Thinking of temporary stay in Canada then International Experience Canada (IEC), this is the program run by the government of Canada that allows young people from 30+ partner countries to live, work and travel in Canada temporarily. In simple way we can say it’s a direct gateway to Canada for a temporary period. International Experience Canada was launched in 1951 and it has evolved over time.
The program functions through reciprocal agreements between Canada and partner countries, allowing not only the foreign youth to work and travel in Canada but also giving the Canadian youth opportunity to go abroad under similar conditions.
The main objective is to provide international work experience and promote cultural exchange between Canada and participating countries and great opportunities for the youth population.
What is the Eligibility for International Experience Canada?
There are certain requirements which are needed to be fulfilled for International Experience Canada (IEC)
- Citizen / Passport holder of a partner country: IEC is only open to citizens of specific countries that have bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada. The eligibility varies from country to country. All countries are not eligible for all three categories.
- Age limit: It is required for the IEC program, you must be within the age range specified by your country at the time you submit your application. For most countries, this means being between 18 and 30 or in some cases 18 and 35 years old. Importantly, as long as you apply before reaching the upper age limit, you remain eligible even if you turn 31 or 36 after your profile has been submitted.
- Valid Passport: A valid passport is required for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. A work permit cannot be issued for more than passport validity period.
- Proof of Financial Support: The applicant must provide proof that they have a minimum of CAD $2,500 to support themselves upon arrival in Canada. This can be demonstrated through a recent bank statement in your name, ideally dated within a week of your entry, or through other financial documents that clearly show you have access to sufficient funds.
- Health Insurance Requirement: Applicant is required to have health insurance that provides coverage for medical care, hospitalization and repatriation (emergency return to your home country). The insurance must be valid for the entire duration of stay in Canada. Failure to show proof of adequate coverage at the border may result in being denied entry into the country.
- Medical Exam: It is required to undergo a medical exam if the applicant has lived in or traveled to certain countries for six months or more within the past year, or if the applicant intends to work in specific fields such as health care, child care, teaching or agriculture (in some regions). The medical exam must be conducted by a panel physician approved by the Canadian government.
- Admissibility to Canada: The applicant should not have any criminal record in the past,the applicant should not pose any harmful disease and should not be inadmissible for other reasons.
- Return Ticket Proof: The applicant needs a return ticket or some kind of proof that they have enough funds to buy one.
- Required Fees: The typical costs associated with the IEC program include a participation fee of CAD $172 and, if required, a biometrics fee of CAD $85. Additionally, for those applying under the Young Professionals or International Co-op categories, an employer compliance fee of CAD $230 must be paid by the employer. However, participants in the Working Holiday category are not required to pay this employer fee.
- Job Offer: Certain times a job offer is also required. The Working Holiday category does not require a job offer and allows you to obtain an open work permit, giving you the flexibility to work for any employer in any location across Canada. In contrast, the Young Professionals category requires a valid job offer that is directly related to your field of study or career. The job must also support your professional development and the work permit issued will be employer-specific.
- Restriction on number of participation: A candidate can use international Experience Canada (IEC) for certain numbers of time.
Process of International Experience Canada
- Check eligibility: Firstly check the eligibility from the criterias mentioned above if all the eligibility criteria then move to the next step.
- Select an IEC category: There are a total three categories: working holiday, young professionals and international Co-op. Every county is not eligible for all three categories.
- Create and submit an IEC profile: Sign in or register on the IRCC portal then create a profile and answer the eligibility questions and finally submit the profile to the appropriate tool. Only one profile is allowed per person but multiple categories may be selected if eligible.
- Invitation to apply: Invitations are issued in rounds throughout the season and selection is random and based on different kinds of quotas and spots available.
- Receive and accept ITA: Once invited, the candidate has 10 days to accept the invitation and after acceptance there are 20 days to fill and submit the application.
- Submit Work Permit application: There are certain documents required which are valid passport, digital photo, police certificates (if applicable), medical exam (for certain countries or job types) Resume/CV, Job offer (for Young Professionals and Co-op), payment of applicable fees (e.g., CAD $161, biometrics fee and open work permit fee if applicable).
- Biometrics Collection: After submitting the application, the applicant will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL). Following this, they are required to provide their fingerprints and photograph at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- Wait for processing: Processing times can vary, often ranging from several weeks to a few months. Once the application is approved, a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction will be issued.
- Prepare to enter Canada: Applicants should bring several important documents, including the Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and a valid passport that covers the entire duration of their stay. They must also provide proof of funds with a minimum of CAD $2,500, along with health insurance documentation that covers the full length of their visit. Additionally, a return flight ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one should be presented. If requested, police or medical documents must also be provided.
- Arrival in Canada: At the border, a Canadian officer will carefully review all submitted documents. If the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and provides the necessary supporting documents, a work permit will be issued. The length of the permit will be determined by factors such as the validity of the passport, the coverage period of the health insurance, and the maximum duration allowed for the specific permit category.
From the the above information we can conclude that International Experience Canada (IEC) is completely useful for a temporary stay in Canada ,the only drawback is that it requires a lot of legal formalities but regardless of that its very much beneficial for immigrants.There are three categories which are needed to be kept in mind and all countries did not offer them. We can finally say that it’s perfect for a temporary stay.
