries such as Andorra and San Marino have more limited access, with only 25 permits available under the Working Holiday program.
The Working Holiday stream remains the most popular, offering open work permits that allow participants to work for any employer across Canada. The Young Professionals and International Co-op streams are designed for those with job-specific opportunities or internship requirements, granting employer-specific permits to support career or academic advancement.
The IEC program plays a critical role in facilitating cultural and professional exchange. It also supports Canada’s broader immigration and labor market strategies by attracting young, mobile talent from across the globe.
To qualify, applicants must meet the age criteria for their country and complete the application process through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Acceptance is contingent not only on eligibility but also on staying within country quota limits.
Maple News will continue to track updates on IEC participation and application timelines as the 2025 cycle proceeds.