IEC Program Canada - What Is IEC Canada
What Is IEC Canada? The International Experience Canada (IEC) program provides opportunities for young adults aged 18-35 from participating countries to travel and work in Canada temporarily.
IEC Eligibility - Canadian Immigration IEC Countries List
Citizens of the following countries are eligible: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic (Czechia), Denmark (Danish citizens residing in Greenland and the Faroe Islands are also eligible), Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
IEC Working Holiday Visa, Young Professionals, and international Co-op Categories
The program is divided into three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. The first of the three IEC pools, the Working Holiday category is an open work permit which enables participants to work and travel in Canada for up to 24 months, without the requirement of a job offer before arrival. The Young Professionals category is designed for individuals possessing a job offer in Canada related to their field of study or career. Participants can work for one Canadian employer for up to 24 months. The International Co-op category allows international students to complete a work placement or internship in their field of study at a recognized organization in Canada for up to 12 months.
Let Guberman Appleby Help You Obtain Your Canada IEC Work Permit
Canadian immigration via IEC can be a long, complex process. Errors or accidental ommissions in your application can lead to undue delays in your application’s approval or even outright denial of a Canada IEC work permit. The best way to ensure that your application has the highest opportunity for success and faces minimal delays is by working with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer.
The team of experienced immigration lawyers at Guberman // Appleby will be able to guide you through the IEC application process every step of the way. Have your application prepared by leading legal professionals so you can guarantee the best possible outcome – Contact us today.
Canada IEC Visa FAQ
It takes 56 days for the government to process an IEC application from the date it is submitted. Processing begins once you have submitted biometrics and will stop if additional documents are requested.
There is no way to speed up the processing of your IEC application once it is submitted. The most effective way to expedite the application process is to submit as complete and detailed an application as possible. If your application is incomplete and the government requires further documentation or evidence, then the process will take much longer.
If you have work experience, post secondary education, and speak english or french proficiently, then you can apply for economic immigration through a program like express entry or one of the many Provincial Nominee Programs.
If you possess any useful skills or specialized knowledge that make you an attractive candidate for a Canadian employer, you may be able to receive a job offer in Canada. If this is the case, you can apply for a Canadian work permit through either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program. Your would-be employer may have to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Canada has several internationally renowned universities, and another way to remain in the country is by being accepted by a Canadian institution and being granted a study permit. Earning a post-secondary degree or diploma in Canada is an excellent step towards permanent residence so you can stay in Canada indefinitely.