Start Your Canadian Adventure: IEC 2025 Is Now Open for Applications
December 19,2024 Amritpal Kaur
Are you dreaming of working and traveling in Canada? Well, the wait is over! The International Experience Canada (IEC) 2025 season has officially begun, and it’s the perfect time to turn that dream into reality.
The IEC program allows young people from eligible countries to explore Canada while gaining valuable work experience. Whether you’re looking to work in a café in Toronto, gain professional experience in your field, or complete an internship as part of your studies, IEC has something for everyone.
If you're ready to embark on your Canadian adventure, here's everything you need to know about the IEC 2025 season, including key updates, how to apply, and why you should act fast!
What is International Experience Canada (IEC)?
The IEC program is designed for young people (typically aged 18-35, depending on the country) who want to work and travel in Canada. It’s a great way to experience life in Canada, build your resume, and make lifelong memories. The program is divided into three main categories:
Working Holiday: An open work permit that allows you to work for any employer in Canada and travel around the country.
Young Professionals: For those who have a job offer in Canada and want to gain professional work experience.
International Co-op (Internships): Designed for international students who need to complete a work placement as part of their academic program.
Each category has its own eligibility criteria, but the general goal is to help young people experience Canada in a meaningful way while gaining work experience.
What’s New in IEC 2025?
This year, there are some exciting updates to the IEC program. While full details for all countries are still being finalized, here are some of the key changes you should know:
Increased IEC Fee: The application fee has risen slightly to CAD $179.75, up from CAD $172 last year. It's a small increase, but it’s important to budget for it.
Quota Adjustments: The number of available spots for participants varies by country and category, and some countries have seen quota changes:
France has reduced spots for the Working Holiday and Young Professionals categories but has increased spots for the International Co-op program.
South Korea has seen a decrease in Working Holiday spots but an increase in the other two categories.
Taiwan saw the largest decrease in quotas, with a reduction of over 2,000 spots for Working Holiday applicants.
Australia: Previously, Australians had unlimited spots across all categories, but this year, there is uncertainty about quotas. If you're from Australia, you’ll need to keep an eye out for updates on this.
These changes mean that acting early is more important than ever to maximize your chances of being selected in the randomized lottery system.
Why You Should Apply Early
The IEC works on a lottery system. After you submit your profile, you’ll be entered into the draw, where invitations are issued randomly. The sooner you submit your profile, the more chances you have to be selected in multiple rounds of invitations.
By applying early, you give yourself the best shot at being chosen for an invitation. If you're thinking about applying, don’t wait – the first round of invitations for IEC 2025 starts the week of January 13, 2025, and spots fill up quickly.
How to Prepare for IEC 2025
If you're excited to apply but unsure where to start, don't worry – it’s easier than it sounds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:
Check Your Eligibility: Make sure you meet the age, nationality, and other eligibility requirements for your country. You can use free online quizzes or check the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website to confirm your eligibility.
Create Your Profile: Log in to your IRCC account (or create one if you don’t already have one) and complete your profile. Even if you’ve participated in previous IEC seasons, you need to create a new profile for 2025.
Submit Your Profile: Once your profile is ready, submit it to the IEC pools. By submitting early, you'll increase your chances of being invited to apply for a work permit.
Prepare for the Work Permit Application: If you receive an invitation, you’ll need to accept it within 10 days. After that, you’ll have 20 days to submit your work permit application. Make sure you’re ready to move quickly!
Stay Updated: Quotas can change, and the number of available spots may vary, so keep an eye on any updates from IRCC.
Countries Eligible for IEC 2025
The IEC program includes many countries, but it’s important to know if your country is eligible. Here’s a quick list of some countries that are eligible for the Working Holiday program:
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Chile
France
Germany
Ireland
Italy
South Korea
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Taiwan
Sweden
Each country has its own specific quotas and requirements, so it’s worth checking the full list on the IRCC website or contacting your local embassy to learn more.
The International Experience Canada 2025 season is now open, and it's the perfect opportunity to work, travel, and gain professional experience in Canada. Whether you’re looking to work on a farm in the countryside or explore the vibrant cities, there’s a place for you in Canada.
With updates to fees, quotas, and the need to act quickly, it's important to prepare ahead of time. Make sure you create your profile, submit it early, and stay informed about the latest updates to improve your chances of success.
If you have questions or need help regarding IEC, our team of immigration experts is here for you.
Give us a call at 647-222-6795 or email us at info@zandbimmigration.ca, or amritpal@zandbimmigration.ca. You can also book an appointment directly on our website www.zandbimmigration.ca.
We’re here to help make the immigration process easier for you.
Don't wait – start your Canadian adventure today!