Open Work Permits: International Experience Canada (IEC)

Key Takeaways

• The Working Holiday Visa is an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer in Canada without a job offer.
• With an open work permit, you have the flexibility to change jobs or work in different locations.
• You need to show proof of funds and health insurance to be eligible for an open work permit through IEC.
• Open work permits are available through the Working Holiday category of the IEC program.
• The Working Holiday Visa allows a stay of up to two years, giving you ample time to explore Canada and gain work experience.

Overview of International Experience Canada (IEC)

International Experience Canada (IEC) lets young people from around the world work and travel in Canada. It’s a great way to learn new skills, experience a new culture, and build your resumé.

IEC offers three types of work permits: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op Internship. Choose the one that fits your goals best.

Want to work in a specific field? Gain professional experience? Or just explore Canada’s vibrant culture? IEC has you covered.

By joining IEC, you’ll improve your language skills, make new friends, and see the world from a different perspective.

Take the first step towards an amazing Canadian adventure. Discover all the opportunities IEC has waiting for you!

Eligibility Requirements for IEC Program

Getting ready to apply for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program? Let’s see if you meet the eligibility requirements.

• You must be a citizen of one of the 34 countries with a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada. You also need a valid passport for your entire stay in Canada.
• You should be between 18 and 35 years old (or 18 to 30 for some countries).
• You need to show you have at least $2,500 CAD when you arrive to cover initial expenses. Also, you must have health insurance for your whole stay.
• You have to be admissible to Canada. Plus, you either need a round-trip ticket or enough money to buy a departure ticket.

Meeting these requirements is key to a successful application.

Countries Participating in IEC

The IEC program lets young people from 34 countries work and travel in Canada. If you’re from one of these countries, you’re eligible to apply.

The participating countries are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

These countries have agreements with Canada to help young people gain work experience, improve their language skills, and grow their professional networks.

Types of IEC Work Permits

You’re now ready to explore the three types of IEC work permits that can help you achieve your goals in Canada.

You’ll need to assess whether the Working Holiday Visa, Young Professionals, or International Co-op Internship category aligns with your objectives and qualifications.

Working Holiday Visa

Many young travellers choose the Working Holiday Visa. This visa lets you work anywhere in Canada for any employer for a set time. It’s great for exploring Canada while gaining work experience.

You can work in many fields, like hospitality and marketing, and even have multiple jobs.

Key benefits of the Working Holiday Visa:

1. Flexibility: You can work for any employer, in any location, and switch jobs as you want.
2. No job offer needed: You don’t need a job offer before applying.
3. Long stay: You can stay in Canada for up to two years. This gives you plenty of time to explore and gain work experience.

Plan wisely. You must show proof of enough funds and health insurance.

With this visa, you can get into Canadian culture, expand your professional network, and make unforgettable memories.

Young Professionals

The Young Professionals category is a great way for recent grads to get work experience in their field. You can work in a job that matches your studies, helping you build skills and make connections.

To qualify, you need a job offer and a signed contract from a Canadian employer. The job must be in your field and help your career grow. It has to be paid work, not self-employment.

This category gives you an employer-specific work permit, so you need a job before you apply. You must also meet general requirements: be a citizen of a participating country, have a valid passport, and be between the age range as described in the table below.

International Co-op Internship

The International Co-op Internship is a great way for students to get hands-on experience in their field while earning academic credits.

If you’re in college and have a job offer from a Canadian employer, this is for you. The internship must be part of your academic program.

Key benefits include:

• Get real-world experience in your field.
• Earn academic credits while working in Canada.
• Boost your skills and knowledge.

This category provides an employer-specific work permit. That means you need a job offer before you apply.

It’s a fantastic chance to mix work and study, gain valuable experience, and build your network in Canada.

How to Apply for an IEC Work Permit

To get started with your IEC work permit application, you’ll need to follow a series of steps.

First, you’ll determine your eligibility for the program, then choose a destination in Canada where you’d like to work.

From there, you’ll gather required documents, complete the application form, and submit your application.

• Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
• Step 2: Choose a Destination
• Step 3: Gather Required Documents
• Step 4: Complete the Application Form
• Step 5: Submit Your Application
• Step 6: Check Your Application Status
• Step 7: Prepare for Your Arrival in Canada

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before you apply for an International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit, make sure you qualify.

1. First, check if your country is one of the 34 with a Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada.
2. Next, verify your age. You must be between 18 and 35 years old (some countries have a limit of 30 years).
3. Finally, ensure you meet other requirements. You’ll need a valid passport, proof of funds, and health insurance.

Confirm these points before moving forward.

Step 2: Choose a Destination

First, pick a province or territory in Canada where you want to work. This choice will shape your job options and lifestyle during your IEC adventure.

Each place in Canada is different. British Columbia has exciting cities, outdoor fun, and a booming tech industry.

Ontario has Ottawa, the nation’s capital, and lots of finance and tech jobs. Quebec offers a unique culture and strong job markets in aerospace and biotech.

Think about cost of living, job opportunities, and cultural activities. Research well to find the best fit for your career and personal goals.

Choosing the right destination sets you up for a successful and enjoyable IEC experience.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Now that you’ve picked your destination, it’s time to gather the documents you need for your IEC work permit application. Missing or wrong documents can cause delays or even rejection.

Here’s what you need:

• Valid passport: Make sure your passport is valid for your entire time in Canada and six months after your planned departure date.
  
• Proof of funds: You need to show you have at least $2,500 CAD. A bank statement or letter from your bank works.
  
• Health insurance: You must have proof of health insurance for your whole stay in Canada.
  

Having these documents ready will make your application process smoother.

Always check the official IEC website for the latest requirements and guidelines.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Now that you have your documents ready, you can fill out the IEC application form on the official IEC portal.

Make sure you have all your information and documents handy. You’ll need to provide your personal details, education, work experience, and language skills. If you have a job offer, include the details, along with your travel plans.

Take your time to fill out the form accurately.

You can save your progress and come back later if needed.

Once you’re done, review your answers to make sure everything is correct. Correct any mistakes before submitting. Keep a copy of your application and documents for future reference.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

How can you ensure your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is complete and accurate?

Before submitting, review everything carefully.

Here are some important checks:

• Make sure you fill out every required field on the application form.
• Ensure all your supporting documents, like your passport, proof of funds, and health insurance, are uploaded properly.
• Double-check your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and contact details, for accuracy.

Once you’re sure everything is correct, submit your application through the official IEC portal.

Keep a record of your application and your unique application number. You’ll need this to track your application status.

Step 6: Check Your Application Status

You can track your application status on the IEC portal. You’ll get updates on your application’s progress there. This step ensures your application is processed correctly.

After submitting, you’ll receive an acknowledgement of receipt from the IEC. Log in to your IEC portal account to check your application’s status. The portal will show if your application is ‘in progress,’ ‘approved,’ or ‘refused.’

You’ll also get email notifications for any updates. Check your email and the IEC portal regularly. This helps you stay informed and ready for the next steps.

Step 7: Prepare for Your Arrival in Canada

Your IEC work permit is approved! Now, let’s plan your trip to Canada.

First, book a place to stay for your first few weeks. Check out Airbnb or Booking.com for options.

Next, arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodation. You can book a taxi or shuttle in advance.

Make sure you have enough money for your initial expenses. Consider opening a Canadian bank account or getting a credit card.

You’re almost ready for your Canadian adventure!