LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Available for Early Career Workers from Partner Countries

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program continues to provide valuable opportunities for young professionals from countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs).

Written & reviewed by Keshav Sharma, RCIC #R530203, Founder, ELAAR Immigration Consulting Inc.Last reviewed: October 20265 min read

Through this program, eligible candidates can obtain one- to two-year LMIA-exempt work permits, offering a streamlined alternative to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

The program targets youth aged 18–30 or 18–35, depending on their country of citizenship, with some participants eligible for multiple program entries.

Participating Countries and Age Requirements

The following table shows the maximum age limits and participation allowances by country:

*Each country has specific conditions regarding participation limits, including restrictions to one participation per category. Verify country-specific requirements through IRCC’s “Who can apply” webpage.

Current Program Overview

The IEC program currently requires applicants to meet specific criteria:

• Hold citizenship from a partner country or territory with a youth mobility agreement
• Be at least 18 years old and not exceed the country-specific age limit (30 or 35)
• Maintain private health insurance throughout the stay
• Possess a valid passport for the entire duration
• Have minimum funds of $2,500 for initial support during the first three months
• Secure a round-trip ticket or demonstrate financial capacity to purchase departure transportation

Applicants must be admissible to Canada. In certain cases, youth from non-partner countries may participate through approved Canadian-based recognized organizations (ROs).

Three Program Categories Now Available

The International Experience Canada program offers three pathways:

Working Holiday

• Work Permit Type: Open
• Job Offer Required: No
• Competition Level: Very competitive (lottery system)
• Special Requirements: None

Young Professionals

• Work Permit Type: Closed
• Job Offer Required: Yes
• Competition Level: Moderately competitive
• Special Requirements:
  • Job offer must be classified under TEER levels 0, 1, 2, 3, or TEER 4 related to field of study
  • Self-employment prohibited
  • Employment must comply with local labor laws and minimum wage requirements

International Co-op (Internship)

• Work Permit Type: Closed
• Job Offer Required: Yes
• Competition Level: Least competitive
• Special Requirements:
  • Current enrollment at a post-secondary institution
  • Work placement or internship required for study completion
  • Position must directly relate to field of study
  • Compensation requirements vary by provincial or territorial labor codes

The Working Holiday category operates primarily through lottery selection due to high demand. Applicants with job offers typically have better success rates through the Young Professionals category.

2025 Application Process Updates

The IEC application follows these steps:

1. Create Candidate Profile: Complete and submit your profile to enter the appropriate candidate pools based on your eligibility.
2. Pool Selection: IRCC determines your eligible pools based on your profile information.
3. Invitation Round: Wait for selection in the next invitation round. Check IRCC’s “Rounds of invitations” webpage to assess your chances.
4. Accept Invitation: You have 10 days to accept an Invitation to Apply (ITA) once received.
5. Submit Application: Complete your work permit application within 20 days of accepting the ITA.

Required Steps:

• Complete the online application through your secure IRCC account
• Provide documentation as specified in your personalized checklist
• Pay applicable fees:
  • Base fee: $179.75 (all participants)
  • Open Work Permit holder fee: $100 (Working Holiday participants only)
  • Employer compliance fee: $230 (Young Professionals and International Co-op participants – paid by employer)
  • Biometrics fee: $85 (if required)
• Submit complete application

IRCC targets a six-week processing time for IEC work permit applications during the 2025 season.

Upon approval, IRCC will send a Port of Entry (POE) letter to your online account. Family members cannot be included in IEC applications and must apply separately for their own permits or visas.

Need assistance with your IEC application? The International Experience Canada program offers excellent opportunities for young professionals, but navigating the application process and meeting all requirements can be complex. At Elaar Immigration, our experienced team can guide you through each step, from determining your eligibility to submitting a complete application.

Please feel free to contact us for a consultation