Maple News reports that Canada will reopen pools for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program on March 1, 2021, for select partner countries. This initiative offers young adults from countries with reciprocal youth mobility agreements the chance to work and explore life in Canada.
The IEC program has three distinct categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. Each stream caters to different needs, from flexible employment to career-aligned roles and academic internships. Eligibility generally spans those aged 18 to 35, although age limits vary by country.
Due to ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, all IEC participants—regardless of the stream—are currently required to have a valid job offer in Canada before arriving. They must also possess a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and adhere to quarantine protocols and COVID-19 testing requirements.
Unlike traditional Canadian work permits, those issued under the IEC do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making the process simpler and faster for both applicants and employers.
Among the participating countries, Australia continues to enjoy unlimited quotas across all three categories. Ireland and France maintain significant allocations, with 10,500 and 7,100 spots under the Working Holiday stream, respectively. Countries like Costa Rica, Luxembourg, and Greece have more limited availability, adding to the competitive nature of the process.
Each IEC category has distinct advantages:
– The Working Holiday stream offers an open work permit, allowing participants to take up any job with any employer and experience Canadian life more freely. However, a job offer is now mandatory due to pandemic protocols.
– The Young Professionals category is geared toward career development. Participants must secure a professional, paid job offer in Canada aligned with their skills and Canada’s National Occupation Classification levels 0, A, or B. This permit is tied to a specific employer.
– The International Co-op stream supports students needing work experience tied to their academic programs. Participants must have a job offer related to their field of study and remain with the same employer and location throughout their stay.
Maple News emphasizes that while travel to Canada remains possible for selected IEC participants, it is essential to verify that job offers are current and start dates align with quarantine completion timelines. The Canadian government recommends double-checking offer details before making travel arrangements.
With this reopening, Canada underscores its commitment to fostering international youth exchange, despite global mobility challenges. Prospective applicants are advised to act early, as quotas for many countries are limited.