Canada continues to provide exciting opportunities for young professionals and travelers from around the world through the Canada work permit under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Between February 3 and February 9, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held fresh rounds of invitations, issuing 5,992 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for an IEC open work permit. This initiative enables young individuals from partner countries to live and work in Canada, gaining valuable experience while contributing to the Canadian economy.
What is the IEC Program?
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a special immigration initiative that allows young individuals to work and travel in Canada under different categories, including Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship). This program is designed to promote cultural exchange and provide work opportunities to individuals aged 18 to 35 (depending on the country of origin). The IEC program has been instrumental in strengthening international ties and providing Canadian employers access to global talent.
Latest Invitation Round: Breakdown of ITAs Issued
The latest IEC draw invited 5,992 candidates from various countries. Here is a breakdown of ITAs issued in this round:
- Australia – 327 ITAs
- Austria – 15 ITAs
- Belgium – 44 ITAs
- Chile – 202 ITAs
- Costa Rica – 19 ITAs
- Croatia – 6 ITAs
- Denmark – 17 ITAs
- Estonia – 5 ITAs
- Finland – 7 ITAs
- France – 2,490 ITAs
- Germany – 156 ITAs
- Greece – 11 ITAs
- Hong Kong – 9 ITAs
- Iceland – 1 ITA
- Ireland – 193 ITAs
- Italy – 100 ITAs
- Japan – 257 ITAs
- Korea – 752 ITAs
- Latvia – 7 ITAs
- Lithuania – 14 ITAs
- Luxembourg – 1 ITA
- Netherlands – 52 ITAs
- New Zealand – 76 ITAs
- Norway – 5 ITAs
- Poland – 17 ITAs
- Portugal – 30 ITAs
- Slovakia – 9 ITAs
- Slovenia – 3 ITAs
- Spain – 96 ITAs
- Sweden – 10 ITAs
- Switzerland – 22 ITAs
- Taiwan – 252 ITAs
- United Kingdom – 787 ITAs
As of February 9, 2025, there were 24,375 candidates registered in the pool, eagerly waiting for an invitation to apply. With ongoing draws, more young professionals are expected to receive invitations in the coming weeks.
Why is the IEC Program Beneficial for a Canada Work Permit?
The IEC program is a golden opportunity for young professionals looking to expand their career prospects, gain international work experience, and immerse themselves in Canadian culture. Here are some key benefits:
- Work Flexibility – Participants can work for any employer in Canada, making it easier to explore different job opportunities.
- Cultural Exchange – Living and working in Canada allows young professionals to experience a multicultural environment and build international networks.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency – Gaining Canadian work experience can strengthen an applicant’s profile for Permanent Residency (PR) through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Opportunity to Travel – With the IEC work permit, candidates can travel across Canada while supporting themselves financially.
Young Professional Stream Canada
The Young Professional Stream Canada is a category under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, designed for young professionals who have a job offer in Canada that contributes to their professional development. This stream allows individuals from eligible countries to gain valuable work experience in Canada while enhancing their career prospects. Unlike the Working Holiday Visa, this program requires applicants to secure a valid job offer before applying. Successful candidates receive an employer-specific Canada Work Permit, meaning they can only work for the employer who provided the job offer. This initiative helps young professionals expand their skills, build international networks, and explore opportunities in Canada’s dynamic job market.
Canada’s Commitment to Young Professionals
With 33,253 ITAs already issued in 2025, Canada remains committed to welcoming young talent and fostering international work opportunities. The IEC program continues to be a gateway for youth empowerment, enabling thousands of individuals to build their future in one of the most diverse and economically strong countries in the world.
If you want to know more details about “Canada Invited 5,992 Young Foreigners to Apply for a Canada Work Permit through IEC Open Work Permit“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
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