The 2021 International Experience Canada (IEC) pools are open to young adults who wish to live and work in Canada on a temporary basis. 23 countries become eligible for the IEC program on March 1. Candidates are Invitation rounds will take place until there are no more spots available or the IEC season closes. IEC is an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) immigration program that allows people to experience Canada and can be the first step toward becoming a permanent resident.
Quotas for Working Holiday Visas vary by country; each IEC partner country has an annual quota in their reciprocal agreement with Canada. Please contact our office to find out which age bracket your country falls under, and your qualifications to participate in one of the IEC programs.
IEC is a bilateral agreement that gives young Canadians the opportunity to work and study abroad to gain new skills, learn new languages, experience different cultures and explore new places. As part of the reciprocal program, young people from countries that enter an IEC agreement with Canada can apply to work and travel in Canada.
Canada Travel Restrictions
According to the IRCC announcement, due to COVID travel restrictions, only IEC applicants with a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction and a valid job offer are eligible to travel to Canada right now. Applicants must be able to start their job as soon as they complete their mandatory COVD testing and quarantine. Get the Flying to Canada Checklist here.
IEC Categories
Quotas for IEC visas vary by country; each IEC partner country has an annual quota in their reciprocal agreement with Canada. Please contact our office with questions about when your IEC pool opens, which age bracket your country falls under, and your qualifications to participate in one of the IEC programs:
1. IEC Co-Op Internship
Student co-op internship participants receive a Canada Work Permit and is for someone in graduate school who has a written job offer for an IRCC approved position that is related to their field of studies.
2. IEC Young Professionals
Educated foreign young adults can get Canadian work experience through IEC Young Professionals, a Work Permit program for young adults with a post-secondary degree.
3. IEC Working Holiday Program
Working Holiday participants receive Open Work Permits that allow them to work anywhere in the host country to support their travels.
Learn More:
Contact Ackah Law BEFORE You Try To Cross The Border
Don’t attempt to fly into Canada without making sure your paperwork is in order. COVID’s impact on Canada immigration has affected individuals, families, big corporations and small business owners, and there can be confusion at the border or when trying to board a flight to Canada. An experienced immigration professional can help qualified travelers cross the border into Canada, and help prepare your immigration application.
For more information and solutions for immigration to Canada and crossing borders seamlessly to live and work in Canada or the United States, contact Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email us directly.