INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE CANADA PROGRAM (IEC)
1. What is the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?
– The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers young people from around the world the opportunity to work and travel in Canada. Young people from over 30 countries can obtain an Open Work Permit that allows them to work for any employer they choose in Canada.
– Work permits issued under the IEC program are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
2. There are three main streams under which applicants can apply:
– Working Holiday: Can issue an extended open work permit (OWP) for up to two years, allowing the holder to work for any employer in Canada and in most occupations
– Young Professionals: Issues employer-specific work permits for individuals who have a job offer and intend to work for a single employer in Canada
– International Co-op: Allows citizens of participating countries who have enrolled in a post-secondary program in their home country to intern for a specific company in Canada. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a work permit under their specific immigration stream and be eligible to come and work in Canada for the authorized period of stay.
3. To be eligible for the IEC program, applicants must:
– Be a citizen of one of the over 30 countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada;
– Have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Canada (the work permit issued will not be longer than the validity of the passport);
– Be between the ages of 18-30 or 35 at the time of application (the upper age limit may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality);
– Possess funds equivalent to CAD 2,500 upon landing to cover initial living expenses;
– Be able to purchase medical insurance for the duration of their stay (participants may be required to provide proof of this insurance upon entry to Canada);
– Be admissible to Canada;
– Have purchased a return ticket or have sufficient funds to purchase a return ticket upon completion of the Program in Canada;
– Not be accompanied by dependants;
– Pay the applicable fees. Specific age limits and eligibility requirements may vary by country.