Canada offers a variety of work permits through the International Experience Class (IEC) program, designed for young professionals and students from partner countries with bilateral youth mobility agreements. The IEC program has three categories:
1. Working Holiday Work Permit
The Working Holiday work permit is ideal for young adults who want to travel and work in Canada. This permit allows individuals to explore the country while gaining valuable work experience.
Key Features:
- Duration: Up to two years, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
- Work Authorization: Allows open work with any employer across Canada.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a citizen of a participating country (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and others).
- Must meet age requirements set by the IEC program (usually 18-35 years old).
- Must provide proof of sufficient funds for initial expenses.
- Must pass medical and criminal background checks.
This permit is ideal for those who wish to explore Canada while working temporary jobs to support their stay.
2. Young Professionals Work Permit
The Young Professionals work permit is designed for individuals who want to gain professional experience in Canada in a job related to their field of study or career.
Key Features:
- Work Type: The job must be in a skilled profession (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
- Duration: Up to two years, depending on the applicant’s home country agreement.
- Employer-Specific: The permit is tied to one employer and does not allow for job changes without applying for a new permit.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- The applicant must secure a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- The position must align with the applicant’s professional background.
- The employer may need to provide a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in some cases.
This permit is ideal for young professionals looking to boost their careers with international work experience.
3. International Co-op (Internship) Work Permit
The International Co-op (Internship) work permit is for students who need to complete a work placement or internship in Canada as part of their studies.
Key Features:
- Purpose: Allows students to gain hands-on work experience in their field.
- Duration: The work permit is valid for the duration of the internship.
- Employer-Specific: The permit is tied to the company offering the internship.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution outside Canada.
- Must have a valid job offer for an internship in Canada.
- Must provide proof that the internship is part of their academic curriculum.
This permit is perfect for students seeking practical industry experience in Canada while completing their studies.