International Experience Canada (IEC) provides youth with the opportunity to work in Canada for temporary periods. Citizens of countries with a bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada who are between the ages of 18 and 35 may be eligible for IEC work permits. Work permits issued under IEC are exempt from the requirement for a Labour Market impact Assessment (LMIA).
There are three ways through which IEC participants can obtain Canadian work permits:-
- Working Holiday –
Individuals under this category can receive an open work permit, valid for one to two years. This is designed for applicants who:-
- want to work for more than one employer in Canada, in more than one location;
- do not have a job offer;
- want to earn more so that they can travel
- International Internship –
Individuals can apply under this category and get valuable overseas work experience related to their field of study. They must:-
- be a student registered at a post-secondary institution;
- have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada that is required to complete their studies;
- plan to work for the same employer for their stay in Canada
- Young Professionals –
Individuals applying under this category can gain valuable international experience by working for a Canadian company. They must :-
- have valid job offer in Canada (note that the work must be paid and not self-employed);
- plan to work for the same employer for their stay in Canada