Your complete guide to working in Canada through IEC
On This Page You Will Find:
- Complete list of all 36 IEC participating countries for 2025
- Age limits, permit types, and duration for each country
- Which countries allow multiple participations vs. one-time only
- Medical exam requirements by country
- Alternative pathways if your country isn't listed
- Next steps for the 2026 season opening
Summary:
The 2025 International Experience Canada (IEC) season has officially closed as of October 20, 2025, but planning for 2026 starts now. This comprehensive guide reveals all 36 countries with bilateral agreements allowing young people aged 18-35 to work in Canada temporarily. From Australia's generous 24-month permits to Switzerland's unique 18-month combined limit, each country offers different opportunities across three main categories: Working Holiday (open work permits), Young Professionals (employer-specific), and International Co-op (internships). Whether you're eligible for one participation or multiple chances, understanding your country's specific rules could be the difference between missing out and securing your Canadian work experience.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- 36 countries have IEC agreements with Canada, each with unique age limits (18-30 to 18-35)
- Three permit types available: Working Holiday (most flexible), Young Professionals, and International Co-op
- Some countries allow multiple participations while others restrict to one-time only
- 2025 season closed October 20th - prepare now for 2026 applications
- Medical exams required for applicants from Hong Kong, Latvia, Lithuania, South Korea, Taiwan, and Ukraine
Maria stared at her laptop screen in her Barcelona apartment, frantically searching for information about working in Canada. At 28, she felt the pressure of age limits ticking away, but wasn't sure if Spain was even eligible for Canada's working holiday program. Sound familiar?
If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to decode Canada's International Experience Canada (IEC) program, you're not alone. With 36 participating countries, three different permit categories, and varying age limits and participation rules, figuring out your eligibility can feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces.
Here's everything you need to know about IEC countries in 2025 - and how to position yourself for success in 2026.
What Exactly Are IEC Countries?
IEC countries are nations that have signed bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada under the International Experience Canada program. Think of it as an exclusive club where young adults (typically 18-35) can legally work in Canada for 1-3 years, depending on their home country's specific agreement.
The program isn't just about getting any work permit - it's designed to foster cultural exchange while filling Canada's labor market needs. That's why you'll see different rules for different countries based on their economic relationships with Canada.
The Complete 2025 IEC Countries Breakdown
European Powerhouses: Maximum Flexibility
United Kingdom leads the pack with the most generous terms:
- All three categories available (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op)
- 36-month permits across all categories
- Two participations allowed
- Age range: 18-35
France offers unique advantages:
- Four categories (including the special VIE program)
- 24-month Working Holiday permits
- Two participations with strategic timing flexibility
Germany, Netherlands, and Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland) provide solid 12-month opportunities with two participations for most categories.
Asia-Pacific: The Long-Stay Champions
Australia and New Zealand remain top choices:
- Australia: 24-month permits, two participations possible
- New Zealand: 23-month permits, one participation only
South Korea surprises many with 24-month permits across all three categories, though medical exams are required.
The One-Shot Wonders
Several countries offer single participation opportunities that you need to maximize:
- Japan: 12 months, ages 18-30, Working Holiday only
- Hong Kong: 12 months, ages 18-30, Working Holiday only
- Denmark: 12 months, ages 18-35, Working Holiday only
- Belgium: 12 months, ages 18-30, Working Holiday only
Understanding the Three IEC Categories
Working Holiday: Maximum Freedom
This is the golden ticket most people want. Working Holiday permits are "open," meaning you can work for any eligible employer in Canada. Perfect if you want to:
- Travel across provinces while working
- Try different jobs and industries
- Have maximum flexibility in your Canadian experience
Young Professionals: Career-Focused
These employer-specific permits require a job offer before applying. Ideal for:
- Recent graduates in specialized fields
- Building specific professional experience
- Longer-term career development (up to 24-36 months depending on country)
International Co-op: Student-Focused
Designed for internships and work placements, often requiring:
- Current enrollment or recent graduation
- Specific field requirements (like Austria's forestry/agriculture/tourism focus)
- Shorter durations (6-12 months typically)
Medical Exam Requirements: The Hidden Hurdle
Here's what many applicants miss: certain countries require medical examinations regardless of your health status. You'll need a medical exam if you're from:
- Hong Kong
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Ukraine (currently suspended)
The exam must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician and can take 2-4 weeks to process. Factor this into your timeline and budget (typically $300-500 CAD).
