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Are IRCC processing IEC applications in specific circumstances?

fudgel

Member
Nov 21, 2019
13
2
Hi,

I've been contacted by an RO that I had intially contacted in November 2019 inquiring about a second IEC working holiday visa.

They have said that if an applicant has a job offer for a position that is considered an essential service and can proof this, then the IRCC will process the application for the IEC visa. They have said that they will need to submit my application to the IRCC by October 26th before the 2020 season closes. They are charging a fee off approx. C$4k.

This seems to contradict the information that the IRCC have stated online where they say they are not processing any IEC applications. Does anyone know of IRCC processing IEC applications recently?

Thanks,
Daniel
 

Bs65

VIP Member
Mar 22, 2016
13,187
2,420
So regardless of COVID usually IEC WH visas are a one time opportunity other than if there are YP or coop categories as well so which country are you from.

Also as you say the IRCC site implies no new IEC applications are being processed at this time nothing about an IEC and essential worker

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/iec.html

To be honest you would need to see the official guidance that says essentials are excluded from the IEC hold as seems too convenient that you might be pressured to pay up 4k in next 4 days but thats just my view
 
Last edited:

fudgel

Member
Nov 21, 2019
13
2
So regardless of COVID usually IEC visas are a one time opportunity so which country are you from.

Also as you say the IRCC site implies no new IEC applications are being processed at this time nothing about an IEC and essential worker

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/iec.html
I'm Irish so I believe I should be able to obtain a second IEC visa via an RO.

Yes it does state pretty clearly that applications are not being processed. I guess it could be an attempt at a money grab then by the RO.
 

fudgel

Member
Nov 21, 2019
13
2
Do NOT pay anyone $4k for an IEC visa. IEC visa fees are like $250 MAX. This is a scam.
I know some RO's just charge the application fee plus a bit extra but I thought that some charge a couple of thousand as they are trying to sell an entire support package around the visa (accomodation on arrival, job support, etc.).
 

supercake

Star Member
Aug 24, 2017
118
98
VANCOUVER
I know some RO's just charge the application fee plus a bit extra but I thought that some charge a couple of thousand as they are trying to sell an entire support package around the visa (accomodation on arrival, job support, etc.).
Is it one of the listed organizations on the IRCC website? Just be careful man. I have a friend who works for StepWest and they are not taking on any new clients for RO 2020 for multiple reasons. Mainly due to IRCC not processing the applications but also due to the job market in general.
 

fudgel

Member
Nov 21, 2019
13
2
Is it one of the listed organizations on the IRCC website? Just be careful man. I have a friend who works for StepWest and they are not taking on any new clients for RO 2020 for multiple reasons. Mainly due to IRCC not processing the applications but also due to the job market in general.
It came from an organisation called Tamwood however they have GO also listed in their e-mail signature. It does sound a bit suspect alright and seems to contradicts everything online about the IRCC not processing IEC visas.
 

supercake

Star Member
Aug 24, 2017
118
98
VANCOUVER
It came from an organisation called Tamwood however they have GO also listed in their e-mail signature. It does sound a bit suspect alright and seems to contradicts everything online about the IRCC not processing IEC visas.
Oooh yeah that's ever weirder - GO are definitely legit. Though they also say they are closed for 2020. I'd be sus but maybe contact GO directly to see if they are working with Tamwood? It may be a possibility. But for sure worth doing some extra checks before you hand over 4k. Good luck!
 

fudgel

Member
Nov 21, 2019
13
2
Oooh yeah that's ever weirder - GO are definitely legit. Though they also say they are closed for 2020. I'd be sus but maybe contact GO directly to see if they are working with Tamwood? It may be a possibility. But for sure worth doing some extra checks before you hand over 4k. Good luck!
I've just contacted GO to see if they can verify and I guess I could contact IRCC as well but I wouldn't be expecting a timely reply from them. Thanks for the reply.
 

Mayoo4sam

Star Member
Jun 14, 2020
50
25
I'm doing this with stepwest . it worked to get an ITA and biometrics completed when suposedly IEC wernt officially issuing ITA's,but as of yet still waiting for a POE,3 weeks now.
 

fudgel

Member
Nov 21, 2019
13
2
I'm doing this with stepwest . it worked to get an ITA and biometrics completed when suposedly IEC wernt officially issuing ITA's,but as of yet still waiting for a POE,3 weeks now.

When did you submit the application, was it 3 weeks ago?
 

Mayoo4sam

Star Member
Jun 14, 2020
50
25
When did you submit the application, was it 3 weeks ago?

That when I completed my biometrics . The whole process was pretty quick up until then . Got my ITA on the 6th of October and biometrics request on the 8th of oct .
 

fudgel

Member
Nov 21, 2019
13
2
That when I completed my biometrics . The whole process was pretty quick up until then . Got my ITA on the 6th of October and biometrics request on the 8th of oct .
When did you submit your application into the IEC pool? That sounds promising anyway that IRCC are actually processing the IEC applications, my concern was that the RO would submit the application and it could sit in the pool for months. I'm just looking at the dates for my first IEC visa and it took about 4 weeks from receiving the ITA to the PoE letter. Keep me posted on when you actually receive the PoE and thanks for the info.
 

Mayoo4sam

Star Member
Jun 14, 2020
50
25
When did you submit your application into the IEC pool? That sounds promising anyway that IRCC are actually processing the IEC applications, my concern was that the RO would submit the application and it could sit in the pool for months. I'm just looking at the dates for my first IEC visa and it took about 4 weeks from receiving the ITA to the PoE letter. Keep me posted on when you actually receive the PoE and thanks for the info.
So once in the pool you need a valid job offer from an essential services employer(it's still an open work permit) , and an RO to nominate your name to IRCC before you'll get an ITA , it all happened quickly though once they nominate you a matter of a week or 2 and youl have your ITA,hopefully.
Sure im hoping to get it soon will update then.