International Experience Canada: Application Process at a Glance

International Experience Canada (IEC) offers opportunities for youth from partner countries to live, travel, and work in Canada for a limited time. The “Application Process at a Glance” page gives a step-by-step overview of how to apply. Below is a detailed breakdown.

1. Before You Apply: Eligibility & Preliminary Steps

• Check if your country participates in IEC, and which of the three categories are open to you: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op (Internship).
• Complete the “Come to Canada” questionnaire to see if you’re eligible and receive a personal reference code.
• Create an IRCC account (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) and use that code to start your application.

2. Submitting a Profile & Getting an Invitation

• After eligibility is confirmed, you submit a profile and choose which IEC “pool(s)” you want to enter. Pools correspond to the different categories (WH, Young Professionals, Co-op).
• If you are selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once invited, you have 10 days to accept or decline the invitation.

3. Completing the Work Permit Application

• Upon acceptance of your invitation, you have 20 days to submit a full application for the work permit, pay the required fees, and provide necessary documents.
• For Young Professionals and International Co-op categories, your employer must pay a compliance fee (CAD $230) via the Employer Portal, and supply a job offer including an employer number. You’ll need that number for your application.

4. Documents, Medicals, Police Certificates

• You must upload all supporting documents including police certificates and medical exams if required. If you can’t obtain something in time, you may submit proof that it has been requested or is being arranged.
• Medical exams are required in certain situations, e.g., certain types of work (health care, child-care, education, elder care) or travel history to specific countries.

5. Fees & Biometrics

• The IEC fee is CAD $179.75. There may also be:
  • Biometrics fee (CAD $85)
  • Working Holiday open work permit holder fee (CAD $100) in some cases.
• If biometrics are required, after submitting a complete application you’ll get a biometric instruction letter via your IRCC account. You’ll have 30 days from receiving that to submit biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

6. Application Assessment & Decision

• Processing time for the work permit application can take up to 56 days, beginning after biometrics are submitted. If additional documents are requested, processing may be paused.
• This stage is also the last chance to withdraw and have certain fees refunded.

7. Ready to Travel

• If approved, IRCC will send you a Port of Entry Letter (POE Letter). You must bring this with you when you travel to Canada.
• At the Canadian port of entry, a Canada Border Services Officer will issue your work permit. Check carefully that all conditions are correct (e.g. dates, medical conditions, etc.).

Detailed Quota Table for Selected Countries (2025)

Below is a breakdown of quotas for many partner countries in 2025, including their allocations per IEC category and the age limits. (If a country has “N/A” for a category, it means that category is not available for them in 2025.)

Country	Working Holiday	Young Professionals	International Co-op	Upper Age Limit*
Andorra	25	N/A	N/A	30
Australia	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	35
Austria	100	60	20	35
Belgium	750	N/A	N/A	30
Chile	725	20	5	35
Costa Rica	80	15	5	35
Croatia	85	10	5	35
Denmark	350	N/A	N/A	35
Estonia	110	10	5	35
France	6,615	2,080	3,590	35
Germany	3,490	350	160	35
Greece	180	10	10	35
Hong Kong	200	N/A	N/A	30
Ireland	3,800	150	50	35
Italy	1,750	200	50	35
Japan	6,500	N/A	N/A	30
Korea (Republic)	10,000	1,500	500	35
Latvia	40	8	2	35
Lithuania	175	20	5	35
Luxembourg	80	10	10	30
Netherlands	430	170	N/A	30
New Zealand	2,500	N/A	N/A	35
Norway	130	15	5	35
Poland	435	110	5	35
Portugal	750	40	10	35
San Marino	25	N/A	N/A	35
Slovakia	315	30	5	35
Slovenia	80	15	5	35
Spain	800	120	30	35
Sweden	350	40	10	30
Switzerland	N/A	200	50	35
Taiwan	940	50	10	35
United Kingdom	9,000	900	100	30

*Upper Age Limit refers to the maximum eligible age (some agreements have 30, others 35). Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

What These Numbers Mean for Applicants

Competition Varies by Country & Category

Countries with large quotas (e.g. South Korea, France, UK) still face competition since many people apply, but the higher quotas give more chances. Smaller countries often see fierce competition even with lower quotas.

Category Choice Matters

If your country has “N/A” in a category, you cannot apply under that stream. If you are eligible under multiple categories, apply in the one with less competition to improve your chances.

Age Limit is Key

Always check your country’s upper age limit in advance. Being over the limit will disqualify you even if you meet all other requirements.

Unlimited Countries Have More Flexibility

If you’re from a country with unlimited quota (e.g., Australia), your main focus should be meeting eligibility requirements and preparing documents rather than competing for a spot.

Recent & Notable Changes (2025)

• Quota reductions for some countries such as Ireland and Taiwan.
• South Korea continues to lead with the highest overall quota allocations.

What You Should Do If You Plan to Apply

• Check the official IRCC site to confirm your country’s quota.
• Submit your profile early once pools open.
• Prepare all required documents ahead of time (police certificates, proof of funds, medical if required).
• Consider alternative streams like Young Professionals or Co-op if available.

Final Thoughts

The IEC quotas for 2025 present opportunities but also challenges. Understanding your country’s quotas, age limits, and category availability will help you plan better and increase your chances of success.