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International Experience Canada (IEC) – How It Works

International Experience Canada (IEC) – How It Works

Picture of Reza Eslami, RCIC (R710241)
Reza Eslami, RCIC (R710241)

The number of young adults eligible to apply for the International Experience Canada (IEC) will increase by 20% in Canada for the upcoming year. Beginning the following year, up to 90,000 young adults from other nations between 18 and 35 may come to live and work in Canada for a maximum of two years due to the enhanced application cap. On January 9, this round of applications became available. 

Canada is boosting its economy and assisting its businesses by allowing young people to travel abroad and gain job experience. This declaration will help the tourism sector, which needs to address labour gaps, while also giving young people a chance to learn about Canadian traditions. Languages and Societies 

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Waht is International Experience Canada

Youths can travel and work in Canada for up to two years through the International Experience Canada. An IEC work permit may be available to nationals of partner countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements with Canada between 18 and 35 (all inclusive) and fall within the eligible age range. 

Please be aware that you may be eligible to apply for one or more of these three categories if you are a citizen of a partner nation. If you’re not a citizen of one of the partner nations, you could still be able to apply to IEC through a recognized organization. International Experience Canada has three different streams available: 

1-Working Holiday Visa Canada

Of course, there can be a few exceptions. People who don’t have a job offer, wish to work for more than one employer in Canada, or want to work in more than one place should apply under this category. Additionally, candidates in working holiday visa category receive an open work permit, which enables them to work for any employer in Canada. 

2-Young Professionals Program

Those who have a job offer (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the new NOC) in Canada and intend to continue working for that employer while in the country fall under this group. Please understand that work must be paid and not performed as a freelancer. 

Employers and applicants with TEER 4 jobs are eligible for several exemptions. Candidates who fall within this category are granted an employer-specific work permit. Participants can use this permit to get focused, professional job experience related to their area of study or career goal.

3-International Co-op (Internship)

Students who are enrolled in a post-secondary institution and meet the following criteria: 

  • Possess a job offer for an internship or work placement in Canada, 
  • To finish their education, students must undergo a work placement or internship. Moreover, these pupils 
  • During their stay in Canada, they must continue to work for the same company in the same place. 

The student will receive an employer-specific work permit if they are selected. 

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How long does Canada IEC take?

How does the IEC work?

According to the program’s “expression of interest/invitation to apply” paradigm, interested candidates can submit their profiles to the International Experience Canada pool. These candidates (now applicants) will be invited to apply for a work permit in Canada if selected. 

The applicant can enter and work in Canada for their authorized stay if their application is accepted. They will acquire their work visa under their specified stream. 

Eligibility

To participate in this program if Canada and your country or territory of residence do not have a youth mobility agreement. You might be able to employ a recognized organization. 

You are only permitted to participate once in some countries. You must confirm your eligibility because each country is different. While participating twice, you may only do so in one category. 

 You are only permitted to participate as often as your country permits, even if you receive an invitation to apply. An officer will evaluate your eligibility after you submit your application, taking into account any prior participation. Before applying, be sure you have read and comprehended the requirements. 

Requirements

Candidates who want to apply under the International Experience Canada must: 

  • Possess a passport from or be a citizen of one of the 36 countries with whom Canada has youth mobility agreements; 
  • Possess a passport that is still valid throughout their visit to Canada; 
  • Arrive in Canada with the equivalent of $2,500; 
  • Be able to purchase health insurance during their stay; 
  • Able to enter Canada; 
  • Possess (before departure) a round-trip ticket or the means to buy one after their permitted stay in Canada; 
  • Not have dependents accompany them, and 
  • Pay the necessary fees. 
  • Depending on the applicant’s nationality, be within the permitted age range at the time of application and between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive); 

With over 800,000 economic immigrants anticipated to arrive in Canada over the next three years, the International Experience Canada capacity expansion comes when Canada hopes to welcome more immigrants than ever. Through the IEC, young people can earn the necessary work experience in Canada, which may make them later eligible for immigration to the country. 

IEC Countries

Australia 

Hong Kong 

Portugal 

Austria 

Ireland 

San Marino 

Belgium 

Italy 

Slovakia 

Chile 

Japan 

Slovenia 

Costa Rica 

South Korea 

Spain 

Croatia 

Latvia 

Sweden 

Czech Republic 

Lithuania 

Switzerland 

Denmark 

Mexico 

Taiwan 

Estonia 

Netherlands 

Ukraine 

France 

New Zealand 

United Kingdom 

Germany 

Norway 

Andorra 

Greece 

Poland 

Canada 

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How can I get IEC in Canada?

How does IEC pools work?

Usually, your profile will stay in the pool of International Experience Canada until: 

  • You get a request to apply for a work permit. 
  • After the season, we either delete all of the profiles from the pool(s) or 
  • Your eligibility has expired. 

IRCC frequently invites candidates to the pools throughout the IEC season. Look at the schedule to learn: 

  • When each country’s and category’s invitation rounds will begin and end 
  • The number of applicants in the pools, as well as 
  • The likelihood that you will be invited this season 

Throughout the season, you can submit an IEC profile anytime. You can get an invitation to apply for a work permit if you submit your application before the deadline for the final round of invitations for your nation. 

How to become a Candidate for International Experience Class?

Responding to a few questions can determine whether you match the minimum eligibility requirements. You can build a free online International Experience Canada Program profile if you do. There is only one pool of qualified applicants for each country and category. 

