IRCC officially wrapped up the 2025 International Experience Canada (IEC) season on 2 November, issuing 2,946 last-minute invitations to youth from 30+ partner countries. The finale brings 2025 totals to 102,289 invitations—one of the largest cohorts in the program’s history.
In the final round Australia, France and Germany topped the list, but smaller quotas for Ireland, Italy and New Zealand were also exhausted. For corporate mobility managers the end-of-year draw means no further Working Holiday, Young Professional or Co-op Work Permit invitations will be sent until the 2026 season opens, typically in January.
![International Experience Canada season closes with 2,946 final invitations]()
Why it matters: IEC is the only work-permit stream that lets employers hire young foreign nationals without a Labour-Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Those already invited must submit biometrics and pay fees within 20 days or risk forfeiting their slot; employers should budget onboarding time accordingly. Candidates left in the pool will automatically roll over, but HR teams should advise them to keep passports valid for at least two years to maximise next season’s chances.
The large 2025 intake also supports Canada’s goal of deepening people-to-people links with Indo-Pacific and European partners while addressing seasonal labour shortages in tourism and hospitality. Companies relying on IEC staff next summer should track country-quota releases closely and prepare offer letters early.
In the final round Australia, France and Germany topped the list, but smaller quotas for Ireland, Italy and New Zealand were also exhausted. For corporate mobility managers the end-of-year draw means no further Working Holiday, Young Professional or Co-op Work Permit invitations will be sent until the 2026 season opens, typically in January.
Why it matters: IEC is the only work-permit stream that lets employers hire young foreign nationals without a Labour-Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Those already invited must submit biometrics and pay fees within 20 days or risk forfeiting their slot; employers should budget onboarding time accordingly. Candidates left in the pool will automatically roll over, but HR teams should advise them to keep passports valid for at least two years to maximise next season’s chances.
The large 2025 intake also supports Canada’s goal of deepening people-to-people links with Indo-Pacific and European partners while addressing seasonal labour shortages in tourism and hospitality. Companies relying on IEC staff next summer should track country-quota releases closely and prepare offer letters early.
