Application for the 2023 pool is now open through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
The IEC announced last year that it will be boosting the number of participants in its program, giving nearly 90,000 candidates from partner nations the chance to work and visit Canada in 2023. This year, the application pool has opened.
The program is Canada’s means of exposing young people from its 36 partner countries to the world and giving them the chance to work abroad. Approved applicants will also be given the chance to work legally in Canada and travel anywhere in the nation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) anticipate that the program’s growth will contribute to meeting the workforce shortages in industries that were adversely affected by the epidemic, most notably the tourism industry.
What is the IEC program’s procedure?
An IEC work permit may be available to nationals of partner countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements with Canada who are between the ages of 18 and 35 (all inclusive) and who fall within the eligible age range. Candidates may apply under one of three main streams:
- The Working Holiday stream, which enables recipients to work for any business in Canada and in the majority of industries for up to two years while holding an Open Work Permit (OWP);
- The Young Professionals stream offers an employer-specific work visa for those who have a job offer, and to work with one company in Canada.
- Citizens of the participating nations who are enrolled in a post-secondary program in their home nation are eligible to apply for an international co-op internship, which gives them the opportunity to work as interns for a particular Canadian company.
According to the program’s “expression of interest/invitation to apply” paradigm, candidates who are interested can submit a profile of themselves to the IEC pool. These candidates (now applicants) will be invited to submit an application for a work permit in Canada if selected.
The applicant will be able to enter and work in Canada for the duration of their authorized stay if their application is accepted, and they will acquire their work visa under their specified stream.
Eligibility
In order to apply under the IEC, candidates must:
- possess a passport from or be a citizen of one of the 36 nations with whom Canada has youth mobility agreements;
- possess a passport that is still valid throughout their visit to Canada;
- be between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive) at the time of application, depending on the applicant’s nationality, and within the acceptable age range;
- arrive in Canada with the equivalent of $2,500 CAD;
- be able to purchase health insurance during their stay;
- able to enter Canada;
- possess (before departure) a round-trip ticket or the means to buy one at the conclusion of their permitted stay in Canada;
- not have dependents accompany them; and
- Pay the necessary fees.
With over 800,000 economic immigrants anticipated to arrive in Canada over the next three years, the IEC program capacity expansion comes at a time when Canada hopes to welcome more immigrants than ever. Through the IEC, young people can earn the necessary amount of work experience in Canada, which may make them later eligible for immigration to the country.
