Canada employs several programs to increase job opportunities, with the International Experience Canada (IEC) program being a prominent one. This program allows foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada the opportunity to do so.
Canada Work Visa: International workers hoping to work in Canada have received welcome news. The Canadian government has simplified the process of obtaining a work permit under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. IEC participants will no longer need to leave Canada to receive their work permit.
This new rule is a significant convenience for those wishing to work in Canada. Under this change, work permits will now be mailed, provided applicants meet certain conditions.
Importance of the IEC Program
IEC is a major Canadian government program offering international citizens the opportunity to travel and work in Canada. The program offers work permits across various categories, including 'Working Holiday,' 'Young Professionals,' and 'International Co-op' (internships). For Indian students, IEC presents an excellent opportunity for internships and valuable work experience in Canada.
Benefits of the New Process
Previously, IEC work permit applicants had to leave Canada and only receive their permit upon their return. This process was time-consuming and inconvenient, requiring applicants to plan travel around their work permit application. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has streamlined this procedure.
Now, individuals obtaining an IEC work permit will not need to leave Canada. Instead, they will receive their new work permit by mail. However, certain conditions must be met.
Conditions for Obtaining an IEC Work Permit
- First Condition: A valid IEC work permit must have been held at the time of the second IEC application. This permit must remain valid to receive the new one.
- Second Condition: A valid Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction is required. This letter is essential for obtaining a work permit and must be valid.
- Third Condition: The new work permit must be requested before the POE letter's expiry date. Legal status in Canada must be maintained throughout this period.
Failure to meet these conditions necessitates leaving Canada. Re-entry must be from a country other than the United States or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to obtain a new IEC work permit.
The End of Flagpoling
Previously, many individuals employed "flagpoling," briefly leaving and immediately returning to Canada to obtain their work permit. IRCC has eliminated this practice. This new rule applies to all foreign nationals holding IEC work permits. To receive a second IEC work permit while remaining in Canada, applicants must now apply by mail.
The IEC work permit process typically takes four to six weeks, but may take longer in some cases. IRCC clarified that applicants who applied for a new permit before their old permit's expiry date will receive their new permit without issue.
