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International Experience Canada (IEC) is a set of programs designed to offer young people from certain countries the opportunity to live and work in Canada for a limited time. These programs enable participants to obtain a work permit without having to go through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a procedure generally required to hire foreign workers. IEC work permits are valid for up to one year, providing an excellent opportunity to discover Canada while gaining work experience.
EIC offers three main types of program. Each is designed to meet different needs:
Not all participating countries offer all these programs. Some offer only one or two of them, while others allow access to all three.
The IEC program is based on a random selection system. Not all candidates expressing an interest in participating will necessarily be selected. The chances of success depend on the quotas allocated to each country and program. Once a candidate has validated that his/her country is participating in the IEC and has chosen a program, he/she can register online. After that, an invitation to apply may be sent if the candidate is selected.
To participate in the EIC, candidates must meet certain age criteria (generally between 18 and 35) and belong to a country that has a bilateral agreement with Canada. For example, countries such as Australia, Austria, Chile and many others offer different combinations of programs.
The application process consists of several stages:
The Working Holiday Visa is designed for those who wish to work in Canada without being tied to a specific employer. Successful applicants for this program receive an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada, in a variety of locations.
This program is ideal for those who want to work but still have the opportunity to travel around the country. One of the major advantages is the freedom to change employer or place of work. It's a particularly attractive option for young people seeking international experience while earning money.
The Young Professionals program enables participants to gain Canadian work experience by working for a specific employer in Canada. This program is designed for recent graduates who already have a job offer with a Canadian company.
What are the criteria ?
To qualify, the job must be directly related to the candidate's professional development, and the work must correspond to a specific skill level in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). In addition, candidates must be willing to work with a single employer, at the same location, throughout their stay.
The International Cooperative Internship program is designed for foreign students who wish to undertake an internship in Canada as part of their program of study. It enables students to complement their training with relevant work experience. To participate, a student must have an internship or work placement offer in Canada. Like the Young Professionals program, this program issues a work permit linked to a specific employer.
EIC programs offer a multitude of benefits. Not only will you gain valuable Canadian work experience, but you'll also be able to discover Canadian culture, travel the country and improve your future immigration prospects. For those wishing to become permanent residents, the Canadian experience gained can greatly enhance their eligibility for immigration programs such as Express Entry or the Canadian Experience Class.
EIC gives young people the opportunity to gain Canadian work experience while discovering the country. The program offers great flexibility, including the possibility of working for any employer in Canada (under the Working Holiday program). It's an excellent opportunity to gain work experience, improve skills and facilitate future immigration to Canada, notably by obtaining Canadian experience for permanent residency programs.
Eligibility criteria vary by program and country of origin. However, general criteria include:
The exact requirements depend on the program chosen and the country of origin. It is therefore essential to consult the specific conditions on the official EIC website for each program.
No, you cannot apply for more than one IEC program at the same time. If your country offers more than one program, you'll have to choose just one to apply for. You may, however, try out different programs in future applications, but you must respect the rules and quotas for each year.
Processing times vary according to program and country of origin. In general, here are the main stages and deadlines:
Profile creation: immediate, once you have validated your country's eligibility.
Invitation to apply: selection is by lottery and may take several weeks, depending on your country's quota.
Submitting your application: once you have accepted the invitation, you have 20 days to submit your work permit application.
Obtaining a work permit: this can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the application and the complexity of your file.
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Complete our assessment form, we will assess your case and contact you for an initial consultation.
We work with you to develop a personalized strategy to ensure the success of your immigration procedure.
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We will carefully review your supporting documents and get to work to build a solid case.
Once the decision has been made, our team will assist you to advise you on the steps to follow for your installation in Canada.
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