LMIA-Exempt Work Permits for Youth: IEC Canada 2024 Guide

Youth from These Countries Can Apply for LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Through International Experience Canada (IEC)

Dreaming of living and working in Canada for a year or two? If you’re a young adult from one of over 30 countries with a youth mobility agreement with Canada, the International Experience Canada (IEC) program could be your ticket to an unforgettable adventure. The best part? These work permits are LMIA-exempt, meaning you can skip the lengthy Labour Market Impact Assessment process and get working faster.

Whether you’re hoping to explore Canada’s breathtaking nature, gain international work experience, or participate in a co-op internship, the IEC program offers flexible options for youth aged 18–30 or 18–35, depending on your country of citizenship. Let’s break it all down.

Key Highlights

• IEC work permits are available to youth aged 18–30 or 18–35 from countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs) with Canada.
• These permits are exempt from needing an LMIA, making the process quicker and simpler.
• There are three IEC categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op Internship.
• Eligibility depends on your nationality, age, funds, and health insurance coverage.
• Some countries allow you to participate more than once under different categories.
• You must enter an IEC pool and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before submitting a full application.

What Is the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?

The IEC program is a fantastic opportunity for young people from partner countries to live and work in Canada temporarily. Through this initiative, Canada has signed reciprocal youth mobility agreements with countries around the world, letting young Canadians explore other cultures—and welcoming international youth to do the same here in Canada.

There are three main categories under the IEC program:

• Working Holiday: Offers an open work permit, allowing you to work for any employer in Canada. No job offer is needed.
• Young Professionals: A closed work permit tied to a specific employer. Requires a job offer related to your career or field of study.
• International Co-op (Internship): Also a closed work permit, ideal for students who need a work placement or internship to complete their studies.

Each category has its own requirements and level of competition. For example, Working Holiday permits often operate on a lottery system due to high demand, while Young Professionals and Co-op Internships may offer better chances if you already have a job offer in hand.

Eligible Countries and Age Limits

To apply for the IEC, you need to be a citizen of a country that has a youth mobility agreement with Canada. Each country has its own maximum age limit and rules about how many times you can participate.

Here are a few examples:

• Australia: Up to age 35, with up to 3 participations allowed.
• Germany: Up to age 35, with 2 participations.
• United Kingdom: Up to age 35, with 2 participations.
• Belgium and Hong Kong: Up to age 30, with 1 participation.

All applicants must be at least 18 years old, regardless of their nationality. You can view the full list of eligible countries and their specific rules on IRCC’s website—or check out our handy table in the full post above.

IEC Eligibility Requirements

Aside from age and country of citizenship, there are a few basic requirements you’ll need to meet:

• Be a citizen of a country with a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
• Hold a valid passport for the full duration of your stay.
• Have private health insurance for your entire stay in Canada.
• Prove you have at least $2,500 CAD to support yourself initially.
• Have a round-trip ticket or funds to buy one when you leave Canada.
• Be admissible to Canada (i.e., no criminal or medical inadmissibility).

In some special cases, youth from non-partner countries may still be able to participate with the help of a recognized organization (RO) based in Canada.

Comparing the IEC Categories

Here’s a quick glance at the differences between the three IEC work permit categories:

How to Apply for an IEC Work Permit

Applying for the IEC program involves a few steps, but it’s fairly straightforward:

1. Create your profile: Submit a profile on the IRCC portal to enter one or more IEC pools.
2. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you’re selected, you’ll get an ITA. You have 10 days to accept it.
3. Apply for a work permit: Once you accept the ITA, you’ll have 20 days to complete and submit your full application.

You’ll need to provide documents like your passport, insurance proof, proof of funds, and possibly biometrics. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:

• $179.75 application fee (for all participants)
• Additional $100 for Working Holiday applicants (Open Work Permit fee)
• $230 employer compliance fee (for Young Professionals and Co-op participants; paid by employer)
• $85 biometric fee (if applicable)

IRCC aims to process IEC applications in about 6 weeks, so be sure to have everything in order ahead of time.

Can Family Members Join You?

Unfortunately, you can’t include family members on your IEC application. If they’d like to come with you to Canada, they’ll need to apply separately for a study permit, visitor visa, or their own IEC/LMIA-exempt work permit.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Canadian Adventure

If you’re under 30 or 35 (depending on your country), and dreaming of exploring Canada while gaining valuable work experience, the IEC program might be the perfect fit. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Canadian culture, boost your résumé, and build international connections.

Not sure if you’re eligible or which category suits you best? We’re here to help.

Contact us today to learn how to make your Canadian work and travel dreams come true through the IEC program.

And if you’re planning to stay longer in Canada, don’t forget to check out other provincial nominee programs like the Manitoba PNP to explore permanent residency options down the road.

Happy travels, and welcome to Canada—eh!