LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Opportunities for Early Career Workers
At M A Immigration Associates Inc., we are excited to share a unique opportunity for youth and early career professionals from countries that have signed bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements (bYMAs) with Canada.
Through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, young people can obtain work permits that are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This makes the process faster, simpler, and more accessible compared to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Why IEC Work Permits Are Attractive
- No LMIA required – quicker and easier to obtain.
- Open to citizens of 30+ partner countries.
- Available to individuals aged 18–30 or 18–35, depending on their country.
- Permits valid for 1–2 years with multiple participation options for certain nationalities.
- Categories include: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op.
Eligibility Highlights
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a participating country.
- Be between 18 and 30 or 35 years of age (depending on nationality).
- Hold private health insurance for the stay duration.
- Have at least CAD $2,500 in available funds.
- Possess a valid passport for the full duration of the stay.
- Show proof of onward travel (return ticket or sufficient funds).
Full List of Eligible Countries
| Country | Upper Age Limit | Participation Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Andorra | 30 | Once |
| Australia | 35 | Up to 3 times |
| Austria | 35 | Up to 3 times |
| Belgium | 30 | Once |
| Chile | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Costa Rica | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Croatia | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Czech Republic | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Denmark | 35 | Once |
| Estonia | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Finland | 35 | Up to 3 times |
| France | 35 | Up to 3 times |
| Germany | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Greece | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Hong Kong | 30 | Once |
| Iceland | 30 | Up to 2 times |
| Ireland | 35 | Up to 3 times |
| Italy | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Japan | 30 | Up to 2 times |
| South Korea | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Latvia | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Lithuania | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Luxembourg | 35 | Once |
| Netherlands | 30 | Up to 2 times |
| New Zealand | 35 | Once |
| Norway | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Poland | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Portugal | 35 | Once |
| San Marino | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Slovakia | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Slovenia | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Spain | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Sweden | 30 | Up to 2 times |
| Switzerland | 35 | Up to 2 times |
| Taiwan | 35 | Once |
| United Kingdom | 35 | Up to 2 times |
Why Employers Should Care
This program provides Canadian employers with a streamlined pathway to access global talent without the delays and costs of LMIA processing. Youth workers bring fresh skills, international perspectives, and flexibility to the workforce.
How We Can Help
At M A Immigration Associates Inc., we guide both employers and candidates through the IEC process, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about how this program can benefit your organization or your career.