Multiple technical issues affecting the application process for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program have been causing frustration among individuals wishing to come to Canada through the program.

Significant changes to the IEC program came into effect late in 2015. The program has moved from a first-come, first-served model to an Expression of Interest/Invitation to Apply model. Eligible candidates can create an IEC profile, but must receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before they may submit an application. Invitations to Apply were due to be issued on April 11 and April 18. However, none were issued on either date due to what the IRCC is describing as “technical issues”.

In a statement posted on its website, the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly known as CIC) stated:

We are currently experiencing the following issues with our online services:

• some applicants are unable to upload documents in their IEC work permit applications, and
• we are unable to send Invitations to Apply at this time.

We are working to resolve these issues.

We will re-invite applicants whose work permit applications expired due to these technical issues. Documents sent using the Web form will not be considered.

Applicants who are having problems with the “Personal details” form should follow these steps.

Citizens of the following countries may be eligible to work in Canada under one of three IEC categories: Working Holiday, Young Professional, International Co-op.

Working Holiday

Participants in this category can receive an open work permit, valid for one to two years. Open work permits allow participants to work anywhere in Canada for almost any Canadian employer. Nationals of some countries may be allowed to stay in Canada for more or less than one year.

Young Professionals

Under this category, citizens of participating countries can gain valuable international experience by working for a Canadian company. A signed job offer letter or contract of employment with a Canadian employer related to the applicant’s professional development is required before applying.The job offered must be classified as a National Occupation Code (NOC) Skill Type Level 0, A, or B.

International Co-op

This category allows citizens of participating countries who are enrolled at a post-secondary institution in their country of citizenship to spend a period of time interning for Canadian companies. Participants must arrange co-op placements with Canadian employers before applying. Applicants must be registered students for the duration of the internship.

Candidates for all categories must:

• be a citizen (passport holder) of one of the 32 countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada;
• have a valid passport for the duration of their stay in Canada (the work permit issued will not be longer than the validity of the passport),
• be between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35 at the time of application (the upper age limit depends on the applicant’s country of citizenship);
• have the equivalent of $2,500 CAN upon landing to help cover initial expenses;
• be able to take out health insurance for the duration of their stay (participants may have to present evidence of this insurance at the point of entry in 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 their authorized stay in Canada,
• not be accompanied by dependents; and
• pay the appropriate fees.

Please note that specific age and eligibility requirements may vary by country.

To learn more about International Experience Canada (IEC), click here.