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Navigating Life In Canada Post-IEC: Your Comprehensive Guide
By : Lifeincan   |   Jul 30, 2024

Navigating Life In Canada Post-IEC: Your Comprehensive Guide

The IEC, also known as the International Experience Canada program, gives youth from other countries a chance to live and work in Canada for up to two years. But what if your IEC visa is expected to expire? In this ultimate guide, you will learn different ways you can use to continue living in Canada so that you will be well-equipped with all the possibilities.

An Overview Of The IEC programs

The IEC program includes three main streams:

  • Working Holiday: Open work permits for young people to travel and work for any employer in Canada. Ideal for those seeking flexibility to change jobs and locations. Duration is typically 12 to 24 months, depending on the participant's country of origin.

  • Young Professionals: Employer-specific work permits aimed at career development in a chosen field. Requires a job offer that contributes to your professional development and is related to your background. Duration is typically up to 12 to 24 months.

  • International Co-op (Internship): Employer-specific work permits for post-secondary students to gain work experience related to their field of study. Requires a job offer for a relevant internship. Duration depends on the length of the internship and the participant's country of origin.

Although these streams are good to go so to speak to live in Canada, they are time-bound. After your IEC permit has expired, it cannot be renewed. However, there are other types of visas and permits that you can take to further your stay in Canada.

Ways Of Extending Your Stay In Canada

Here are some of the ways through which you can try to lengthen your stay in Canada beyond the expiry of your IEC permit. 

Work Permit For A Different Employment

Changing to another type of work permit is a realistic possibility for many IEC participants. Here are some of the key work permits available:

Options

Details

Eligibility

Employer-Specific Work Permit

Enables you to work under a particular employer in Canada.

Requires a job offer and a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or LMIA-exempt job offer.

Global Talent Stream

Fast-track visa for skilled workers in tech industries.

Requires a job offer in a designated tech position.

NAFTA/USMCA Work Permits

Allows citizens of the US and Mexico to work in Canada.

Must qualify under the professional or intra-company transferee categories.

Study Permits

Transitioning to a study permit is a popular option for IEC participants. Studying in Canada not only enhances your skills but also opens pathways to permanent residence.

Here are some of the advantages of the permit:

  • You can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during breaks.

  • Canadian education is valued globally and may increase your eligibility for permanent residence.

Permanent Residence Options

Applying for permanent residence is a strategic move for those wishing to make Canada their long-term home. Here are the main programs:

Program

Description

Eligibility

Express Entry

Points-based system for skilled workers.

Requires meeting specific criteria in education, work experience, and language skills.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Each province has its own immigration programs.

Varies by province; generally requires a job offer and ties to the province.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For those with Canadian work experience.

At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.

Extending Your Stay: Step-by-Step

Extending your stay in Canada after your IEC permit expires involves understanding the application processes and requirements for different permits and residency programs. Below are detailed steps for some of the most common pathways.

Employer-Specific Work Permit Application

Securing an employer-specific work permit involves several key steps. Ensure you follow these carefully to maximize your chances of approval.

Step

Description

Secure a Job Offer

Ensure you have a job offer from a Canadian employer.

LMIA Application

Your employer must apply for an LMIA unless the job is exempt.

Submit Work Permit Application

Once the LMIA is approved, apply for your work permit.

Study Permit Application

Here’s how to proceed with the study permit application:

Step

Description

Acceptance

Apply to and receive acceptance from a DLI.

Documentation

Submit your study permit application with proof of funds and the acceptance letter.

Application

Submit your study permit application online or at a visa office.

Express Entry Application

To apply for the express entry, follow these steps:

Step

Description

Create and submit an Express Entry profile

Complete your profile online and enter the pool of candidates.

Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Await an Invitation to Apply (ITA) which is determined by your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.


Submit a complete application

During school terms, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, and you can work full-time during school breaks.

Implied Status

If you apply for a new permit before your current IEC permit expires, you may remain in Canada under "implied status" until a decision is made on your new application.

Here are some benefits of the implied status:

  • You can continue to work under the same conditions as your IEC permit.

  • You remain in Canada legally while your application is processed.

If you are under implied status, there are some things you need to take care of:

  • Timing: Ensure you apply for a new permit before your current one expires.

  • Conditions: Continue working under the same conditions as your previous permit.

  • Legal Status: Remain in Canada legally while awaiting a decision on your application.

Conclusion

Being an international student in Canada after your IEC permit has expired you need to know your options and how to go about it. It is advisable to start searching for vacancies several months or even a year before the permit of IEC expires. It is always advisable to visit the IRCC website often to get new updates and changes in immigration laws. For complicated cases, it is advisable to seek the services of an immigration lawyer or consultant.

Therefore, with proper preparation and understanding of the laws governing immigration in the country, it is possible to extend an individual’s stay in Canada and possibly continue to tap into the numerous opportunities that the country holds.