Final Call for Youths Seeking 2025 LMIA-Free Work Permits in Canada

Time is running out for young people hoping to work in Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program in 2025. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will close the candidate profile submissions at 9 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 20, 2025.

Foreign youth aged 18 to 30 or 18 to 35, depending on their country, must submit their profiles before this deadline to have a chance at receiving an invitation. Once the deadline passes, they must wait until January 2026 when new pools open.

Final Invitation Round Approaching

The IRCC will hold the final round of invitations for the 2025 season during the week of October 20. Because more people apply than available spots, the IEC uses a lottery system. Candidates first submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. If selected, they receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a Canadian work permit.

Who Can Apply

The IEC program is open to citizens from over 30 countries that have youth mobility agreements with Canada. These include countries like Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

The maximum eligible age ranges from 30 to 35, depending on nationality. As of October 10, 2025, all participating countries have open IEC pools except the Netherlands.

Applicants can check their chances of receiving an ITA using a government tool. It rates chances as excellent, very good, fair, low, or very low, depending on the applicant’s country and category.

How the IEC Program Works

The IEC program allows eligible young people to work and travel in Canada for a limited time. In return, Canadian youth can work abroad in participating countries.

There are three categories under the IEC:

1. Working Holiday – for those who want open work permits.
   
2. Young Professionals – for applicants with a job offer in their field.
   
3. International Co-op (Internship) – for students seeking internships related to their studies.
   

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of a participating country.
  
• Be aged 18–30 or 18–35 (depending on nationality).
  
• Have private health insurance and a valid passport.
  
• Show at least $2,500 in available funds.
  
• Have a return ticket or enough money to buy one.
  

The IEC work permits are LMIA-exempt, meaning employers do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

Application Steps and Fees

To apply, candidates must create an online profile through their IRCC Secure Account. Once accepted into a pool, they may receive an ITA. After receiving an invitation, they must accept within 10 days and submit their full application within 20 days.

Applicants must:

• Complete the online form.
  
• Upload required documents.
  
• Pay the necessary fees.
  

The total application fee is $179.75. Working Holiday applicants pay an extra $100. Employers of Young Professionals and International Co-op participants must pay a $230 compliance fee. Biometrics may add another $85.

Act Fast Before the Window Closes

The IEC program gives thousands of young professionals and travellers a chance to experience life in Canada each year. Those hoping to join in 2025 must act quickly, as the opportunity ends soon. Missing the deadline means waiting another year for a chance to apply.