Last Updated on November 9, 2021

The International Experience Canada Program, which offers Canada work permits for younger adults, will complete its final round of invitations for the year this Friday in all remaining pools.

“To be considered for the 2021 season, you must submit your profile before 9 a.m. EST on Nov. 12, 2021,” said a tweet from the program’s official account.

“If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before the season closes, or if you have already started your work permit application, you will be able to complete and submit your application after Nov. 12.”

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Under the IEC, Canadians aged 18 to 35 can live and work in one of almost 40 countries and young people from those countries can live and work in Canada. 

IEC Offers Three Categories For Young Adults To Experience Canada

There are three categories under the IEC program: working holiday; international co-op; and young professionals.

Under the working holiday category, candidates receive open work permits that allow them to work anywhere in the host country. They do not have to have a job offer and can work for more than one employer while in the country.

Under the international co-op, or internship, category, students receive employer-specific work permits to gain experience in their field of study. 

The work placement or internship must be a requirement for the course of study and so the work permits are employer-specific. These participants must work for the same employer in the same location for the entire duration of their stay.

The young professionals’ category allows participants to receive employer-specific work permits to gain targeted, professional work experience that is within their field of study or career path. 

The job must be one that contributes to the participant’s professional development. The work permit given is employer-specific. 

Italy and Canada Expand IEC Agreement 

In December last year, Ottawa and the Italian government inked a deal to expand the IEC to allow young people in each country to work more often and for longer periods of time.

Through the IEC Youth Mobility Agreement, Canadian and Italian youth became to be able to work and travel in one another country for up to 12 months. 

They can now also participate in the program twice, allowing them to work and travel in the other country for up to two years. 

Under the current youth mobility agreements Canada has with 36 other countries and territories, most young adults from abroad can only stay in Canada for six months.