The second step is to submit your profile. You can do this for one or more of these pools. An invitation to apply for a work permit must be extended to candidates in the pools. 

Can I have multiple profiles?

You can only have an International Experience Canada profile at any time. You may, however, be qualified for more than one IEC pool. IRCC will let you know which collections are available once your profile is complete. Any of these pools that are open to submissions will accept your profile. For instance, you might be qualified to submit your profile to the Young Professionals and Canadian Working Holiday Visa pools. 

How does IRCC issue Invitations to Apply?

The order in which invitations to apply are sent out is as follows: 
  • International Co-op (Internship) 
  • Young Professionals 
  • Working Holiday Visa Canada

You can apply for an international co-op category if your profile is in the Canadian working holiday and international co-op (internship) pools. If there are no open positions in the international co-op (internship) category, you will only be sent an invitation to apply for a Canadian working holiday work visa. 

How to get work permit if you receive ITA? 

You’ll get a port of entry letter of introduction in your account if you get an ITA and your work permit application is accepted. You won’t get a work visa right away if you get an invitation to apply, according to IRCC. To obtain a work permit, you must: 

  • Show us evidence of the details you provided in your International Experience Canada profile. 
  • Describe your background, work history, and education in more detail. 
  • When prompted, offer other potential supporting papers. 

You should gather any necessary supporting documentation for your work permit application if you are a member of an International Experience Canada pool. Obtaining some paperwork could take several months. You could receive an invitation to apply anytime, and you’ll only have a certain amount of time to submit your paperwork and work permit application. 

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What does International Experience Canada mean in Canada?

International Experience Canada: FAQs

What is IEC in Canada?

International Experience Canada Program (IEC) permits youth to travel and work in Canada for up to 2 years. 

Who is not eligible for International Experience Canada?

You are ineligible to participate if you have a refugee travel document issued by a nation with which Canada has a youth mobility agreement. 

Can my dependants come with participant to Canada?

The IEC program does not permit you to bring your dependents to Canada. They may, however, apply to travel to, a study in, or work in Canada. The IRCC will review your application independently of theirs. 

How much does a Canada IEC cost?

You have to cover the IEC cost. The IEC cost for the 2023 season is CAN$ 161. You must pay the biometric charge and the IEC fee if you are required to provide biometrics.

How do I get an IEC visa for Canada?
  1. Apply to obtain your visitor visa, study permit or work permit. 
  2. Get your fingerprints and photo taken. 
  3. IRCC will process your application. 
  4. IRCC decides whether to accept your application.  
  5. Upon approval, you depart for Canada. 
  6. As soon as you land in Canada, IRCC will verify your identity.  
How long is International Experience Visa Valid for?

Through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, overseas visitors can live and work in Canada for up to two years in the quickest and most straightforward stream possible. 

Do you need a job offer to enter Canada IEC?

You don’t need a valid job offer to submit your profile for International Experience Canada Program.

How long does IEC application take?

You should receive an assessment after submitting your biometrics in about 8 weeks. If not, submit a web form through the IRCC online portal to continue your application. If your application for an IEC working holiday is approved, a “Correspondence Letter” will await you in your IRCC account inbox. 

How many times can you do IEC Canada?

The International Experience Canada program (IEC) may allow you to participate more than once. It depends on the agreement between Canada and your country of citizenship. You might need to wait a certain amount after being granted permission to participate a second time.

Do I need travel insurance for IEC?

The IEC visa requires travel insurance since it can cover unanticipated and unexpected emergencies you might encounter when visiting Canada.

What documents do you need for IEC Canada?
  • Your passport. 
  • Your Port of Entry (POE) Letter of introduction. 
  • Proof of funds. 
  • Proof of health insurance. 
  • A ticket for your departure from Canada or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket. 
Is IEC a temporary resident?

Yes, the IEC work permit is a sort of temporary status in Canada. Canadian permanent resident status is the kind of status that enables you to remain, live, and work for as long as you’d want.

Can I stay in Canada after my IEC visa expires?

If you apply for a new IEC participation, your status in Canada is not maintained. You must request to extend your stay before your work permit expires if you wish to remain in Canada while you wait for a decision on your new IEC participation. 

Can I study in Canada on IEC visa?

Yes. Any International Experience Canada Program categories allow you to enrol in a single course. The course(s) must be finished in less than six months. Additionally, they cannot be enrolled in any program that lasts longer than six months, such as a two-year or four-year degree.

Do I need an LMIA for International Experience Class?

Because IEC is a part of the International Mobility Program, companies that hire IEC participants are exempt from completing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). 

Why Choose Arnika Visa? 

Careful planning and understanding Canadian immigration regulations are crucial to avoiding delays, banes, or refusals of visas. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant can provide expert advice to make the immigration process as smooth and efficient as possible. 

The regulations governing immigration to Canada are well and thoroughly understood by qualified and specifically trained RCICs. You can speed and simplify the application process for a Canada visa application by seeking professional advice from a qualified, skilled and experienced RCIC. While no one can guarantee you visa approval, professional advice from an RCIC can maximize the potential of your visa being granted. 

Planning carefully and being aware of Canadian immigration laws are essential for avoiding delays, penalties, and visa refusal. To make the immigration procedure as efficient and smooth as possible, our RCIC provides expert advice.

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