Open Work Permit For International Experience Canada is an innovative program for international students who have completed their degree and wish to stay in Canada to gain valuable Canadian experience. The program is designed to offer international students with opportunities of further permanent residence in Canada.
We have all heard the rumours of opening up and issuing Work Permits without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMI) to International Co-Op and Internship students under the International Experience Canada program. These are not just rumours, but fact! Yes, International Co-Op and Internship students can now apply for Open work permits under the International Experience Canada program. This has been made possible by an amendment through Regulation July 29, 2016.
Open Work Permit For International Experience Canada
It is possible to get a work permit while living in Canada as an International Student. An International Student may be authorized to work on-campus (this is limited and not very useful) or off-campus.
If you are an International student, you are well-aware of the fees and the rate of non-scholarship students in big cities. It is going to cost you around $10,000-$15,000 a year to pursue your higher education in any of the reputed universities in Toronto or Vancouver. However, if you are thinking of migrating to United States of America or Canada as a permanent resident after completion of your degree or diploma course, then you should know that there are two ways to migrate permanently to Canada – Immigrate through Canada Job Offer Programs and other way is by using Express Entry Program which has lots of benefits over permanent residency program.
What is the IEC Program in Canada?
IEC Canada work permits provide young people from around the world with the opportunity to travel and work in Canada. The intention of the IEC Programs is to allow young adults to enter Canada to gain important experience and knowledge of Canada.
There are three categories of the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program:
There are different eligibility requirements for each program.
There are over 30 countries that participate in at least one of the International Experience Canada programs.
Each country has its own age limit, program participation, and visa validity. Below you will find a table with the participating countries.
Working Holiday IEC
The Working Holiday Program of the IEC allows participants to obtain a work permit which will be valid for one to two years. The Open Work Permit will let the individual work anywhere in Canada for almost any Canadian employer!
Who is the Working Holiday for?
The Working Holiday Visa is for individuals who:
- Do not have a job offer.
- Want to work in Canada
- Want to work in more than one location.
- Want to travel and explore Canada while working.
Learn more about the Working Holiday Visa in Canada.
International Co-op Internship IEC
The International Co-op Internship category allows individuals in a post-secondary institution in their country to stay in Canada to intern for a Canadian company.
Who is the International Co-op Internship for?
The International Co-op Internship is for individuals who:
- Is an active student at a post-secondary institution (like a college or university) outside of Canada.
- Have a job offer in Canada that is required to complete their studies.
- Plan on only working with this one employer during their time in Canada.
Learn more about the International Co-op Internship in Canada.
Young Professionals IEC
The Young Professionals category of the IEC allows individuals in participating countries to gain experience working for a Canadian company. Under this program, a foreign worker will receive an employer-specific work permit.
Who is the Young Professionals for?
The Young Professionals is for individuals who:
- Have a valid job offer in Canada that contributes to their professional work development
- Plan on working with that one employer during their time in Canada
Learn more about the Young Professionals Program in Canada.
What Countries Participate in the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?
There are a specific amount of countries that particpate in the IEC program. Each country or territory holds a bilateral agreement or arrangement with Canada’s IEC program.
| Country | Working Holiday | Young Professionals | International Co-op | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 24 Months | 24 Months | 24 months (unless it is the applicant’s second participation since 2015, in which case, 12 months) | 18-35 Years |
| Austria | 12 Months | 12 Months | 6 Months | 18-30 Years (Working Holiday) 18-35 (Young Professionals & International Co-op) |
| Belgium | 12 Months | – | – | 18-30 Years |
| Chile | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Costa Rica | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Croatia | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Croatia | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Denmark | 12 Months | – | – | 18-35 Years |
| Estonia | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| France | 24 Months | 24 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Germany | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Greece | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Hong Kong | 12 Months | – | – | 18-30 Years |
| Ireland | 24 Months | 24 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Italy | 6-month work permit; may apply to stay an additional 6 months as a visitor | – | – | 18-35 Years |
| Japan | 12 Months | – | – | 18-30 Years |
| Latvia | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Lithuania | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Luxembourg | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-30 Years |
| Mexico | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-29 Years |
| Netherlands | 12 Months | 12 Months | – | 18-30 Years |
| New Zealand | 23 Months (starting in 2015) | – | – | 18-35 Years |
| Norway | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Poland | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Portugal | 24 Months | 24 Months | 24 Months | 18-35 Years |
| San Marino | 12 Months | – | – | 18-35 Years |
| Slovakia | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Slovenia | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| South Korea | 12 Months | – | – | 18-30 Years |
| Spain | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Sweden | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-30 Years |
| Switzerland | – | 18 months – Total duration of the 2 permits combined cannot exceed 18-months | 18 months – Total duration of the 2 permits combined cannot exceed 18-months | 18-35 Years |
| Taiwan | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| Ukraine | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 18-35 Years |
| United Kingdom | 24 Months | – | – | 18-30 Years |
Recognized Organization (RO)
If you want to come to Canada to work and travel under International Experience Canada (IEC), you can contact a recognized organization (RO) for help. They can help you:
- get information about Canadian
- culture
- languages
- laws
- taxes
- find a job
- find transportation
- with general support and advice
ROs are youth service organizations that offer work and travel support to youth. They can be non-profit, for-profit, or educational.
Why Seeking Professional Immigration Help is Essential
Often, employment and business opportunities are time sensitive and for that reason having a legal representative in Canada with expertise in the area of work permits is the most efficient way to proceed. For work permits, there is a higher risk of refusal in cases where the application is not properly prepared. The standards are very high. The documentation and processes involved in successfully obtaining a work permit are complex and usually require legal expertise. You are also not guaranteed a work visa renewal if you have received one before. Legal representation will better your case to ensure a renewal for a Canadian work visa. It is recommended that you seek professional immigration help to consult with your particular case. Many professional immigration law offices will help people from all around the world without the need for a face-to-face interview or consultation. These agencies use online tools such as video chat, phone calls, and email to speak with those looking for help obtaining a visa.
Why Hire Us to Help You With Your Work Visa Applications
We have helped thousands and thousands of people worldwide successfully enter Canada on a work permit, and we are very certain we can help you too. No one can guarantee approval (not even us), but we are confident with our years of experience and current success rate that we can significantly increase your chances at a positive outcome for your case.