International Experience Canada (IEC) is a government program designed to provide young people from various countries with the opportunity to live and work in Canada. Through this program, you can gain valuable international work experience while exploring Canada’s diverse culture and natural beauty. This post provides a deep dive into the IEC program, including the different streams available, eligibility criteria, the application process, and tips for maximizing your chances of success.
Streams Under the International Experience Canada (IEC)
IEC is part of a reciprocal agreement between Canada and various countries, allowing young individuals (generally aged 18 to 35) to work temporarily in Canada. The program offers work permits to citizens of participating countries for up to 12-24 months, depending on their nationality and the type of visa.
There are three main streams under the IEC:
Working Holiday: The most popular stream under IEC, the Working Holiday visa allows participants to work anywhere in Canada for any employer. It is an open work permit, meaning you do not need a job offer before applying. This is ideal for individuals seeking flexibility and adventure, as they can travel across the country and take on short-term jobs in various sectors.
Young Professionals: The Young Professionals stream is designed for those who already have a job offer in Canada in a field related to their career or professional development. This category offers a work permit tied to a specific employer, meaning you can only work for the company that has offered you a job.
International Co-op (Internship): The International Co-op stream is for students enrolled at a post-secondary institution in their home country. This stream allows you to complete an internship or work placement with a Canadian employer as part of your academic curriculum. Like the Young Professionals stream, the work permit is employer-specific.
Eligibility for International Experience Canada (IEC)
General Eligibility
- Age: You must be between 18 and 30 or 35 years old, depending on your country of citizenship.
- Country of Citizenship: You must be a citizen of a country that has a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada. These countries include Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, Japan, South Korea, and many European nations. You can check the list of participating countries on the official IEC website.
- Valid Passport: You must hold a valid passport from your home country for the duration of your stay in Canada.
- Funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself when you first arrive in Canada (typically CAD 2,500).
- Travel Insurance: It is mandatory to have health and travel insurance for the entire duration of your stay. Without insurance, you may not be allowed entry into Canada.
- Return Ticket: You must either have a return ticket to your home country or enough funds to purchase one when your permit expires.
- Medical Exam: In some cases, you may need to undergo a medical examination, especially if you plan to work in certain sectors like healthcare or with vulnerable populations.
Stream-Specific Eligibility
- Working Holiday: No job offer is required, but the program is competitive and based on a lottery system.
- Young Professionals: You need a job offer from a Canadian employer, and the job must be classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill levels 0, A, or B (managerial, professional, or technical jobs).
- International Co-op: You need to be a full-time student in your home country and have a job offer for a work placement or internship relevant to your field of study.
Application Process for International Experience Canada (IEC)
Create a Profile on the IEC Website: The first step in the IEC application process is to create an IEC profile on the official Government of Canada website. This profile includes your personal details, work and travel plans, and information about your eligibility.
- Visit the official IEC website.
- Complete the Come to Canada questionnaire to determine your eligibility for the IEC program.
- If you are eligible, you will receive a personal reference code.
- Use this code to create your profile on the IEC portal.
Enter the Pool: Once your profile is complete, you will be entered into a pool of candidates for your respective country and stream. For the Working Holiday stream, you do not need a job offer to enter the pool, but for the Young Professionals and International Co-op streams, you will need to submit details of your job offer during this stage.
The Working Holiday and International Co-op streams are competitive, and candidates are selected randomly through a draw process. If you are selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you are fortunate enough to be selected from the pool, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This is not guaranteed, as the number of participants is capped each year. Upon receiving the ITA, you will have 10 days to accept it and begin your work permit application.
Submit Work Permit Application: Once you accept your ITA, you have 20 days to complete your work permit application. This includes submitting the following documents:
- Proof of funds: Bank statements showing you have at least CAD 2,500 to support yourself.
- Passport: A copy of your valid passport.
- Job offer (for Young Professionals and International Co-op): A signed job offer or internship agreement.
- Medical exam results (if required): If you plan to work in healthcare, with children, or in certain other jobs, you may need to complete a medical exam.
- Police certificates: You may need to provide police certificates from any country where you have lived for six months or more since turning 18.
Pay Fees: The fees for IEC applications vary by stream:
- Working Holiday: CAD 156 (plus an additional CAD 100 for the open work permit).
- Young Professionals/International Co-op: CAD 156. Make sure you have a credit card or other method to pay these fees online.
Receive Your Port of Entry (POE) Letter: Once your application is approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter. This document allows you to enter Canada and obtain your work permit upon arrival. You must present this letter to the border officer when you arrive in Canada.
Arrive in Canada: When you arrive in Canada, you will need to present the following documents to a Canadian border officer:
- POE letter.
- Proof of funds.
- Return ticket or proof of sufficient funds to buy one.
- Health and travel insurance.
- Job offer letter (for Young Professionals and International Co-op).
If everything is in order, you will receive your work permit, and you can begin working in Canada.
Tips for a Successful International Experience Canada (IEC) Application
Apply Early: The IEC program is highly competitive, especially for the Working Holiday stream. To maximize your chances, enter the pool as early as possible in the season.
Be Prepared for the Invitation to Apply: Once you receive your ITA, the clock starts ticking. Make sure you have your documents ready, including police certificates, medical exams (if applicable), and proof of funds, to avoid any delays in submitting your application.
Get a Job Offer (If Needed): For the Young Professionals and International Co-op streams, you must have a job offer before applying. Begin your job search early by networking, using job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn, or reaching out to companies directly.
Benefits of Working in Canada through International Experience Canada (IEC)
- Valuable Work Experience: Gain international work experience, which is highly regarded by employers worldwide.
- Travel and Explore: The Working Holiday stream allows you to travel across Canada while working.
- Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in Canadian culture and improve your language skills (English or French).
- Networking: Build professional and personal networks that could lead to future job opportunities in Canada.
- Potential Path to Permanent Residency: The experience gained through IEC could make you eligible for Express Entry or other permanent residency programs if you decide to stay in Canada long-term.
In summary: The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a fantastic opportunity for young people to live, work, and travel in Canada. Whether you’re looking for a flexible working holiday or a professional job related to your career, the IEC offers several pathways to gain valuable work experience in one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in the world. By following the application steps carefully and preparing all necessary documents, you can successfully embark on your Canadian adventure.