International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permits

Unlock Your Canadian Adventure with International Experience Canada (IEC)

Are you a young professional or student eager to experience life and work in Canada? The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers an incredible opportunity for youth from over 30 partner countries to gain valuable international work experience, travel, and immerse themselves in Canadian culture. Samakav Immigration Corp is here to guide you through every step of this exciting journey.

IEC is a unique initiative designed to foster economic, social, and cultural ties between Canada and its partner countries. Unlike many other work permit streams, most IEC categories are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement, simplifying your path to working in Canada.

Benefits of the IEC Program

• LMIA Exemption: Most IEC work permits do not require an LMIA, streamlining the application process.
• Flexibility: The Working Holiday category offers an open work permit, allowing you to work for almost any employer in Canada and explore different regions.
• Professional Growth: The Young Professionals category enables you to gain valuable career experience with a Canadian employer relevant to your field.
• Academic Enhancement: The International Co-op (Internship) category provides a pathway for students to complete required internships in Canada.
• Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in Canadian life, develop new skills, and build a global network.

IEC Categories: Find Your Path

Working Holiday

This popular category grants eligible participants an open work permit, typically valid for one to two years. It's ideal for those who:

• Do not have a pre-arranged job offer in Canada.
• Wish to work for multiple employers or in various locations across Canada.
• Seek to earn money while travelling and exploring the country.

Young Professionals

Designed for individuals looking to advance their career, this category requires a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Successful applicants receive an employer-specific work permit. This stream is for those who:

• Have a paid job offer in Canada that contributes to their professional development.
• Plan to work for the same employer during their stay.
• The job must be classified under National Occupation Code (NOC) Skill Type Level 0, A, or B.

International Co-op (Internship)

This category is for post-secondary students who need to complete a work placement or internship as part of their academic curriculum. Participants receive an employer-specific work permit. It's suitable for individuals who:

• Are currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution outside Canada.
• Have a pre-arranged job offer for an internship in Canada that is a mandatory part of their studies.
• Intend to work for the same employer for the duration of their internship.

Eligibility Requirements for IEC

To be eligible for the International Experience Canada program, candidates generally must:

• Be a citizen (passport holder) of one of Canada's partner countries with a bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement.
• Possess a valid passport for the entire duration of their intended stay in Canada.
• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35 at the time of application (the exact age limit depends on your country of citizenship).
• Have the equivalent of CAD $2,500 upon arrival in Canada to cover initial expenses.
• Be able to obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay.
• Be admissible to Canada.
• Have a round-trip ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a departure ticket at the end of their authorized stay.
• Not be accompanied by dependents.
• Pay the required program fees.

Specific age limits and requirements can vary by country and category. We recommend contacting Samakav Immigration Corp for a personalized assessment.

The IEC Application Process

The IEC program operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) and Invitation to Apply (ITA) model:

1. Complete the "Come to Canada" Questionnaire: Determine your eligibility and receive a personal reference code.
2. Create an Online Account & Profile: Use your reference code to set up your IRCC online account and complete your IEC profile, selecting the pools you wish to enter.
3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected from the pool, you will receive an ITA in your online account. You have 10 days to accept or decline.
4. Submit Your Work Permit Application: Once you accept the ITA, you have 20 days to complete, pay for, and submit your work permit application.
5. Employer Compliance Fee (Young Professionals & International Co-op): For these categories, your Canadian employer must pay a CAD $230 Employer Compliance Fee through the Employer Portal and provide you with the Offer of Employment number.
6. Upload Supporting Documents: Provide all required documents, including police certificates and medical exam results (if applicable).
7. Pay Fees: Pay the participation fee (CAD $170) and, for Working Holiday, the open work permit holder fee (CAD $100).
8. Application Assessment: IRCC will process your application, typically within eight weeks. They may request additional documents.
9. Receive Letter of Introduction (LOI): If approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Introduction Letter in your online account.
10. Obtain Work Permit at Port of Entry: Present your LOI upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry to receive your official work permit.

Let Samakav Immigration Corp Guide Your IEC Journey

Navigating the International Experience Canada program can be complex, with varying requirements for different countries and categories. As regulated Canadian immigration consultants (RCIC-IRB R523726), Samakav Immigration Corp provides expert guidance and personalized support to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted correctly.

Ready to start your Canadian adventure? Contact Samakav Immigration Corp today for a comprehensive consultation and let us help you achieve your dream of working and living in Canada through IEC.