IEC - A passageway to permanent residence in Canada

The 2015 application cycle for the IEC program will begin in month of April , with young citizens from 32 countries that have a two-sided youth mobility arrangement with Canada and have the opportunity to live and work in Canada across one of the following three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op.

Depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship, age and the IEC category to which he or she is applying, foreign youth may live, work and travel in Canada for up to 24 months.

Working Holiday

This category has been the most popular portion of the IEC program, as it offers the advantage of an open work permit which allows its bearer to work anywhere in Canada and for almost any Canadian employer.

Due to the fact that’ IEC, Working Holiday categories having been closed for many months, demand for visas is expected to be high.

Candidate’s eligibility criteria:

  •  be a citizen (passport holder) of one of the 32 countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada;

  •  have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Canada (the work permit issued will not be longer than the validity of the passport),

  •  be between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35 (inclusive) at the time of application (the upper age limit depends on the applicant’s country of citizenship);

  •  have the equivalent of C$2,500 on landing to help cover initial expenses;

  •  be able to take out health insurance for the duration of their stay (participants may have to present evidence of this insurance at the point of entry in Canada);

  •  be admissible to Canada;

  •  have, prior to departure, a round-trip ticket or the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket for the end of their authorized stay in Canada,

  •  not be accompanied by dependents; and

  •  pay the appropriate fees.

  •  be resident in their country of citizenship at the time they apply category.

Young Professionals

This program is designed for foreign youth, who are post-secondary graduates, who wish to gain professional experience and working in Canada and requires job offer from a Canadian employer.

International Co-op (Internship)

The International Co-op (Internship) category is designed for foreign youth who want to complete a work placement or internship in Canada to complete their academic curriculum. Visas issued under this category are generally valid for up to 12 months.

Applicants must have a signed job offer letter or contract for a work placement or internship in Canada that meets the requirements of their academic curriculum in their country of citizenship.

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