The 2021 IEC pools are now open for individuals looking to live or work in Canada temporarily. IEC is a fantastic program providing people with travel and work experience in Canada. For many, this program becomes the first step towards becoming a Permanent Resident.
At this time only 23 countries are eligible. The quotas vary by country as well as by specific programs (Co-op Internship, Young Professionals, or Working Holiday). These quotas have been provided below and the 2021 pools will remain open until the quotas have been met.
Important: As per the Canadian government website, only IEC participants with a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction and a valid job offer are eligible to travel to Canada right now. In addition, anyone flying into Canada should review the “Flying to Canada” checklist.
What are the IEC Categories:
- Co-Op Internship: For those in graduate school possessing a written job offer for a position approved by the IRCC in their related field. (Employer Specific Work Permit)
- Young Professionals: For young professionals with a job offer looking to obtain Canadian work experience that with contributing to their professional development. (Employer Specific Work Permit)
- Working Holiday Program: Allows individuals to work anywhere within Canada. Ordinarily, this category wouldn’t require a valid job offer. Under the current travel restrictions, a valid job offer is required to travel to Canada. (Open Work Permit)
The following table provides Quotas by country and IEC category.
| Country | Working Holiday Quota | Young Professional Quota | International Co-op Quota |
| Australia | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Belgium | 750 | x | x |
| Chile | 725 | 20 | 5 |
| Costa Rica | 80 | 15 | 5 |
| Czech Republic | 1,000 | 145 | 5 |
| Denmark | 350 | x | x |
| France | 7,100 | 2,200 | 4,250 |
| Greece | 180 | 10 | 10 |
| Hong Kong | 200 | x | x |
| Ireland | 10,500 | 150 | 50 |
| Italy | 1,000 | x | x |
| Japan | 6,500 | x | x |
| Luxembourg | 80 | 10 | TBA |
| Norway | 130 | 15 | 5 |
| Portugal | 1,750 | 200 | 50 |
| San Marino | 25 | x | x |
| Slovakia | 315 | 30 | 5 |
| South Korea | 4,000 | x | x |
| Spain | 800 | 150 | 50 |
| Sweden | 580 | 100 | 20 |
| Switzerland | x | 200 | 50 |
| Taiwan | 940 | 50 | 10 |
| United Kingdom | 5,000 | x | x |