Canada News / May 16, 2024

Canada’s IEC 2024: Work Permit Invitations Issued

The latest update on the International Experience Canada (IEC) 2024 season reveals a significant milestone: 1818 work permit invitations were issued by the week ending May 11, 2024.

The IEC 2024 program encompasses three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op Internship. Each category offers unique opportunities for young people from eligible countries to gain valuable work experience in Canada.

During the week of May 11, 2024, a total of 1818 work permit invitations were extended as part of the IEC 2024 season. The majority of these invitations, totaling 1568, were allocated to individuals in the Working Holiday category.

Currently, there are 33290 applications from 34 different countries in the Working Holiday pool. Additionally, the International Co-op Internship category issued 81 invitations, while the Young Professionals category received 169 invitations.

The IEC 2024 season commenced on December 11, 2023, allowing young individuals from eligible countries to submit their profiles to the IEC pool. The Canadian government had announced that the first round of invitations would be sent out during the week of January 8, 2024.

As of May 11, 2024, prospective applicants can access information on invited countries, yearly quotas, the number of candidates in the pool, and the likelihood of receiving an invitation in the upcoming weeks.

Under the Working Holiday program, individuals receive an open work permit, enabling them to work for various Canadian employers without requiring a job offer. This category is suitable for those seeking employment opportunities across different locations in Canada while earning money to fund their travels.

The Young Professionals category offers an employer-specific work visa to selected candidates from eligible countries. Applicants must possess a valid job offer from a Canadian company to advance their careers and work with the same employer in the same location throughout their stay in Canada.

Similarly, the International Co-op Internship category provides a business-specific work visa to postsecondary students with internship or work placement offers in Canada. Participants are required to complete their internship or work placement as part of their education, remaining with the same employer in the same location during their tenure in Canada.

In terms of fees for the IEC 2024 season, Canada has announced that the cost for all participants will be $172 CAD. However, fees may vary depending on the chosen immigration program. Applicants for the Working Holiday category are required to pay a $100 CAD fee, while Young Professionals and International Co-op candidates do not incur additional charges. Employers sponsoring participants under the program are subject to a $230 CAD employer compliance charge. Additionally, applicants needing to provide biometrics must pay an extra $85 CAD along with the IEC fee.

The IEC 2024 season provides overseas youth with valuable job experience in Canada. Understanding the invitation statistics, category requirements, and fee structures is essential for prospective applicants to make informed decisions. Stay tuned for further updates and tips on maximizing the opportunities offered by the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Follow us for updates on work permits, visa application processes, paths to permanent residency, and visa-sponsored employment.

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