All About International Experience Canada

The International Experience Canada (IEC) is a federal program that allows young persons from participating countries to work and travel in Canada for a maximum of one year. The program is executed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to help students gain international work exposure and experience the culture of a different country. This blog will cover more information about the IEC such as the structure, eligibility requirements, how to apply, advantages, and other concerns.

What is International Experience Canada?

IEC offers three distinct programs:

Details of the Programs

Here are the details of the program IEC offers:

Working Holiday

The Working Holiday visa is designed for those who wish to enjoy the ability to switch jobs and travel within Canada. This program targets those without a job offer from a Canadian employer who wish to work for several employers and reside in different areas while making money to support their lifestyle.

Young Professionals

The Young Professionals program will enable foreign nationals to gain Canadian work experience while working for a particular employer. This program requires a job offer from a Canadian employer and provides an employer-specific work permit which means that participants are supposed to work for the same employer and in the same firm in Canada.

International Co-op (Internship)

The International Co-op Internship program is for students who are required to take a work placement or an internship as a part of their studies in a post-secondary institution. This program also offers an employer-specific work permit where the participants are supposed to work for the same employer in the same location while in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for IEC, candidates must:

• Be within the age of 18-35 years (18-30 in some countries).

• Be a passport holder of one of the participating countries of the visa waiver program.

• To satisfy the needs of the chosen IEC category meet specified criteria.

Participating Countries in the Program

Here is a detailed table outlining the participating countries and the categories they offer:

Application Process

The IEC application process is divided into several steps:

Step 1: Make Up a Profile

To participate in the pool as a candidate for any of the IEC categories, candidates must register on the IEC website. This profile contains information about the person including their contact information, his/her academic achievements, and his/her working experience.

Step 2: Get an Invitation to Apply

Invitations are issued in normal draws. Applicants who were invited can go ahead and apply for the work permit. The selection is done randomly and the likelihood of being considered for an invitation depends on the quota for each program and country.

Step 3: Work Permit Application Form

Once the candidate accepts the invitation, they have to submit the complete work permit application within 20 days. This entails submitting an application with information and supporting documents including; a passport, photographs, proof of funds, and a police clearance certificate.

Step 4: Get Work Permit

The ones who are granted the permit are issued with a work permit which enables them to work in Canada for the stated duration. The work permit defines the guidelines and the measures that are in place such as the type of work that the foreigner is allowed to do and the time he or she is allowed to work.

Important Considerations

Here are some things to pay attention to while applying:

Fees

The fee for IEC is CAD $172 as a processing fee. Extra charges may include; Biometrics and other services including police certificates and medical examinations among others. These expenses should be expected by participants when designing the application.

Processing Time

It may take some time for the processing of applications and the duration may also depend on the volume of applications received as well as the type of program chosen. You should always refer to the IRCC website for processing times and it is recommended to apply for a visa months before the planned travel.

Recognized Organizations (ROs)

The Recognized Organizations (ROs) can help in the planning of your experience in Canada. They provide services including job search help, pre-departure information, and help once you get to Canada. An RO can help especially for those who have no idea on how to go about the application process or those who have not previously lived and worked in Canada.

Conclusion

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a great chance for young people to get work experience in Canada, improve their language skills, and acquire Canadian experience. If you are planning to work and travel using the Working Holiday, to gain professional experience using the Young Professionals program, or to do an internship under the International Co-op program, then IEC can open a path for you to a fruitful and meaningful experience in Canada.