International Experience Canada 2025 Season: Now Open

The International Experience Canada (IEC) 2025 season is now open. The IEC program gives young people, from countries that have a youth mobility agreement with Canada, the chance to live and work in Canada. If you want to gain work experience, explore new opportunities, or enjoy a working holiday in Canada, the IEC program is for you.

If you applied for the IEC in 2024 and did not get selected, you need to re-register in 2025.

What Is IEC?

The IEC is a program offered by the Government of Canada that allows young individuals between the ages of 18-35 (30 in some countries) the opportunity to gain work experience or improve their language skills (English and French) in Canada.

International Experience Canada (IEC) grants three different types of permits you may qualify for:

1. Working Holiday Permit

This permit is a great option if you want the flexibility to work for any employer in Canada. You do not need a job offer prior to applying for this IEC permit.

1. Young Professionals Permit

To qualify for this IEC permit, you will need a job offer from a Canadian employer prior to applying.

1. International Co-op (Internship)

This permit is perfect for students who are registered in post-secondary institution and want to complete an internship or co-op placement in Canada.

Conflicted with which permit to apply for? Contact us today at Canadim to assess your eligibility!

IEC Application Process

You can apply any time during the 2025 IEC season; however, it is in your advantage to apply early in the season as it may increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA). Once you are in the pool, you’re entered a random selection system, which means you might not be selected right away.

It is important to check your account regularly to see if you’ve received an invitation to apply (ITA) as the process moves fast after receiving an ITA and it is important that you meet all your deadlines to avoid restarting the whole process.

IRCC Form

After you’ve been selected and received an ITA, you need to complete an online form through the IRCC portal.

• Make sure to answer all the questions in the form truthfully and do not leave any blanks.
• Ensure there are no errors before submitting.
• Do not rush this portion of the application as it is critical to your approval. You can save your form and revisit it later to ensure thorough and full completion.

IEC Supporting Documents

You will need to gather all the required documentation for your application. The online system will generate a personalized checklist for you depending on which stream of IEC you are applying for. Some documents you may be asked to include are:

• Valid Passport (Make sure your passport is not required at the time of application)
• CV/Resume
• Police certificates
• Medical exams

Reminder: A full list of required documentation will be provided to you in the portal when you are completing your application.

IEC Fees

The IEC application fee is $179.75 CAD which is applicable to all IEC permits. If you are required to provide biometrics, such as fingerprints and photos, there’s an additional fee you must pay.

IEC Additional Fees

Working Holiday: $100 CAD (open work permit fee).

Young Professionals & International Co-op: No extra fees for the applicant. However, the applicant’s employer (if applicable) must pay a $230 CAD employer compliance fee.

Submitting Your IEC Application: Deadlines

Double-check that all the forms are accurately completed in full, you have included all your required documents, and make sure that you have paid all your mandatory fees.

After submission, your application will be processed. When you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you need to accept it within 20 days. If you need to provide biometrics and receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL), you have 30 days to complete it, so do not leave it to the last minute as time zones are different depending on your country of residence and you do not want to miss the deadline! Once approved, you will get a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction, and you must arrive in Canada within 12 months of receiving the letter.

Ready to apply or reapply for the IEC in 2025? Contact us with any questions you may have or to get started on your IEC application today! A member of our team will get back to you shortly.

Please note that our law firm will be closed from December 24, 2024, to January 2, 2025. We will be happy to assist with any inquiries on January 3, 2025, and onwards.