Last Call: Apply for Canada’s 2025 IEC Work Permit Now!

Last Chance to Apply for the 2025 International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit

If you’re a young adult from one of Canada’s partner countries and you’ve been dreaming of working and travelling in the Great White North, here’s your heads-up: the clock is ticking on your chance to apply for a 2025 International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit. The final deadline to submit your profile is October 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. EDT. Miss it, and you’ll have to wait until the 2026 pools open again in January.

Let’s walk through what you need to know, how to apply, and whether you’re eligible to get in under the wire this year.

Key Highlights

• The final invitation round for the 2025 IEC season takes place the week of October 20, 2025.
• Eligible youth aged 18–30 or 18–35 (depending on your country) must submit their profile by October 20 at 9:00 a.m. EDT.
• The IEC program offers three work permit streams: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship).
• IEC permits are LMIA-exempt, making them quicker and easier to obtain.
• Demand exceeds supply, so selection is based on a lottery system.
• Applicants who miss the deadline must wait until 2026 to apply.

What Is the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?

IEC is a youth mobility program that lets young adults from partnered countries live and work in Canada for up to two years. It’s part of a reciprocal agreement that also allows Canadian youth to travel and work abroad in participating nations.

The program is divided into three categories:

• Working Holiday – Ideal for those who want to fund their travels by taking temporary jobs in Canada. No job offer needed.
• Young Professionals – For career-minded folks with a job offer in Canada that aligns with their field of study or experience.
• International Co-op (Internship) – For students looking to complete a work placement or internship in Canada as part of their academic program.

IEC work permits are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which means they’re generally quicker to process and less burdensome for Canadian employers.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that has a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
• Be between 18 and 30 or 35 years old (depending on your country).
• Have a valid passport for the entire length of your intended stay in Canada.
• Hold private health insurance.
• Show you have at least $2,500 CAD to support yourself upon arrival.
• Have a return ticket or enough money to buy one.

Each IEC category may have additional requirements. For example, a job offer is needed for both the Young Professionals and International Co-op streams, but not for the Working Holiday stream.

Eligible Countries and Age Limits

You’re eligible to apply only if your country has an agreement with Canada under the IEC program. Here’s a quick look at the participating countries and their age limits:

As of October 10, 2025, all IEC pools are open except for the Netherlands. If you’re from a participating country, now’s the time to act.

How the IEC Selection Process Works

IEC uses a lottery-style system. Once you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI), your name enters a pool along with other eligible applicants from your country and category. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will conduct the final round of invitations the week of October 20, 2025.

Not everyone gets selected, as demand often exceeds the number of spots available. If you’re lucky enough to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you’ll have to:

• Accept the ITA within 10 days.
• Submit your complete application within 20 days of accepting the ITA.

Wondering About Your Chances?

You can check your odds of receiving an ITA by selecting your country and category of interest on IRCC’s site. They’ll tell you whether your chances are:

• Excellent (80–90%)
• Very Good (60–79%)
• Fair (40–59%)
• Low (20–39%)
• Very Low (1–19%)

If your chances are low this year, you might want to start prepping early for the 2026 season.

How to Apply for the IEC Work Permit

Ready to get started? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Create a profile on the IRCC website by submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI).
2. Get entered into one or more IEC pools based on your eligibility.
3. Wait for an ITA. If you get one, accept it within 10 days.
4. Apply for your work permit within 20 days of accepting your ITA.

Fees to Expect

• IEC Participation Fee: $179.75
• Working Holiday OWP Holder Fee: $100 (if applicable)
• Employer Compliance Fee (Young Professionals/Internship): $230 (paid by employer)
• Biometrics Fee: $85 (if required)

Once all documents and fees are submitted, your application will be processed by IRCC. Keep an eye on your email in case they request more info.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Your Window

The IEC program is a fantastic way to gain international work experience, explore Canada’s diverse culture, and build lifelong memories. But timing is everything. If you’re eligible and interested in joining the 2025 IEC season, make sure to submit your profile by October 20 at 9:00 a.m. EDT.

After that, the next opportunity won’t come until 2026. So don’t wait—take action now!

Thinking about making Manitoba your destination? You may also want to explore the Manitoba PNP if long-term settlement is on your radar.

Learn more about working in Canada or contact us for personalized immigration support.

Schedule Your Free IEC Work Permit Consultation Today