2025 IEC Pool Applications Now Open!

The International Experience Canada (IEC) 2025 is now officially open and is accepting profiles of various candidates. Under the IEC program, young individuals from specific countries can obtain work permits in Canada. Unlike many other programs that issue work permits, the IEC offers candidates greater certainty about their likelihood of success.

Aspiring candidates can create their profiles online and begin preparing for the first round of invitations. It is scheduled to take place around 13 January 2025. In this, we will look at International Experience Canada, the different categories under this program, and the steps to apply.

What is an International Experience Canada?

International Experience Canada is a temporary residence program that allows young professionals to travel and work in Canada. This program depicts Canada’s commitment to other countries. It consists of three different categories:

1. Working Holiday

This program is perfect for individuals seeking the flexibility to work with any employer in Canada. Participants are granted an open work permit, enabling them to switch jobs and locations while living in the country.

2. Young Professionals

This stream is designed for individuals aiming to gain professional work experience in Canada. Candidates must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. This program provides employer-specific work permits, requiring participants to work for the same employer at the designated location.

3. International Co-op

This pathway is for international students who need to complete an internship or work placement in Canada as part of their academic curriculum. Participation is restricted to placements directly related to the student’s field of study and academic requirements.

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Updated IEC Fees and Program Adjustments for 2025

• IEC Fee Increase: The participation fee for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program has been adjusted to CAD 179.75, up from CAD 172 in 2024.

• Quotas and Allocation Changes: While full details on quotas and timelines for all countries remain pending, here are some key updates based on the latest information:
• France: The combined quotas for the Working Holiday and Young Professionals categories have been reduced by over 2,000 spots. However, the International Co-op program has seen a notable increase of nearly 3,000 spots.
• United Kingdom: Although specific quotas have not yet been disclosed, IRCC has announced a redistribution of Working Holiday quotas aimed at improving selection chances for applicants.
• South Korea: The Working Holiday quota has decreased by 1,625 spots. However, an equivalent increase in quotas for the Young Professionals and International Co-op programs ensures that South Korea’s total allocation remains consistent.
• Taiwan: The Working Holiday category experienced the largest reduction, with a decrease of 2,240 spots.
• Australia: Australians, who traditionally benefit from unlimited quotas across all IEC categories, face potential changes as no specific quotas have been announced for 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

Youth from countries with mobility agreements with Canada may apply for the IEC program, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants must:

• Be a citizen or passport holder of a country or a resident of a territory, that has a youth mobility agreement with Canada
• Hold a valid passport that covers the entire duration of their stay
• Fall within the eligible age range specified in the youth mobility agreement for their country (either 18-35 or 18-30, depending on the country)
• Have a minimum of CAD 2,500 upon arrival to cover living expenses
• Obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay (proof may be required at the Canadian port of entry)
• Be admissible to Canada
• Travel without dependents
• Have either a round-trip ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a departure ticket at the end of their stay in Canada
• Pay all applicable fees

These requirements help ensure that participants are prepared and eligible to make the most of their IEC experience in Canada.

How to Apply for IEC?

The steps to apply for International Experience Canada are as follows:-

• Check Your Eligibility:Determine your eligibility for one of the three IEC programs. Use free online quizzes or review the eligibility criteria on the IRCC website to confirm your qualifications.

• Create Your IEC Profile: Log in to your IRCC account and set up a new profile. Even if you have participated in previous IEC seasons, you must create a new profile for the 2025 season.

• Submit Your Profile: Once your profile is complete, submit it to the appropriate IEC pools. Submitting early increases your chances of being considered in all invitation rounds.

• Prepare for Your Work Permit Application:If you receive an invitation, prompt action is required. You have 10 days to accept or decline the invitation. After accepting, you will have 20 days to complete and submit your work permit application.

Keep an eye on updates regarding quotas and invitation rounds. Staying updated will help you plan and adjust your strategy effectively to immigrate to Canada. The IEC program gives priority to candidates in the Young Professionals stream, making it more likely for applicants in this category to receive an invitation compared to those in the Working Holiday stream.

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Source: canada.ca

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