09 January, 2023

The International Experience Canada Program is open - 2023

Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that the International Experience Canada (IEC) season is open to young internationals.

Those already in the IEC pool will receive invitations to apply for work permits.

This year, Canada will extend this opportunity to nearly 90,000 young internationals, as announced on December 1, 2022. This expansion will help Canadian employers find the workers they need to fill labour shortages across the country.

What is the International Experience Canada program?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a Canadian government initiative that enables young adults aged 18 to 35 to travel and work in Canada for up to two years, depending on their country of origin and the type of visa they obtain. The program is designed to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the ties between Canada and other countries around the world.

The IEC program offers three categories of work permits: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. Each category has its own set of requirements and eligibility criteria, with the Working Holiday program being the most popular of the three. Under this program, eligible candidates can obtain an open work permit that allows them to work for any employer in Canada, anywhere in the country.

To participate in the IEC program, candidates must first create a profile on the official government website and enter the pool of eligible candidates. They will then receive an invitation to apply for a work permit if they meet the requirements for their chosen category. The application process can vary depending on the category but generally involves submitting supporting documents, paying a fee, and undergoing a medical exam and police clearance.

The benefits of the IEC program are numerous. Participants have the opportunity to explore Canada's vast and diverse landscape, immerse themselves in a new culture, and develop valuable skills and work experience that can enhance their careers. They also have the chance to make new friends, network with professionals in their field, and gain a new perspective on the world.

How long can participants stay in Canada under the International Experience Canada program?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a great opportunity for young individuals from different countries to come to Canada and gain valuable work experience while exploring Canadian culture. But how long can participants stay in Canada under this program?

Well, the answer depends on the type of IEC work permit the participant has been granted. There are three categories of IEC work permits, each with its own duration:

1. Working Holiday: Participants who have been granted a Working Holiday work permit can stay in Canada for up to 12 months from the date of their first entry into the country. However, some countries have bilateral agreements with Canada that allow their citizens to stay for up to 24 months.

2. Young Professionals: Participants who have been granted a Young Professionals work permit can stay in Canada for up to 24 months, provided they have a job offer from a Canadian employer that is related to their field of expertise.

3. International Co-op: Participants who have been granted an International Co-op work permit can stay in Canada for the duration of their work placement or internship, which can be up to 12 or 24 months, depending on the program's requirements.

It is important to note that participants must leave Canada once their IEC work permit expires unless they have applied for and been granted an extension or another type of work permit that allows them to stay in the country.

The International Experience Canada Program is a government-run initiative that allows young adults from around the world to come to Canada and gain valuable work experience while exploring Canadian culture.

For the year 2023, the program is now open for applications, and interested candidates can apply through the official website.

The program is designed for individuals between the ages of 18 to 35 and offers three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op.

The Working Holiday category allows participants to work and travel in Canada for up to two years. This program is ideal for individuals who want to experience Canada's diverse landscape while working to fund their travels.

The Young Professionals category is aimed at those who want to gain professional work experience in Canada. Participants can work for up to two years in a field related to their expertise and gain valuable skills and knowledge.

The International Co-op category is designed for students who want to gain international work experience related to their field of study. Participants can work for up to 12 months and gain hands-on experience in their chosen field.

To be eligible for the program, candidates must meet the specific requirements for each category, including language proficiency and financial stability.