Posted Jan 9, 2023 at 4:03 pm EST
Updated January 9, 2023 at 4:12 pm EST
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is accepting applications for its 2023 cohort.
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The opening of the application pool follows last year’s announcement that the IEC will expand its program intake, allowing nearly 90,000 applicants from partner countries the opportunity to work and travel in Canada in 2023.
The program is Canada’s way to offer international exposure and work experience to youth from 36 partner countries – allowing approved applicants the opportunity to work in Canada with a work permit and travel freely within the country. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) hopes the expansion of the program will further help meet labor needs in sectors that have suffered during the pandemic, most notably tourism.
How does the IEC program work?
Citizens of partner nations with bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada; and who are within the eligible age range (18-29, 18-30, 0r 18-35, (all inclusive)—depending on the applicant’s nationality) may be eligible for an IEC work permit. There are three main streams through which candidates can apply:
- The Working Holiday stream, which can grant an Open Work Permit (OWP) for up to two years, allowing holders to work for any employer in Canada and in most industries;
- The Young Professional Stream, which issues an employer-specific work permit for individuals who have a job offer and plan to work with one employer in Canada; and
- The International Co-op Internship Stream, which allows nationals of participating countries who are enrolled in a post-secondary program in their country of citizenship to intern for a specific Canadian company.
The program operates on an ‘expression of interest/call for applications’ model where interested candidates can submit their application profile to the IEC group. If selected, these applicants (now applicants) will receive an invitation to apply for a work permit in Canada.
If the application is approved, the applicant will receive their work permit in their specific stream and will be eligible to enter and work in Canada for the duration of their authorized stay.
Eligibility
Applicants who wish to apply under the IEC must:
- Be a citizen/passport holder of one of the 36 partner countries that have youth mobility agreements with Canada;
- Have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Canada;
- Be within the eligible age range (18-29, 18-30 or 18-35, (inclusive), depending on the applicant’s nationality) at the time of application;
- You have the equivalent of $2,500 CAD upon landing in Canada;
- To be able to take out health insurance for the duration of their stay;
- Be eligible for Canada;
- Have (prior to departure) a return ticket or the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket at the end of their authorized stay in Canada;
- Not to be accompanied by dependents; and
- Pay the applicable fees.
The expansion of IEC program capacity comes as Canada hopes to welcome more newcomers than ever before, with more than 800,000 economic immigrants expected to come to the country over the next three years. Youth who acquire the required amount of work experience in Canada through the IEC may be further criteria for immigration to Canada in the future.
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