Maple News reports that early-career professionals from 36 countries can now take advantage of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program to work in Canada under simplified conditions. Thanks to bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (YMAs), the IEC offers a streamlined route for young foreigners to gain valuable Canadian work experience — without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a key requirement under the traditional Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Under the IEC program, citizens from participating countries aged 18–30 or 18–35 (depending on nationality) are eligible for open or employer-specific work permits valid for one or two years. Unlike other work permits that require employers to prove a lack of suitable Canadian applicants (via an LMIA), these permits remove that burden, allowing for faster processing and greater flexibility.
The IEC scheme includes three main categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship). Each category caters to different professional goals—ranging from casual employment to career-related work experience or internships in Canada.
Eligibility varies slightly by country. For instance, Australians, Austrians, and French citizens can participate up to three times, while countries like Luxembourg and Portugal allow only one participation. The upper age limit also ranges by nationality—some allow participation up to age 30, while others include young professionals up to age 35. All participants, regardless of nationality or category, must be at least 18 years old.
Countries included in the program range broadly, from European and Asia-Pacific partners like Germany, Japan, and South Korea, to countries in South America such as Chile and Costa Rica. This diversity reflects Canada’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchange and international work experience.
Participation limits and specific rules vary. For example, some countries allow multiple participations but only once per category, while others allow participation in the same category more than once. Applicants are encouraged to consult Canada’s official immigration website for the most up-to-date, country-specific information.
Overall, this LMIA-exempt pathway offers a unique opportunity for global youth to experience working life in Canada while contributing to the economy and gaining international skills. It’s especially beneficial for employers seeking young talent without the administrative challenges of an LMIA process.
For young professionals eager to grow their careers on the international stage, IEC provides a flexible and practical gateway into Canada’s dynamic workforce.