Countries Currently Under Review
Mexico and Ukraine have suspended IEC agreements as of 2025. If you're from these countries, your options include:
- Waiting for agreement renewal
- Working with IEC-recognized organizations
- Exploring other Canadian immigration pathways
Age Limits: Every Month Counts
Age requirements vary significantly:
18-30 Countries: Japan, Hong Kong, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Iceland
18-35 Countries: Australia, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom
The critical detail: you must be within the age range when you submit your application, not when you arrive in Canada. If you're turning 31 soon and targeting a 18-30 country, time is literally ticking.
Multiple Participation Strategies
Two-Participation Countries
Most European countries allow two participations with the restriction that you can't repeat the same category. Smart strategy example:
- First participation: Working Holiday (12 months) - explore and travel
- Second participation: Young Professionals (12 months) - build career-specific experience
Special Cases to Know
Australia: Offers a unique 24+12 month combination - you can do 24 months in Working Holiday or Young Professionals, then 12 months in International Co-op (or vice versa).
Switzerland: Limited to 18 months total across two participations combined. You could do 12 months + 6 months, or 9 months + 9 months.
Italy: Offers 24 months total that can be split across two permits in any categories.
What If Your Country Isn't Listed?
Don't panic. You have options through IEC-recognized organizations that can sponsor participants from non-agreement countries. These organizations include:
- SWAP Working Holidays
- International Experience Canada
- Go International
- BUNAC
These programs typically involve additional fees ($200-800) but open doors for citizens of countries like the United States, India, and others without direct agreements.
The 2026 Season: What's Coming
With the 2025 season closed as of October 20th, here's how to prepare for 2026:
Timeline Expectations
- Pool openings typically begin in December-January
- First invitations usually sent in March-April
- Peak invitation periods: April-July
Preparation Steps for 2026
- Gather documents now: Passport, police certificates, medical exams (if required)
- Research health insurance: Mandatory requirement, shop early for better rates
- Build your profile: Higher education, language skills, and relevant work experience improve invitation chances
- Financial planning: Proof of funds requirements range from $2,500-4,000 CAD depending on permit duration
Pro Tips for Success
Language Advantage: While not always mandatory, strong English and/or French language test scores significantly improve your chances in competitive pools.
Provincial Targeting: Some provinces have higher demand for IEC participants. Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario typically offer more opportunities but also face higher competition.
Health Insurance Shopping: Don't wait until you receive an invitation. IEC-compliant insurance can cost $600-1,200 annually, and early shopping saves money.
Document Validity: Ensure all documents will remain valid for your entire intended stay plus 6 months. Expired documents during your stay create complications.
Common Mistakes That Cost Applications
Age Miscalculation: Applicants often assume they have until their birthday, but age is calculated at application submission.
Category Misunderstanding: Applying for Young Professionals without a job offer, or not realizing employer-specific permits tie you to one employer.
Medical Exam Delays: Applicants from medical exam countries often underestimate processing time, missing invitation deadlines.
Insurance Gaps: Purchasing non-IEC compliant insurance or letting coverage lapse during your stay.
Your Next Steps
Whether you're eligible for multiple participations or have one shot at the IEC program, success comes down to preparation and timing. The 2025 season's closure means you have valuable months to:
- Verify your country's specific requirements and restrictions
- Gather all necessary documentation
- Improve language scores if needed
- Research your target provinces and job markets
- Build financial reserves for the move
The IEC program represents one of the most accessible pathways for young professionals to gain Canadian work experience - often serving as a stepping stone to permanent residence. With 36 countries participating and various permit options available, your Canadian adventure could be closer than you think.
Start preparing now for 2026, because when those invitation rounds begin, you'll want to be ready to seize your opportunity immediately. The next chapter of your international experience starts with understanding exactly where you stand today.
FAQ
Q: Which countries can participate in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program in 2025, and what are the main differences between them?
There are 36 countries with IEC agreements for 2025, each offering different benefits. European powerhouses like the United Kingdom provide the most generous terms with 36-month permits and two participations allowed for ages 18-35. France offers four categories including the special VIE program with 24-month permits. Asia-Pacific champions include Australia (24-month permits, two participations) and South Korea (24-month permits across all categories, but requires medical exams). Some countries like Japan, Hong Kong, Denmark, and Belgium are "one-shot wonders" offering single participation opportunities only. Age limits vary significantly: 18-30 for countries like Japan and Belgium, versus 18-35 for Australia, UK, Germany, and most European nations. The key is understanding your specific country's rules - some allow multiple strategic participations while others require you to maximize one opportunity.
