Are you interested in getting a Canadian working holiday visa? Well, then you’re in luck because you can get one even in 2021 (yes, despite the pandemic). That’s because even though Covid-19 is still in our midst, you can still get a Canadian job offer to qualify for this immigration program.
With a valid job offer, you’ll be able to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Here’s how it works.
What is the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?
If you are not looking to commit to permanent Canadian residency quite yet, or you are not eligible for it, you can still start your work-in-Canada experience while sightseeing in what is popularly known as Canada’s IEC program.
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows you to get a temporary work permit to explore the incredible world of Canadians. The IEC program targets the younger generation from over 30 countries to invite them to live and get a job in Canada legally for 12 to 24 months. The great thing about this program is not only that you get to work in Canada for 1 to 2 years, but once your working holiday visa period has expired, you can still apply for permanent jobs in Canada because you’ve gained Canadian work experience. By gaining experience in a professional field in Canada, you can earn a lot of points to become eligible for permanent Canadian residency, which is just the cherry on top of the already stacked cake.
To apply for it, you will need to create a profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to complete the application process. Once your IEC profile is completed, the Canadian authorities will get notified you’ve applied for an IEC work permit. All successful applicants will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) once the application has been completed and meet the minimum requirements. Canada also only issues ITAs if there are jobs available that need to be filled. Luckily, usually, there are enough job vacancies since the country aims to grow its economy even more than it already has, even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
How to Get a Canadian Working Holiday Visa
To check your eligibility status to move Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, check out whether your country makes the list of participating countries and the different work permit categories available in the IEC program.
Once you’ve created a profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC) website, you will enter the draws pool. During these draws, candidates will be selected randomly to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a work permit. This process will continue until all available jobs for this program have been filled for the current year. Since this program is recurring annually, you can create a profile to become a candidate at any time after the opening date of your specific country.
It is in your best interest to become a candidate as early in the year as possible as the IEC category to work in Canada is quite popular. This will increase your chances of being selected in the draw.
To review your eligibility for this program, you must:
- Be a citizen of the countries eligible for this program, which will be an International Experience Canada (IEC) participating country
- Hold a valid passport for the time of your stay in Canada
- Be between 18 and 30-35 years old
- Have at least CAD 2,500 when landing to cover initial expenses
- Be able to take out health insurance for the whole duration of your Working Holiday Visa in Canada
- Not be accompanied by any dependents
- Pay the relevant fees
- Be admissible to Canada
- The IRCC gives at least 5 days notice before the Canadian Work Holiday Visa category issues its final round of ITAs
- Hold a round-trip ticket or the finances to afford one
For more information about Canada’s working holiday visa (IEC program), click here.
Get Help with Your IEC Application
With an eligibility status upon meeting the requirements to qualify for a Canadian Work Holiday Visa and the necessary funds, you can make your move to Canada happen in no time. With an early application, you can receive an ITA and be on your way to live and work in Canada while enjoying all that the Great White North has to offer you in 2021.
If you would like to review your eligibility status and get expert advice to simplify the process of getting a Canadian Working Holiday Visa, you can consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at mdccanada.ca to get all your questions answered today.