How Do You Apply for Canada’s Working Holiday Visa Through the IEC Program?

Canada is a vast country with so many beautiful places to explore and enjoy your holidays, and your vacation. But, it is not possible to visit each and every place in the little time you get with your tourist visa. 

Canada is a country with people from all around the world. A place with different cultures, traditions, stunning landscapes, and lighting city life. And a place that offers you a chance to gain international work experience in such a beautiful country. 

In short, it is never about the work, but the experience you gain when you meet new people, new faces from all over the world. Making new friends, creating unforgettable memories, and exploring different cultures. 

That is the reason the Canadian government has come up with this program- Canada’s Working Holiday Visa, through the IEC Program. A visa type that allows individuals like you to enjoy your holiday, live, work, and travel all over the country for two years!

If you are someone who wants to move to Canada permanently but is hesitant about this decision. If you have questions and doubts like- What if the country doesn’t suit you? If you are able to adjust, face monetary issues, and any and everything that’s disturbing you. 

Don’t worry, everyone has to go through this, after all moving to a different country is a big decision. Before you make the decision, you can now get a tour of your life in Canada with this new working holiday program. 

And if the country suits you, you can later apply for permanent residency too. 

In this blog, we will discuss everything about this program- Working Holiday Visa through the (International Experience Canada) IEC program. Starting from a detailed explanation, age limit, how to apply to how many times you can apply. 

Let’s get started!

What is the IEC program, and how is it any different from a Working Holiday Visa (WHV)?

The International Experience Canada is an exclusive program meant for young adults from all over the globe. To visit, live, and work in Canada for a limited time period. 

IEC is an open opportunity for youth from several foreign countries to come visit Canada, and gain international work experience. And explore the lively lifestyle of this country- Canada. 

If you really want to move to a new country to start your first chapter of a new life. Then this International Experience Canada is the best option for you. IEC is known as the first step in your staircase to become a permanent resident of this country. 

Also, you can apply for your Working Holiday Visa through the IEC program which will be valid for a period of two years! Two years to explore new opportunities, make a new plan for your future life and explore the beauty of the country. 

The IEC visa has three categories:

• Working Holiday– This program allows you to work in any of the vast industry sectors of your choice, while you experience Canada’s rich culture and scenery.  
• International Co-op program– This program is specifically for students from different countries, who have already secured a co-op placement in Canada. It helps students to gain practical knowledge in their field of study, while also encouraging their academic knowledge. 
• Young Professionals program– This program is for attracting highly skilled professionals in their field, and giving them an opportunity to live and work in Canada. But to avail of this program benefit, first, you must get a job in Canada. 

What should be your age to avail the benefit of a Working Holiday Visa in Canada?

There is a list of 36 countries, whose young individuals are eligible for Canada’s Working Holiday Visa through the IEC program. If you belong to any of these 36 countries and are between the ages of 18 and 30, congratulations! You are eligible for this program. 

However, the age limit is 35, only for individuals from specific countries under this list.

Step 1: Check your eligibility before you apply

Now, you know what exactly a Working Holiday Visa through the IEC program is. But the question is is it really for you? Are you eligible to avail the benefits of this program? Relax, here is a list of necessities, and see if you qualify for all the points, and if you are eligible to apply.

• Country of citizenship: You have to be a citizen of the 36 countries with the youth mobility agreement mentioned above, in order to be able to apply.
• Age: Your age must fall under 18-30 years. However, the age to apply varies from country to country.
• Have funds: You must have sufficient funds to apply, fly, live, and support yourself in Canada. To be exact, you must have at least CAD $2500 to meet your needs, and eligibility criteria.
• Health Insurance: A proof that you are healthy, and fit for your entire stay in Canada.
• No participation: To avail of the benefit of this program, you must not have participated in the Working Holiday Program before.

Step 2: Create a profile in the IEC pool

The next step that will help you get into Canada via this Working Holiday Visa is a profile. You need to create an online profile to enter the IEC pool. 

Let’s know how you can create one of your own:

• Create a GCKey: start by logging in to the government of Canada’s GCKey platform.
• Fill in your details, and information like your passport number, your field of education, your work history, and whatever is asked.
• Now, select the program wisely- the Working Holiday program. Don’t get confused, IEC also offers Young Professionals and International Co-op streams for other specific purposes.

This is how you can make your profile on the IEC pool, but remember profile making does not guarantee a solid visa. You will have to wait for your invitation to apply (ITA).

Step 3: Wait for your Invitation To Apply (ITA)

After your profile is made you need to wait for your ITA, this process may be a bit time-consuming, but don’t worry, be positive.

With a randomized selection system, IEC selects young youth from all around the globe in different rounds of selection. It all depends on the demand and spots available.

How will you know if you are selected?

You will get an official selection letter in your email with further instructions. Make sure you accept the letter within the next 10 days and submit your application within 20 days of acceptance.

Step 4: submit your application

Well, if you are lucky enough to receive your very own ITA, you can proceed to complete your application process. 

Just fill out the form, mentioning your details regarding your work experience, and your educational background. And other stuff like travel history, employment, etc that is asked in the form. And make sure you have all your necessary documents ready with your:

• Passport scan
• Resume
• Recent digital photo
• Proof of funds (bank statement)
• Police certificates (if applicable)
• Medical exam results (if required)

Step-5: provide biometrics

With the new policy by the Canadian government, from 2018 all the individuals from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East will need to provide biometrics. If you are someone who belongs to one of these nations, you will need to submit your fingerprints and photographs. 

Once applied for the visa, you will receive a request letter with instructions.

Conclusion

In this blog, we discuss the minute details that you need to know about this Working Holiday Visa Program. Which will in turn help you gain your dream of having a life in Canada. 

Starting new in Canada is quite a tough task, you need to apply for it, need proper financial support, a proper program, and whatnot.

But with guidance, you can easily do so. Don’t worry we got yuh! We will help you from the very start to the end. From Express Entry to PNP, our team of experienced consultants will help you create a perfect plan that will maximize your chances.