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International Experience Canada: Work and Travel Abroad Opportunities

The International Experience Canada (IEC) Program is an opportunity for those between the ages of 18-35 to live and work in Canada for up to one year. To be eligible you need to fill out an application and answer some questions about yourself, your skills and why you want to experience Canada. The IEC program is a great way to gain international experience, learn new skills and make new friends from all over the world. It is also an excellent opportunity to see another country and learn about its culture and way of life.

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IEC work permits are granted through a random draw mechanism. Not every foreign national who submits an interest form will be chosen for the program. The likelihood of success depends on the quota for each country and program. The IEC manages three distinct initiatives. While the IEC has broad requirements, applicants should verify the specific program requirements. Each program has its own requirements and might result in a distinct type of work authorization:

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  1. Working Holiday

  2. Young Professionals

  3. International Co-op Internship

quick facts

  • Validity: 2 years.​

  • Fee: $100++

  • LMIA/Job offer required: Program Specific  

  • Processing time: 8-10 weeks.

  • Participation Categories: 

    • Working Holiday​

    • Young Professionals

    • International Co-op

International Experience Canada

What is International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?

 

International Experience Canada (IEC) gives youth the opportunity to travel and work in Canada for up to 2 years. If one of their IEC submission results in success, foreign nationals will be qualified to apply for a work permit in Canada without first undergoing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

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Applicants can submit an application for are 3 different kinds of work and travel visa options:

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  1. The Working Holiday category is for individuals who:

    • do not have a job offer;

    • want to work for more than one employer in Canada;

    • want to work in more than one location; and/or

    • want to earn more so they can travel.

  2. Young Professionals Category

    • This category is for individuals who:

      • Possess a genuine job offer for a paid position that enhances their professional development

      • They intend to work for the same employer throughout their stay in Canada.

      • Have a signed job offer letter or employment contract from a Canadian employer. The offered position must correspond to National Occupation Code (NOC) Skill Type Level 0, A, or B.

  3. International Co-op Internship

    • ​Under the International Co-op Internship category, you must be enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution outside of Canada and be participating in a formal internship program that is part of your studies. Your internship must be related to your field of study and must take place in Canada. Once you have been accepted into the IEC program, you can apply for a work permit that will allow you to work in Canada for up to 12 months.​

    • This category is for individuals who:

      • are registered at a post-secondary institution outside of Canada;

      • have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada that is required to complete their studies;

      • plan on working for the same employer during their stay in Canada.

    • Participants must arrange co-op placements with Canadian employers before applying.

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You might be eligible to apply for one or more of these three categories if you're a citizen of a partner nation. You might be able to apply to IEC through a reputable organization even if you don't have citizenship in one of the partner nations.

Who can apply for International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?

 

The IEC program is open to young people from around the world who want to come to Canada and experience our country and culture. To be eligible, you must:

  • be a citizen of a participating country

  • be between the ages of 18 and 35

  • have a valid passport + a return ticket to your home country. 

  • have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada (C$2500.00 or equivalent foreign exchange). 

  • be healthy and have no criminal record

  • have insurance that covers your medical expenses while in Canada

  • agree to obey the laws of Canada

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To participate

  1. your country or territory of citizenship must have a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada or

  2. you may be able to use a recognized organization

 

Some countries permit participation just once. Others permit double participation, albeit in separate categories. Because each country is unique, it is essential to determine if you are eligible to apply.

 

You are only permitted to take part as many times as your nation 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 you submit an application, be sure you have read and comprehended all of the requirements.

How does the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program​ work?

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The IEC follows a model of Expression of Interest/Invitation to Apply. Before submitting an application, eligible candidates must receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and a completed IEC profile.

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Here are the steps to apply for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program:

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  1. Complete the Come to Canada questionnaire and obtain your personal reference code, if eligible.

  2. Use this code to create an account online.

  3. Finish building your profile in the IEC profile builder.

  4. Submit your profile and select the IEC pools in which you wish to participate.

 

If you receive an Offer to Apply through your account, you will have ten days to either begin your application or decline the invitation. Click the "Start Application" button in your account if you accept to initiate the work permit application procedure.

 

After clicking "Start Application," you have 20 days, regardless of whether you accept on day 1 or day 10, to complete, pay, and submit the application for a work permit.

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Make sure you: 

  • Have uploaded all supporting documents

    • Police Clearance Certificate(s)

    • Medical exam reports (if applicable) (if you don’t have the supporting documents, you can upload proof that you have applied to undertake a medical exam and that a police certificate request has been sent).

    • Proof of financial support

    • Heath Insurance (Your health insurance must cover the entire time you’re in Canada)

    • CV/Resume

    • Passport

    • Digital photograph

    • Family information form

    • your post-secondary (if applicable; program specific) 

      • diploma

      • certificate or

      • degree

    • Recognized Organization acceptance letter

    • Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) letter (if applicable; program specific) 

  • Pay your the applicable participation fee of CAD $153.00. For Working Holiday Category, applicants pay their open work permit holder fee of CAD $100 at this time as well.

  • Submit an application for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

 

If your application is approved, an introduction letter (LOI) will be issued to your account. The document's formal title is Port of Entry (POE) Introduction Letter. This letter must be shown upon arrival at a Canadian Port of Entry (such as an international airport) to get a work permit. (During the evaluation of your application, IRCC may ask for additional documents). 

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Note: Under the IEC program, work permit extensions are typically not permitted. However, IEC participants may be eligible to extend the validity duration of their work permits beyond what the border services officer first granted them upon entering Canada. These situations are described below.

What documents are required to apply for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?

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The documents required for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program will depend on the category you're applying for. Applicants may need to provide the following documents as part of application:

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  1. Police Clearance Certificate(s)

  2. Medical exam reports (if applicable) (if you don’t have the supporting documents, you can upload proof that you have applied to undertake a medical exam and that a police certificate request has been sent).

  3. Proof of financial support

  4. Heath Insurance (Your health insurance must cover the entire time you’re in Canada)

  5. CV/Resume

  6. Passport

  7. Digital photograph

  8. Family information form

  9. your post-secondary (if applicable; program specific) 

    • diploma

    • certificate or

    • degree

  10. Recognized Organization acceptance letter

  11. Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) letter (if applicable; program specific) 

Need help in applying for the International Experience Canada(IEC) Program? Hire an authorized paid representative.

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IMMERGITY Immigration Consultant are very experienced with the application process and can help you navigate the system. We will also provide valuable insights and tips on how to increase your chances of success. Get in touch now.

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If you're thinking of hiring a representative, be sure to check that they're authorized by IRCC. You can verify our credentials by clicking here.

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Hiring a representative is not required, but it can be helpful, especially if you're not familiar with the application process. If you decide to hire a representative, be sure to choose someone who you trust and who you feel comfortable working with.

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