For many young Australian professionals, Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) visa offers a golden opportunity to live and work abroad. But what happens when the adventure turns into a desire to settle permanently? In 2025, transitioning from an IEC visa to permanent residency (PR) through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the most popular and achievable pathways.
Understanding the IEC Visa for Australians
The IEC Working Holiday visa allows Australians aged 18–35 to work in Canada for up to 24 months. It’s an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer in most sectors. This work experience is not only enriching professionally but also counts towards eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) PR pathway.
Why the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
The CEC stream is part of Canada’s Express Entry system, ideal for temporary workers with Canadian work experience. It doesn’t require a job offer or proof of settlement funds—making it especially attractive for IEC holders.
Key Eligibility Criteria for CEC in 2025:
- 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (full-time or equivalent part-time) within the last 3 years.
- Work experience must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.
- Minimum language scores: CLB 7 for TEER 0/1 and CLB 5 for TEER 2/3.
- Reside outside Quebec.
Step-by-Step: Transitioning from IEC to PR via CEC
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Gain at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience under an eligible TEER code. |
| 2 | Take a valid language test (IELTS or CELPIP) and meet the minimum CLB requirement. |
| 3 | Get your ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) if your education is outside Canada (not mandatory but boosts CRS). |
| 4 | Create your Express Entry profile online and enter the pool. |
| 5 | Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on your CRS score. |
| 6 | Submit your PR application within 60 days of receiving an ITA. |
2025 Updates and Trends
In 2025, IRCC is prioritizing in-Canada work experience to fill labor shortages—especially in tech, healthcare, and trades. Australians with IEC experience in these sectors are well-positioned for PR.
Recent Express Entry trends show:
- CRS cutoff for CEC-specific draws: ~471–486
- Category-based draws for STEM, healthcare, and trades are increasing
- More weight is given to Canadian work experience over foreign experience
Transition Timeline Overview
| Task | Approximate Timeline |
| Work experience completion | 12 months |
| Language testing & ECA | 1–2 months |
| Express Entry profile to ITA | 1–6 months (depends on CRS and draws) |
| PR application processing | 6 months (post-ITA) |
Final Thoughts
For Australian citizens on an IEC visa, the Canadian Experience Class provides a straightforward and accessible pathway to PR in 2025. By planning ahead, tracking your work experience, and staying updated on Express Entry trends, you can turn your Canadian work holiday into a permanent move.