Canada's 2023 working holiday IEC visa program opened on January 9 for applications. The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a great way for young people to gain international work experience and explore Canada. The IEC program has a limited number of work permits available each year, so you can't apply year-round. It's important to start planning your IEC application early, as the application period can be competitive. The deadline to submit your 2023 Working Holiday IEC visa profile is before 9 a.m. Eastern Time on October 23, 2023, to be considered for the 2023 season.
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Facts About the Working Holiday IEC Visa
The Working Holiday IEC program is an international agreement with Canada and 34 other countries for young adults aged 18 to 35 to work and travel abroad for up to 2 years to gain work experience and improve their English and French skills.
- To apply, you must create an account and submit your application during the application period, which typically opens in the late fall or early winter.
- If your application is successful, you'll be invited to apply for a visa.
- You can book your visa appointment at any time, but it's best to book early in the year to increase your chances of getting a visa.
- To be eligible for the IEC program, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30-35, depending on your nationality.
- You must also have no criminal convictions in the past five years.
- The cost of the IEC work permit is CAD $161, plus CAD $85 for the biometrics appointment and other fees.
- You'll also need to show that you have CAD $2,500 in support funds, unless you're a citizen of the United States.
- You are required to have proof of health insurance for the entire duration of your working holiday visa.
- The 2023 IEC Working holiday processing time is 6 weeks.
- Processing starts once you’ve submitted all required documents, including biometrics.
- Processing starts once you’ve submitted all required documents, including biometrics.
- The duration of the IEC work permit is 12-24 months, depending on your nationality, for example:
- American: up to 12 months
- Australian: up to 24 months
- British: up to 24 months
- German: up to 12 months
- Irish: up to 24 months
- New Zealand: up to 23 months
How to Apply for a Canada IEC Working Holiday Visa
- To apply for an IEC Working Holiday Visa you must be a citizen of one of Canada's 35 partner countries.
- Canada's IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) allows eligible candidates who enter the IEC pools to apply for a work permit. These are called rounds of invitations.
International Experience Canada Online Application Process (Infographic)
An overview of the International Experience Canada application process.
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Are You Ready To Apply For A Working Holiday IEC Work Permit?
Whether you want a Canada work permit now or in 2024, TODAY is the day to call Ackah Business Immigration Law. Our skilled immigration team is here to help you cross borders seamlessly. Our immigration law firm offices in Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto provide immigration legal advice and guidance to businesses and individuals on immigration issues including visa applications, work permits, permanent residency, citizenship and temporary residency applications.
Contact Ackah Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email us directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.
