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International Experience Canada (IEC), a program established by the Canadian government, enables young adults to work and travel in Canada for up to two years. This allows them to gain international work experience while engaging in meaningful cultural exchange and exploring the country. Given these benefits, it's no wonder that the program is immensely popular among international youth from eligible nations. This article will discuss the eligibility criteria, the three IEC categories, the selection and application process, the benefits of participating, and essential tips to consider.
Young adults aged 18-35 (or 18-30 in some cases) from participating countries like Australia, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea, as well as young Canadians, may be eligible for the IEC program.
To qualify, you must:
Work permit duration and eligibility for multiple stays vary by country.
Check the Government of Canada website and complete the Come to Canada Questionnaire to confirm your eligibility.
Eligible individuals may create an IEC profile and submit it to one or more of the following three categories. Each participating country has a separate pool for each category.
The International Co-op category is for students who need internships or work placements for their studies. To qualify, participants must attend a post-secondary institution in a participating country. The work placement or internship must fulfill a course requirement, and applicants need a signed job offer or contract from a Canadian employer before applying. This position, which may be paid or unpaid, must directly relate to their field of study—for example, an HR student needs a human resources role. A closed work permit is required, tying participants to their specific employer, who pays a $230 compliance fee. Participants must secure the internship position before arriving in Canada.
The Young Professionals category is designed for individuals seeking career-focused jobs in their field of expertise, especially post-secondary graduates aiming to gain international work experience. To be eligible, applicants must have a signed job offer or employment contract for a role related to their education or work history before submitting their profile. This job should contribute to their professional development and requires a closed work permit, meaning they must work only with the specified employer. Similarly to the International Co-op category, the employer is responsible for paying a $230 compliance fee, and applicants must secure the job before arriving in Canada. For instance, someone with a marketing degree from another country might use this pathway to work at a Canadian marketing agency to expand their skills.
The Working Holiday Work Permit is ideal for individuals who want to travel Canada while working various temporary jobs to support their journey, no matter their skill level or industry. As this is an open work permit, participants can easily switch employers based on their preferences and travel plans and take breaks from work as needed. Securing employment before arrival is optional; permit holders can begin their job search upon reaching Canada. Additionally, employers do not need to pay any fees to hire participants, which simplifies the job search process. For these reasons, the Working Holiday Permit likely provides the greatest flexibility for IEC participants. However, with an extra fee of $100, it is slightly more costly.
After submitting their profile to one or more of these pools, candidates may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a work permit. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly and randomly issues invitations. Each draw, referred to as a round of invitation, varies in the number of candidates invited. Anyone submitting their profile to multiple pools should understand that ITAs are given out in the following order:
This order matters since candidates can only obtain an ITA for one of the categories for which they submitted a profile. For instance, if you apply to both the International Co-op (Internship) pool and the Working Holiday pool, you will receive an ITA for the International Co-op category unless there are no spots left. Declining your invitation will reactivate your profile, and depending on availability, you might receive an invitation for either the same or a different category.
If a category has no more spots, its pool closes, and no more invitations will be issued. At the end of the IEC season, draws stop, and all profiles are removed from the pools, which then will remain closed for at least two weeks. Once the new season starts, eligible candidates who have yet to be selected can re-create and submit their profiles. IRCC regularly updates its schedule so candidates can learn about their chances of receiving an ITA.
After accepting their invitation, candidates have 20 days to complete and submit their work permit application. Applicants will fill out an online form in their IRCC account, showing proof of the information mentioned in their IEC profile. They will need to provide additional details regarding their education, paid and unpaid work history, background and the type of work they intend to do in Canada. See the IRCC webpage for step-by-step application instructions.Bottom of Form
Once candidates complete the application form, the system will generate a personalized document checklist. Depending on someone’s IEC category of choice, their country of citizenship, planned field of work, and other factors, they may need the following documents:
Acquiring some of these documents may take longer than the 20-day deadline, and applicants may need additional time. For police certificates, for example, they may submit proof that they requested the document as part of their application. They can then submit the official document as soon as they receive it. Once IRCC receives the application and processing fees, an officer will verify the candidate's information and assess their eligibility and admissibility to Canada. Use the Pay Your Fees Tool to find out more about application fees.
IRCC may also request an applicant’s biometrics or other additional documents not mentioned in the checklist. Approved applicants receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter in their account.
Receiving a POE letter does not guarantee entry to Canada, as a border officer makes the final decision. Like with other permits and visas, participants should be prepared to show their documents at the border, including their passport, Port of Entry (POE) Letter, proof of funds, health insurance and others. This may also include a departure ticket from Canada or sufficient funds to purchase one. The work permit will be issued at the border and will not be valid beyond passport expiration. IEC work permits can only be extended in very limited circumstances.
The IEC Program offers benefits like international work experience, career advancement, and language skill improvement
Participants can also explore Canada’s diverse cities, nature, and culture while working and funding the trip of a lifetime.
Given that Canada is known for its diversity, friendly people, and high quality of life, participants often network and form long-lasting friendships while building independence, resilience, and a broader global perspective by spending time abroad. Lastly, some participants may wish to stay in Canada temporarily or permanently after their IEC work permit expires. Some may qualify immediately for one of Canada’s permanent residency pathways, such as Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or Family Class Sponsorship. In contrast, others may still need to gather the necessary Canadian work experience to become eligible. Find out whether you are eligible to extend your stay by completing the Come to Canada questionnaire.
Eligible participants may extend their stay by applying for:
Applicants are encouraged to submit their extension applications at least 30 days before their IEC work permit expires to ensure they maintain their legal status.
IEC Applicants may apply for a work permit themselves or use the help of a Recognized Organization (RO). ROs are Canadian-based third-party providers recognized by IRCC. They lend support during the application and preparation process, help participants find jobs and housing, connect them with other IEC participants and more. In limited circumstances, certain ROs can help small numbers of youth from non-partner countries participate in IEC.
International Experience Canada (IEC) offers participants an exciting way to explore Canada, gain meaningful work experience, and immerse themselves in a new culture. For many, IEC provides a chance to make lifelong memories while building valuable skills and connections.
However, whether IEC is the right fit for you ultimately depends on your goals, expectations, and personal situation. If you're interested in a short-term work-and-travel experience, IEC may be ideal. But if you're considering a long-term or permanent move to Canada, there may be more effective pathways for you. While some IEC participants successfully transition to permanent residency, this depends on factors like job type, experience gained, and eligibility for other immigration streams.
Be sure to explore your options and make an informed decision about applying by visiting forums and connecting with former or current IEC participants. You can also check the IRCC website for updates and find answers to commonly asked questions.
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