The 2024 IEC Pool is open now, the International Experience Canada (IEC) is a work permit program that allows people to work and reside in Canada.
This permit is for youth who are citizens of countries that have bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangements with Canada. Close to 90,000 applicants from over 30 countries will have the opportunity to gain Canadian work experience as per this year’s intake. Interested and eligible candidates may submit an IEC profile to IRCC. The IEC 2023 Pool was opened on January 9.
What is the Function of the IEC?
Citizens of partner nations that have bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements with Canada, and who are within the eligible age range may qualify for an IEC work permit. The eligible age range may depend upon the nationality of an applicant. The IEC functions on a candidate/applicant system which is similar to the programs within the Canada Express Entry management system. A candidacy profile may be submitted to IRCC by interested individuals if they meet all the basic requirements. They are candidates at this point.
The candidate is then invited to apply for consideration to receive a work permit if the department selects the profile of a candidate. Candidates are now applicants and one step closer to receiving their work permit, once this application has been submitted.
A work permit may be received by applicants under one of the following three streams:
Working Holiday Stream – An Open Work Permit (OWP) for up to two years is granted by this stream permitting holders to work for most employers in Canada, in most industries.
Young Professionals Stream – An employer-specific or LMIA-based work permit for individuals is issued by Canada Young Professionals Program. Candidates who have a job offer or plan to work with a single employer in Canada usually choose this stream.
International Co-op Internship Stream – Citizens of the participating countries who are enrolled in a post-secondary program are permitted by this stream to enter Canada and intern/work for a specific Canadian company. Before applying, applicants must have already arranged co-op placements.
Eligibility Criteria for IEC
- Candidates must be citizens/ passport holders of one of the 35+ countries that have Youth Mobility Agreements with Canada.
- Candidates should have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Canada.
- Candidates should be in the eligible age range at the time of application.
- Candidates should not be accompanied by dependents.
- Candidates should be able to pay the appropriate fees.
- Candidates should have the equivalent of CAD 2500 upon landing in Canada.
- Candidates should be able to take out health insurance for the duration of their stay.
- Candidates must be admissible to Canada.
- Candidates should have a round trip ticket for the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket at the end of the authorized ticket in Canada.
How Can IEC Benefit Canada?
IEC helps Canada in addressing labour shortages as these shortages have continued to bother many industries including wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, construction, and others within the country. Immigration is a key source to obtain more skilled workers. It is advantageous for Canada to make bilateral agreements with the partner IEC countries because many young labourers arrive in the country because of these agreements.
After gaining the requisite amount of work experience, potentially adding to Canada’s labour force long-term, these IEC workers can further become eligible to immigrate permanently to Canada. IEC intake of this year has held steady with the intake expansion of the last year, showcasing the important role that IEC workers have in the economy of Canada.
Do you want to know more about how to get into the IEC pool? Consult With Us! Oasis Visas will navigate you.