Q: What are the three IEC permit categories and which one should I choose for my goals?
The IEC offers three distinct categories: Working Holiday permits are "open" work permits allowing you to work for any eligible employer across Canada - perfect for those wanting maximum flexibility to travel and try different jobs. Young Professionals permits are employer-specific, requiring a job offer before applying, ideal for recent graduates seeking specialized professional experience with longer durations (up to 24-36 months depending on country). International Co-op permits are designed for internships and work placements, typically requiring current enrollment or recent graduation with shorter durations of 6-12 months. Most applicants prefer Working Holiday for the freedom it provides, but Young Professionals can offer longer stays and career-focused experience. If your country allows multiple participations, a smart strategy is doing Working Holiday first (explore Canada) followed by Young Professionals (build specific career experience). Choose based on whether you prioritize flexibility, career development, or academic requirements.
Q: What medical exam requirements exist for IEC applicants, and how should I prepare for them?
Medical exams are mandatory for applicants from Hong Kong, Latvia, Lithuania, South Korea, Taiwan, and Ukraine (currently suspended), regardless of your health status. This is often a hidden hurdle that catches applicants off-guard. The exam must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician and typically costs $300-500 CAD. Processing takes 2-4 weeks, so factor this into your timeline immediately after receiving an invitation. The exam includes standard medical tests, chest X-rays, and health questionnaires. Book your appointment as soon as possible after receiving your IEC invitation, as panel physicians often have limited availability. Don't wait until the last minute - medical exam delays are one of the most common reasons applicants miss their invitation deadlines. If you're from one of these countries, research approved panel physicians in your area now and understand their booking procedures, even before applying.
Q: How do age limits work for IEC applications, and what happens if I'm close to the maximum age?
Age limits vary by country and are calculated at the time you submit your application, not when you arrive in Canada. Countries like Japan, Hong Kong, Belgium, and Netherlands have 18-30 limits, while Australia, UK, Germany, France, and most others allow 18-35. This distinction is crucial - if you're turning 31 soon and targeting Japan, you must submit before your birthday. The age calculation is precise to the day, so every month counts. If you're approaching your country's age limit, prioritize IEC over other Canadian immigration pathways that might take longer. For those already past their country's age limit, consider IEC-recognized organizations like SWAP Working Holidays or Go International, which can sponsor participants from non-agreement countries or provide alternative pathways. These involve additional fees ($200-800) but extend opportunities beyond direct country agreements. Plan strategically - if you have multiple participation eligibility, consider using your first participation earlier to secure future opportunities.
Q: Can I participate in IEC multiple times, and what's the best strategy for maximizing these opportunities?
Multiple participation eligibility varies significantly by country. Most European countries allow two participations with the key restriction that you cannot repeat the same category. Australia offers unique 24+12 month combinations - you can do 24 months in Working Holiday or Young Professionals, then 12 months in International Co-op. Switzerland limits you to 18 months total across two participations combined, while Italy offers 24 months total split across two permits. Countries like Japan, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Denmark allow only one participation, making it crucial to maximize that single opportunity. The optimal strategy for two-participation countries: start with Working Holiday (12 months) to explore Canada and build networks, then use Young Professionals (12 months) for career-specific experience with a targeted employer. This approach gives you 24 months total with maximum flexibility initially, followed by focused professional development. Time your participations strategically - you don't need to use them consecutively.
Q: What should I do if my country doesn't have an IEC agreement with Canada?
If your country isn't among the 36 IEC participating nations, you can still access the program through IEC-recognized organizations. These include SWAP Working Holidays, International Experience Canada, Go International, and BUNAC. These organizations can sponsor participants from non-agreement countries like the United States, India, and others, though it involves additional fees typically ranging from $200-800. The process works similarly to direct IEC applications, but you apply through the sponsoring organization rather than directly to the Canadian government. Requirements and eligibility criteria remain largely the same, including age limits and documentation needs. Some organizations specialize in specific countries or regions, so research which ones serve your nationality. Additionally, consider that Mexico and Ukraine currently have suspended agreements but may renew in future years. Alternative pathways include student visas with work permits, Provincial Nominee Programs, or other Canadian immigration streams, though these typically involve longer processing times and different requirements than the streamlined IEC process.
