Canada wants to improve IEC program

This article was last updated on March 10, 2023

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Canada wants to improve IEC program

An internal memo from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) dated September 26, 2022, provides more details on the outlook of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program for 2023. The IEC is a program for young people aged 18 to 35 to explore Canada, work and fund their travels. The program manages Youth Mobility Arrangements (YMAs) with 36 partner countries across Europe, Oceania, East Asia, and the Americas.

Although immigration minister Sean Fraser announced a 20% increase in global quotas for IEC admissions in 2023, the memo explains that the partner quotas will remain at 2022 levels due to higher travel costs, hesitancy due to health risks, and significant labor shortages in partner countries. The global quota increase aims to offset “wastage” resulting from foreign nationals obtaining work permits but not landing in Canada to activate them.

IRCC does not recommend increasing partner quotas as it could set a precedent for high quotas each year, reducing program flexibility should Canada ever experience high unemployment rates. The program helps Canada fill gaps in the labor force, with IEC participants typically filling jobs in the service sector. The Working Holiday stream is the most prominent, granting an Open Work Permit (OWP) for up to two years, allowing holders to work for any employer in Canada.

To be eligible for the IEC program, candidates must be citizens or passport holders of one of the 36 partner countries, within the eligible age range, have a valid passport and health insurance, be admissible to Canada, and have the equivalent of $2,500 CAD upon landing in Canada. Eligible candidates submit a candidacy profile to the IEC pool, and if chosen, they will receive an invitation to apply for a Canadian work permit.