Canada Invites Over 8,000 IEC Candidates in May 2025 – What It Means for Youth Immigration

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Canada continues to strengthen its ties with young professionals from around the world. In May 2025 alone, over 8,000 candidates were invited to apply for work permits under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. This initiative offers foreign youth an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Whether you’re from France, Japan, Australia, or the UK, this could be your chance to work and travel across Canada while building your future. Let’s take a closer look at how the program works, who’s getting invited, and what this means for those still in the pool.

What Is the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?

The IEC program allows young adults from over 30 countries to live and work in Canada temporarily. It’s ideal for those looking to gain international work experience, travel across Canada, or build a pathway toward permanent residency.

IEC offers three main streams:

Working Holiday: Open work permit with flexibility to work for multiple employers.
Young Professionals: Employer-specific work permit for career-related experience.
International Co-op (Internship): Work permit for students needing internship placements.

Highlights of the May 2025 IEC Draws

Between May 3 and May 30, IRCC sent out 8,060 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). These were distributed among candidates from several countries based on the number of available spots and demand in each pool.

Top Countries by ITAs Issued in May

Country	Number of ITAs
Japan	1,663
United Kingdom	1,456
Korea	1,035
France	799
Australia	897
Germany	426
Ireland	301

In total, 27,994 candidates were still in the pool waiting for invitations as of May 30. This means there’s still plenty of competition, but also opportunity for those interested in the program.

Who Is Eligible for the IEC Program?

Eligibility depends on your country of citizenship and age. In general:

You must be 18–35 years old, depending on the agreement between your country and Canada.
Have a valid passport for the duration of your intended stay.
Hold citizenship from a country that has a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
Provide biometrics, a police certificate, and other required documents.
Some countries have quotas or limited spots, making early application crucial.

Why the IEC Program Is Gaining Popularity

With the growing demand for international work experience, many young people see the IEC as a stepping stone toward a long-term career in Canada.

Here’s why it appeals to youth worldwide:

No job offer needed for the Working Holiday stream.
Open work permits allow greater flexibility in employment.
Experience Canadian culture while earning an income.
Pathway to permanent residence through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

For instance, a 25-year-old applicant from Germany could land a seasonal hospitality job in Banff or Whistler and later apply for a permanent program if they gain enough Canadian work experience.

How to Boost Your Chances in the IEC Pool

Since spots are limited and country quotas vary, follow these tips:

Apply early in the year to increase your chances.
Regularly check your IEC profile for updates or invitation rounds.
Ensure your documents are complete and accurate.
Stay in good standing with immigration and visa rules in both countries.

If you’re unsure about the process or eligibility, professional guidance can make a big difference.

With over 8,000 IEC invitations issued in May, Canada continues to welcome young professionals who want to explore and work across the country. The International Experience Canada (IEC) program remains one of the most accessible and rewarding immigration pathways for youth around the world. Whether you’re dreaming of the Rockies or the coastlines of Nova Scotia, there’s no better time to take your next step toward Canadian work experience.

At ImmigCanada, we help you figure out the best route through IEC and beyond. Start preparing today, and you could be packing your bags sooner than you think.