IEC & Working Holiday Visas Lawyers
In Canada, many different opportunities exist for young foreign nationals who wish to work and live in the country. One of these options is an International Experience Canada (IEC) visa. The IEC visa program allows young individuals (typically between 18-35 years old) from eligible countries to live and work anywhere in Canada on an open work permit for a set amount of time.
There are three categories of IEC work permits, including:
- Working Holiday Visas;
- Young Professionals Visas; and
- International Co-op Internships
There are over 30 countries that participate in Canada’s IEC program. Depending on the country you are applying from, eligibility requirements will vary. These visas serve as an opportunity for young individuals to gain international work experience in Canada, to earn money while travelling, improve their English or French skills, and more. IEC work permits are also exempt from Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).
If you wish to apply for an IEC visa, navigating your eligibility and paperwork can be complex. By working with an experienced immigration lawyer, you can avoid common mistakes that may lead to refusals or delays in your visa application. In addition, because eligibility requirements vary so much by country, a legal professional will be able to help you understand your country-specific limitations. If you need assistance, contact our Vancouver immigration lawyers at Border Solutions Law Group today.
Who is Eligible for an IEC Visa?
Eligibility requirements for IEC visas vary significantly based on the country from which you are applying. However, some general requirements that span across most applications include:
- Citizenship in a country that has a Youth Mobility Agreement (YMA) with Canada.
- Passport validity for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada.
- Aged between 18-35 (some countries limit to 18-30)
- Available funds of at least CAD $2,500 upon arrival.
- Private, valid health insurance for your entire stay.
- A round-trip ticket or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one once your visa has elapsed.
- No inadmissibility to Canada due to criminal records or other inadmissibility issues.
- No dependents that you intend to include on the same application. If you wish to come to Canada with a family member, they must apply separately and meet the eligibility requirements independently.
Some country-specific variations for consideration include:
- Certain countries allow multiple participations in the IEC program, while others limit applicants to one-time participation.
- The duration of the visa issued will vary depending on your country of citizenship.
- Each country may have a different quota for invitations that can be issued within a certain period of time. Once this quota is met, no more invitations will be provided.
- And more
How Do IEC Pools Work?
When you apply for an IEC visa, you will submit your profile to an IEC pool that is related to your specific country. Throughout the season, regular Invitation to Apply (ITA) rounds are conducted. If your application is selected from the pool and you are issued an ITA, you will have 10 days to accept your invitation. If you are not selected, your profile will remain in the pool until the season closes.
Pools open at different times of year and for different durations. The specifics will depend on the country you are applying from. If you are worried about the likelihood of your application being selected from the pool, you may want to consider:
- Applying as soon as the pool opens.
- Actively monitoring invitation rounds and spots that are available.
- Making sure all of your documents are accurate and prepared so you can act quickly if you receive an ITA.
If you don’t receive an ITA, it may be for a number of reasons. Because certain countries are limited by quotas, sometimes it can be hard to secure a selection if your application enters the pool at a later date. Errors in your application might also lead to refusals or delays. In these cases, it is best to consult with an immigration lawyer to discuss your ideal next steps.
Types of IEC Visas
Working Holiday Visa
Working holiday visas, under the IEC program, are for applicants who:
- Do not have a job offer before coming to Canada
- Want to work in multiple locations, jobs, or industries across the country
- Wish to fund their travels while working on location
Working holiday visas function as open work permits. This means holders may be employed by any employer in any industry. You may also be required to submit medical exam results, biometric data, and police clearance certificates.
Young Professionals Visa
A young professionals visa is meant for applicants who:
- Have a pre-arranged job offer in Canada.
- Are looking for career development in a specific field.
Different from a working holiday visa, a young professionals visa is an employer-specific work permit. This means that a holder may only work for one employer in a single location. The job must be paid and not self-employed, and classified under NOC TEER 0,1,2, or 3. When you apply for this type of visa through the IEC program, you must submit a job offer letter and employer compliance fees in addition to your general documentation.
International Co-op Internship
International co-op internship visas are meant for applicants who:
- Are students currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution in a country participating in the IEC program;
- Have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada that is required to complete their studies;
- Plan on working for the same employer for the duration of their stay in Canada.
To be eligible for a co-op internship visa, the internship must be directly linked to the applicant’s academic curriculum. It will also require a signed employment agreement or job offer from a Canadian employer, which should be arranged prior to the beginning of the application process. Permits issued under this category are generally valid for up to 12 months, although some participants may be issued a longer validity depending on the country they are applying from.
Can You Extend Your IEC Visa?
There are no extensions allowed under the IEC program. Once the validity of your IEC visa has elapsed, you will need to cease working and return to your country of origin. However, applicants may be eligible to reapply if their country allows multiple participations.
If you wish to remain in Canada after your IEC visa has expired, you may want to consider alternative options, such as:
- Applying for a new work permit (if you’re eligible under different immigration programs)
- Employer-sponsored work permits
- And more
If you have questions about immigration pathways that may be available to you once your IEC visa has elapsed, you should speak with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer as soon as possible. A legal professional will be able to assess your eligibility for different immigration streams and help you get started on new applications before your current status expires.
How Can Our Vancouver Immigration Lawyers Help With Your IEC Application?
No matter which IEC stream you are thinking of applying for, our immigration team at Border Solutions Law Group is ready to help. From gathering documentation for your initial application to reapplications and addressing refusals, we can help you work and live in Canada.
When you work with our Vancouver immigration lawyers, we will:
- Confirm your eligibility for the IEC program and your desired stream based on your age, nationality, work history, and more.
- Advise you on how to increase your chances of selection in the selection pool.
- Ensure you submit an error-free and complete application to avoid delays or unnecessary rejections.
- Help you navigate employer requirements for the young professionals or co-op internship programs prior to submitting your application.
- Help you reapply for an IEC visa if refused.
- And more
Contact Our Vancouver IEC & Working Holiday Visa Lawyers Today
The IEC program in Canada offers great opportunities for young professionals looking to work and live in Canada. Although the application process can be complicated, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Border Solutions Law Group, our Vancouver immigration lawyers can assist with the process from start to finish. Contact our immigration team to schedule a consultation today. You can call our Vancouver office toll-free at 877-341-6761 or complete our online contact form.