International Experience Canada
Immigration for workers is possible
after participation in the International Experience Canada (IEC).
The IEC is a program that allows young foreigners to obtain a Work
Permit in Canada for a period of one year. This initiative was
developed by Canada in collaboration with other countries to
increase international cultural exchange and global youth mobility
of young people aged 18 to 30 (18 to 35 years old for Australia).
Canada has such agreements with 35 countries and territories.
There are three categories in International Experience Canada:
"Working Holiday"' ,"International Co-op Internship", and "Young
Professionals". The most popular category of the program is the
"Working Holiday". as this is the only category in which you do not
need to have a job offer. To apply in the other two categories, you
will need to have a job offer, however, job offers in the IEC are
LMIA-exempt.
Twelve months will be not enough time to gain at least one year of
Canadian Work Experience, however, it may enable you several
opportunities to become a Permanent Resident of Canada. First of
all, you can apply again for another category of IEC to get another
Work Permit, however, there might be a requirement of time you need
to spend in your home country before the second application. Not all
countries are allowed to apply for IEC for the second time.
Secondly, you can build a strong relationship with your employer so
he can apply for LMIA or simply offer you a position to support your
second IEC application. Finally, the time spent in Canada will
improve your knowledge skills, so you may score enough points in the
Express Entry.
International Experience Canada consists of the following stages:
Stage 1:
Preparation of the initial package of documents
At this stage, you will receive instructions on all the necessary
documents. These documents are required to register you with the
International Experience Canada pool of candidates. We will also
check all additional program conditions for your country.
Stage 2: Creating a profile
International Experience Canada
We will register your profile in the pool of International
Experience Canada candidates and provide the Department of
Immigration with all the necessary information about you.
Stage 3: Invitation to Apply
Once your IEC profile is created, the Federal government knows that
you are willing to come to Canada to get work experience. The
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds rounds of
invitations in the IEC every week. The invitation season opens in
early January and closes in October. When you get an Invitation to
Apply, we will submit your application for a Work Permit.
Stage 4: Applying for a Work Permit
To work in Canada you will need proper documents from the Canadian
government. During this stage, you also receive the instruction
regarding the documents we will need to apply for a Work Permit.
Stage 5: Work in Canada
Once your application for a Work Permit under the IEC has been
approved, you can come to Canada. Your Work Permit will be issued by
the border officer when you land in Canada.