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In an important update for international youth seeking to work in Canada, the Canadian government has released the country quotas for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permits under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. These quotas, effective immediately, detail the allocation of work permits available to citizens of countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs) with Canada.
1. Understanding the IEC Program
The IEC program offers work permits to youth from participating countries through three distinct streams: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. This initiative is part of Canada's international agreements to promote youth mobility and provide opportunities for young people to live and work temporarily in Canada. The program also extends similar opportunities to Canadian youth in partner countries.
3. Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an IEC work permit, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a country or a resident of a territory with a bYMA with Canada.
- Hold a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay.
- Fall within the eligible age range specified in the youth mobility agreement (18-30 or 18-35, depending on the country).
- Have at least $2,500 available upon arrival to cover living expenses.
- Secure health insurance for the duration of their stay (proof may be required at a Canadian port of entry).
- Be admissible to Canada.
- Do not bring any dependents.
- They must have a round-trip ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a departure ticket for the end of their stay in Canada.
- Pay any necessary fees associated with the application process.
4. Country Quotas
The following table outlines the work permit quotas for citizens from each country, along with the maximum age for youth from that country:
| Country | Working Holiday | Young Professionals | International Co-op | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra | 25 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| Australia | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 35 |
| Austria | 100 | 60 | 20 | 35 |
| Belgium | 750 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| Chile | 725 | 20 | 5 | 35 |
| Costa Rica | 80 | 15 | 5 | 35 |
| Croatia | 85 | 10 | 5 | 35 |
| Denmark | 350 | N/A | N/A | 35 |
| Estonia | 110 | 10 | 5 | 35 |
| France | 6,615 | 2,080 | 3,590 | 35 |
| Germany | 3,490 | 350 | 160 | 35 |
| Greece | 180 | 10 | 10 | 35 |
| Hong Kong | 200 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| Ireland | 3,800 | 150 | 50 | 35 |
| Italy | 1,750 | 200 | 50 | 35 |
| Japan | 6,500 | N/A | N/A | 30 |
| Korea, Rep. | 10,000 | 1,500 | 500 | 35 |
| Latvia | 40 | 8 | 2 | 35 |
| Lithuania | 175 | 20 | 5 | 35 |
| Luxembourg | 80 | 10 | 10 | 30 |
| Netherlands | 430 | 170 | N/A | 30 |
| New Zealand | 2,500 | N/A | N/A | 35 |
| Norway | 130 | 15 | 5 | 35 |
| Poland | 435 | 110 | 5 | 35 |
| Portugal | 750 | 40 | 10 | 35 |
| San Marino | 25 | N/A | N/A | 35 |
| Slovakia | 315 | 30 | 5 | 35 |
| Slovenia | 80 | 15 | 5 | 35 |
| Spain | 800 | 120 | 30 | 35 |
| Sweden | 350 | 40 | 10 | 30 |
| Switzerland | N/A | 200 | 50 | 35 |
| Taiwan | 940 | 50 | 10 | 35 |
| United Kingdom | 9,000 | 900 | 100 | 30 |
5. Work Permit Streams
- Working Holiday: Open work permits for those without a job offer, allowing them to work for multiple employers in various locations.
- Young Professionals: Employer-specific work permits for those with job offers that contribute to their professional development.
- International Co-op (Internship): Employer-specific work permits for students with job offers for required work placements or internships.
Looking Forward
The announcement of these quotas provides clarity for youth planning to participate in the IEC program. As Canada continues to foster international collaboration and mobility, these work permits offer valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.
