International Experience Canada (IEC) encompasses a series of initiatives facilitating temporary residence and employment opportunities in Canada for young individuals from participating nations. Successful applicants under any of the IEC programs gain the ability to apply for Canadian work permits without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). IEC grants temporary residency in Canada, with approved work permits typically valid for up to one year.
The following topics will be addressed:
International Experience Canada operates through reciprocal bilateral agreements between Canada and other nations. Consequently, Canadian citizens are entitled to comparable opportunities to travel and work in countries participating in the IEC program!
Eligibility for participation in the International Experience Canada program requires foreign nationals to fall within the accepted age range specified by their country’s program (with a maximum age limit of 35 years old) and for their country of citizenship to have an agreement with Canada permitting them to apply for a work permit. The following countries have such agreements with Canada under the IEC:
| Country | Working Holiday | Young Professionals | International Co-op Internship |
| Andorra | Yes | No | No |
| Australia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Austria | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Belgium | Yes | No | No |
| Chile | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Costa Rica | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Croatia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Czech Republic | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Denmark | Yes | No | No |
| Estonia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| France | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Germany | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Greece | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hong Kong | Yes | No | No |
| Ireland | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Italy | Yes | No | No |
| Japan | Yes | No | No |
| Korea, Rep. | Yes | No | No |
| Latvia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lithuania | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Luxembourg | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mexico | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Netherlands | Yes | Yes | No |
| New Zealand | Yes | No | No |
| Norway | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Poland | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Portugal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| San Marino | Yes | No | No |
| Slovakia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Slovenia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spain | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sweden | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Switzerland | No | Yes | Yes |
| Taiwan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ukraine | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| United Kingdom | Yes | No | No |
The International Experience Canada (IEC) consists of three distinct programs, and member countries may not engage in all three. Moreover, eligibility standards, application processes, and the probability of success differ across programs and countries. Comprehensive information regarding the program requirements of participating countries can be found on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. If a country is not listed, participation in IEC may still be feasible, albeit requiring the involvement of a Recognized Organization for assistance.
The Working Holiday Visa caters to individuals seeking the flexibility to work with any employer while exploring Canada. Successful applicants obtain an open work permit, freeing them from ties to specific employers and locations. This program is ideal for foreign nationals from participating countries who:
Due to its relaxed requirements, the Working Holiday program is highly popular. Canada allocates quotas for this program per country, influencing applicants’ chances of success. Interested individuals should check their country’s quotas for an accurate understanding of their likelihood of approval.
The Young Professionals program provides an avenue for foreign nationals to acquire professional work experience in Canada through employment with a Canadian employer. Participation in this program necessitates having a job offer from a Canadian employer. Successful applicants under the Young Professionals program receive an employer-specific work permit, obliging them to work for the same employer in the same location throughout their stay in Canada.
This program is particularly suitable for foreign nationals from participating countries who:
Typically, positions classified under National Occupation Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B are deemed to contribute to professional development. Each participating country has specific quotas to be filled annually for this program. Prospective applicants should verify the quotas for their country to assess the likelihood of their success.
The International Co-op Internship program offers international students the opportunity to fulfill an internship or work placement requirement in Canada as part of their post-secondary education. Participation in this program mandates having a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada, which is integral to the completion of their studies. Successful applicants under this program are granted an employer-specific work permit, necessitating them to work for the same employer in the same location throughout their stay in Canada.
This program is particularly suitable for foreign nationals from participating countries who:
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the requirements specific to their country to ascertain the exact application procedures and quotas for the program.
Foreign nationals interested in applying to an IEC program are required to follow a five-step process:
Upon confirming their country’s participation in the IEC and selecting their preferred program, applicants can create an account on the IEC website. Meeting the eligibility requirements automatically enters their account into the IEC pool of candidates.
IEC conducts random draws of candidates regularly. Those selected in a draw receive an Invitation to Apply, allowing them to proceed to step three. Quotas vary by program and country, so candidates should verify their country’s quotas for a better understanding of their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply.
Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply, candidates have 10 days to accept it. After acceptance, they have 20 days to submit an online application for a work permit. Declining an invitation returns the candidate to the pool of candidates for consideration in future draws.
Following acceptance of the Invitation to Apply, candidates have 20 days to submit a work permit application online via the IRCC web portal. Applicants should review documentation requirements in advance to ensure they have sufficient time to prepare the application.
If the application is successful, the applicant receives confirmation of their work permit and information about the validity period of their authorization to work in Canada.
International Experience Canada conducts regular draws, with quotas varying for each of the three IEC programs and differing based on the country. To assess the likelihood of success in an IEC program, it is advisable to consult the International Experience Canada webpage for precise program quotas per country. Typically, the IEC updates its website with information about new draws every Friday.
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