Maple News reports that Canada is extending a lifeline to certain Working Holiday Visa holders whose travel plans were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under a new temporary policy, eligible individuals may now apply for an extension of their Letter of Introduction (LOI)—a document required for entry under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
Traditionally, the Working Holiday Visa, part of the IEC initiative, is offered once per person. However, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced an exception, allowing some visa holders impacted by travel restrictions to preserve their opportunity to work and travel in Canada.
To qualify for the extension, applicants must have received an LOI between January 1, 2019, and April 30, 2020. Importantly, the current LOI must expire before December 21, 2021, though individuals whose LOIs have already expired are still eligible to request an extension. This policy exclusively applies to Working Holiday Visa holders and not to other IEC participants.
Eligible participants must submit their extension request through the IRCC web form no later than December 31, 2021. If granted, the LOI will be valid for an additional 12 months, either from the date the current LOI expires or from the date the extension is processed.
Health examinations may be required for those who have lived in designated countries or whose previous exams are no longer valid. IRCC officials will reach out to applicants if a new medical exam is necessary. Extensions may still be granted without a new medical exam if the applicant has not resided in a designated country for six consecutive months, has a still-valid prior medical exam for a designated job, or declines to undergo a new exam.
Immigration officers will assess each application on a case-by-case basis. Applicants under the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) stream whose LOIs are extended will be referred to the International Network for further processing.
It is essential to note that entry to Canada under the Working Holiday Visa currently requires proof of an active job offer. This policy ensures that participants can effectively integrate into the Canadian workforce amid evolving travel and public health conditions.
This move reflects Canada’s continued efforts to accommodate the pandemic’s impact on international mobility, particularly for young travelers seeking intercultural work experiences.