IEC Working Holiday Visa

[HarryF]

Hi everyone,

I'm really confused what I should do as a British Citizen who wants to stay in Canada as long as possible under IEC.

The Come to Canada tool for IEC asked how long I wanted to stay in Canada. The options for me were

1. Less than 6 months
2. More than 6 months
3. Permanently.

As a British Citizen, should I only select "more than 6 months" or can I choose permanently? It says that British Citizens are allowed up to 24 months and yet the questionnaire deemed me eligible for a permanent WHV (and gave me a code). I'm really confused by this.

I'm proceeding with an application based on selecting Option 2. Should I withdraw the application and reattempt it with Option 3?

 

[ozlis]

You need to consider these as two separate applications.

Initially, you want the IEC permit and you answer the questions with that in mind.

Then, you have the PR application submitted which you would have answered with more permanent intentions in mind.

If you select permanent upfront, they would only give you options for PR and nothing outside of that. Clear as mud?

 

[HarryF]

I think so. So the Come to Canada tool can lead you to a PR application if you selected IEC but tried to select permanent options?

I've been accepted to the IEC pool now (based on me saying I wanted to stay there more than 6 months).

 

[ozlis]

It might, but it would probably rule out the IEC permit option at the same time.

Hopefully they review the tools soon, I know the Aussies are having a few issues with the system since they switched in Jan.

 

[HarryF]

Okay, I think that clarifies it. It does say British citizens can have a WHV for up to 24 months. This must be "more than 6 months" and not permanently.

It's a little annoying that I thought I was ineligible for months because I kept selecting United Kingdom and Colonies (because I noticed it before British Citizens). Technically I'm both...

Thanks for being very swift and helpful

 

[HarryF]

Apologies:

I can confirm the following:

I used the Come to Canada tool and select "IEC - Work & Travel" followed by answering "how long are you planning to stay in Canada" as "Permanently" and filled in the rest as usual and the result was: "Based on your answers, you appear to be eligible for International Experience
Canada".

It's making me wonder if I should use this Reference Number instead of the 6 months or more option. Both explicitly state that it falls under IEC which is (unfortunately) still confusing.

 

[ozlis]

Once you are in the pool, the questionnaire is essentially ignored - it is a screening tool only.

They approve/reject your permit based on the application that you complete later on.

 

[HarryF]

Okay, good to know. Thanks again!