IEC to Open Work Permit

[jen2810]

Hi all,

I've been looking into other options than PR after my IEC expires (expiry is October 2015), and I'm curious to know if you can apply for an Open Work Permit after IEC.

I know that IEC cannot be extended, and I would not be looking for an extension as such... I completed the come to canada tool and the results stated I would be eligible for an IEC (however I've completed my 24 months come October and not eligible for any more participations), and an Open Work Permit.

I have reviewed the eligibility for Open Work Permit and it states...

You may be eligible to apply for an open work permit if you are in one of the following situations:
8. You are participating in

• the Canada World Youth Program; or
• International Experience Canada .

Reading this... I would assume I was eligible, and on the IMM5710 form I would tick the box for a new permit rather than reinstating work status..

Can someone shed some light on this? Would this work?

I tried speaking to someone at CIC, however they were not helpful at all and told me to speak to a lawyer..

I've already registered for express entry, but want to be sure of my options should I not receive an ITA before my permit expires

 

[scylla]

Unless there is additional information you have not provided about yourself - you don't qualify for an open work permit at the end of your IEC.

You are eligible for the Open Work Permit while you are holding the IEC (the IEC is an open work permit). You don't qualify for an open work permit afterwards unless you meet one of the other criteria for an OWP (e.g. you have been sponsored for PR by your Canadian spouse using the inland application process, you have applied for PR via an economic class and your application has been accepted for processing, etc.).

If ITA doesn't come through by the time your IEC is expiring, you would need an approved LMIA from your employer to convert to a closed work permit and continue working.

 

[hayleysc]

What country are you from? We are Australian. My partner's work permit in the IEC program expires in August and he recently applied for and received the LOI for a further 2 years. Because his participation in the program was prior to 2015, he is eligible to participate for a further 2 years. We have also registered for EE.

 

[jaybakerca]

What country are you from? We are Australian. My partner's work permit in the IEC program expires in August and he recently applied for and received the LOI for a further 2 years. Because his participation in the program was prior to 2015, he is eligible to participate for a further 2 years. We have also registered for EE.

What?! thats unfair and totally crazy.

So you can do that if you're from Australia but not England? the system is so stupid.

I applied for my initial IEC back in 2012 and it all expired september 2014.

Are you telling me that i can apply again? for a 24 month? or not?

seems weird how Australians are allowed, but if you're from England, you cant

surely it would be one rule for all?

 

[hayleysc]

From what I understand, eligibility all comes down to the agreements between Canada and the relevant country. My comment was from our experience, as Australians. This is what is says for UK (and the link http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/index.asp?country=gb&cat=wh)


Determine your eligibility


Note: As a British citizen, you may participate in IEC once.

If you participated in IEC before 2015 for a period of up to 12 months, you are eligible for a second participation of up to 24 months. Those who participated in IEC more than once before 2015 are no longer eligible to apply.


To be eligible for the Working Holiday category, you must:
•be a British citizen from the following territories: the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey,
•have a valid UK passport with British citizenship or a valid Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey) passport for the duration of your stay in Canada – your work permit in Canada will not be longer than the validity of your passport,
•be between the ages of 18 and 30 (inclusive) at the time of application,
•have the equivalent of C$2,500 to help cover your expenses,
•be able to take out health insurance for the duration of your stay – you may have to present evidence of this insurance when you enter Canada,
•be admissible to Canada,
•have, prior to departure, a round-trip ticket or the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket for the end of your authorized stay in Canada,
•not be accompanied by dependents and
•pay the fees.

 

[jen2810]

Yeah I read that for Australia! But unfortunately I'm from the UK , I would of been fine if we'd even had a young professionals category open this year but that never happened unfortunately. Oh well, here's hoping express entry works out! Thanks for your help everyone

 

[Mbgirlfriend]

Yeah I read that for Australia! But unfortunately I'm from the UK , I would of been fine if we'd even had a young professionals category open this year but that never happened unfortunately. Oh well, here's hoping express entry works out! Thanks for your help everyone

What province are you staying in?

Have you looked into applying to the PNP where you are?

How many points did you get when you did your EE Profile?

My BF is from England and he was here on IEC. He applied for PNP and got nominated and with the nomination and a letter from his employer he was able to get a closed work permit while he waits for his PR to be processed. He does not have an AOR yet.

If you are eligible for PNP where you are then look into applying for that. I would do it now because some provinces have around a 6 month processing time. Also now employers have to pay a fee and fill out some forms in order for you to get the WP with a PNP nomination.