International Experience Canada (IEC) comprises programs that allow young individuals from participating countries to come to Canada for temporary work and living experiences. Successful candidates under an IEC program can apply for a Canadian work permit without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). These programs permit a temporary stay in Canada, with work permits granted for up to two years.
This category is suitable if:
With the Working Holiday category, you receive an open work permit, allowing you to work for most employers in Canada, with some exceptions. Certain jobs may require a medical exam.
This category is intended for you if:
In this category, the work must be:
You will receive an employer-specific work permit. Your employer must comply with provincial or territorial labor laws, including minimum wage standards. The job must align with the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). A TEER 4 job may qualify if it is related to your field of study. You must provide your post-secondary diploma, certificate, or degree, translated into English or French.
This category is designed for you if:
In this category, you will receive an employer-specific work permit. The internship must be directly related to your field of study. Wages and labor standards must adhere to provincial or territorial laws, which will also determine whether the internship is paid.
If you are a citizen of a partner country, you may apply to one or more of these categories. In certain cases, recognized organizations (ROs) may assist small numbers of youth from non-partner countries.
As an IEC participant, you are protected by Canadian labor laws. Your employer must:
To participate in International Experience Canada (IEC), you must be a Canadian citizen aged 18 to 35, or a citizen of a participating country with a youth mobility agreement (YMA) with Canada. In some cases, recognized organizations (ROs) may assist a limited number of youth from non-partner countries. Eligibility varies by country, with some allowing participation only once, while others may permit participation twice in different categories. Ensure you verify your country’s specific rules before applying.
Participation limits are based on your country’s agreements with Canada. Even if invited to apply, you cannot exceed your country’s allowed number of participations. Eligibility, including past participations, will be assessed during your application process. It is essential to understand all requirements before submitting your application. Note that holding a refugee travel document does not qualify you for participation if your country has a YMA with Canada.
Family members cannot join you under the IEC program. However, they may apply independently to work, visit, or study in Canada. Each application will be considered separately.
Your profile remains in the pool until:
Invitations are issued regularly during the IEC season.
You can only have one IEC profile at any given time, but you may be eligible for multiple pools. When completing your profile, you will be informed of the pools available to you, such as Working Holiday and Young Professionals. You can submit your profile to any of these eligible pools.
Invitations are issued in the following order:
If you are in both the International Co-op (Internship) and Working Holiday pools, you will first receive an Invitation for the International Co-op category. An Invitation for the Working Holiday category will only be issued if no spots are available in the International Co-op (Internship) category.
Receiving an Invitation to Apply does not automatically grant a work permit. To obtain a work permit, you must:
Start gathering necessary supporting documents as they may take time to obtain. An Invitation to Apply can be issued at any time, so be prepared to submit your application and documents promptly.
Processing typically takes 6 weeks, starting after submission of all required documents, including biometrics.
You are no longer eligible to withdraw your application or receive a refund, except if your employer withdraws the job offer before you travel. In this case, your application will be refused, and you will receive a refund of your IEC fee.
The Working Holiday permit provides an open work permit, allowing candidates to work for any employer and change jobs or locations without restrictions. No job offer is needed, and candidates can live in various places while earning income. The advantages of a Working Holiday permit include:
Canada sets specific quotas for candidates from each country, which affects the likelihood of success. Applicants should review their country’s quota to improve their chances of selection.
The Young Professionals category enables candidates to acquire professional experience in Canada by working for a designated Canadian employer. To participate, candidates must have a job offer from a Canadian employer and will receive a work permit that is linked to that employer.
The International Co-op category enables international students to undertake internships or work placements in Canada as part of their post-secondary education. To qualify, candidates must:
Working with a lawyer for an LMIA-exempt Canadian work permit offers significant advantages due to the complexity of immigration laws and the challenges involved in navigating them. A lawyer provides specialized expertise to ensure your application is thoroughly prepared and adheres to all regulations, minimizing the risk of mistakes and delays. They offer tailored advice specific to your circumstances, manage any issues that may occur, and help you present a compelling case. This expert support streamlines the process, enhances your likelihood of approval, and provides peace of mind, allowing you to concentrate on your professional goals.
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