The New IEC Pool for 2024 Is Ready
IEC is a program offering work permits
How does the IEC operate?
Citizens from partner nations with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements, falling within the age range of 18-29, 18-30, or 18-35 (inclusive, depending on nationality), may qualify for an IEC work permit.
Similar to programs within Canada’s Express Entry management system, the IEC operates on a candidate/applicant system. Interested individuals submit a candidacy profile to IRCC, becoming candidates if they meet all basic eligibility requirements. If the department selects a candidate’s profile, they receive an invitation to apply for consideration for a work permit. Once the application is submitted, candidates become applicants, one step closer to obtaining their work permit.
Under the program, applicants can receive a work permit through three streams:
- The Working Holiday stream, providing an Open Work Permit for up to two years, allowing work for most employers and industries in Canada.
- The Young Professionals stream, issuing an employer-specific (or LMIA-based) work permit for those with a job offer from a single employer in Canada.
- The International Co-op Internship stream, allowing citizens of participating countries enrolled in a post-secondary program to intern/work for a specific Canadian company, provided they arrange co-op placements beforehand.
Basic eligibility criteria:
Candidates must:
- Be citizens/passport holders of one of the 35+ partner countries with Youth Mobility Agreements with Canada.
- Hold a valid passport for the duration of their stay.
- Fall within the eligible age range at the time of application.
- Have the equivalent of $2,500 CAD upon landing in Canada.
- Obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay.
- Be admissible to Canada.
- Have a round-trip ticket or financial resources for a departure ticket.
- Not be accompanied by dependents.
- Pay the appropriate fees.
Candidates must:
The IEC helps address labor shortages in various Canadian industries, including wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, and construction. These bilateral agreements with partner IEC countries provide a valuable source of young labor while offering foreign and Canadian youth the chance to gain international work experience. IEC workers also become eligible for permanent immigration to Canada after accumulating the required work experience, contributing to the country’s long-term labor force.The steady intake for 2024 reflects the continued expansion seen in the previous year, underscoring the significant role IEC workers play in the Canadian economy. The anticipated inclusion of Finland in the list of partner countries in 2024 further highlights the program’s growth, with both nations expected to ratify their new youth mobility agreement in the coming year.
List of Provincial Nominee Program
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
