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A Quick Guide to Canadian Post-Study Visa Options

17th February 2017 Posted by: Kate Istead

With the US president closing borders to countries and the promise of immigration control in UK through Brexit, many migrants are already starting to look to other English speaking countries for university and work. Canada has some of the best universities in the world, good employment rates, and (in direct contrast to Donald Trump) a leader who welcomes immigration. Kate Istead tells us more about her country’s visa policies…

In a world that is possibly more connected than ever through the Internet and social media, it has lately started to feel like countries are actually getting further apart. Our options of where we can go, be welcomed and find opportunities seem increasingly limited by isolationism and the politics of fear. For young people, the task of finding meaningful work and travel experiences in this global context takes on added complexity.

Have you considered Canada?

Canada has always had a reputation for being a big, friendly and diverse nation. Our multiculturalism is supported by the belief in pluralism and the knowledge that “diversity is our strength.” As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently said, we “should be focused on extending the ladder of opportunity to everyone.” The International Experience Canada (IEC) programme does just that, offering youth from other countries the opportunity to travel and work in Canada. Each year, Canada grants a number of visas, depending on your country of origin. For example, UK citizens are entitled to 5,000 visas a year under the IEC programme, whereas Australians are issued an unlimited number of visas.

Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau

The International Experience Canada

There are two basic eligibility requirements for the IEC programme. In order to participate, you must either be from a country that has an arrangement with Canada allowing you to apply for an IEC work permit or come through a Recognized Organization. Canada has agreements with more than thirty countries and territories and twelve Recognized Organizations that can help you plan your trip and find work.

For eligible applicants, there are three travel and work experiences available. The Working Holiday permit is an open work permit, which allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except those that have specifically been listed as ineligible. This is a good option if you would like to earn money while travelling but don’t have a job offer before coming to Canada, or if you would like to work for multiple employers or in multiple locations.

In the Young Professionals category, the work permit is employer-specific, meaning that you can only work for the specified employer for the indicated amount of time and in the stated location. The International Co-op Internship category also offers employer-specific work permits and is ideal for post-secondary students who have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada. 

How do I apply?

  1. If you want to travel and work temporarily in Canada under IEC, the first step is to determine your eligibility. To find out your specific eligibility requirements, depending on your country of citizenship, visit the IEC website.
  2. Once you’ve determined your eligibility, your next step is to become a candidate in one or more IEC categories (called ‘pools’). This involves answering some questions to confirm your eligibility and creating an online IEC profile. You can only have one IEC profile, but you may be eligible for multiple pools. Once your profile is complete, you will be notified which pools you can apply for.
  3. The next stage is a bit of a waiting game - you now have to wait to get an Invitation to Apply for a work permit. During this time, it would be wise to get your supporting documents ready.
  4. When you receive your Invitation to Apply, it will tell you your category and your next steps. You will have to accept the invitation within 10 days. Once you accept the invitation, you will then have a further 20 days to apply for your work permit.
  5. The application involves completing an online form, submitting all your supporting documents and paying the fees. All applicants are required to pay CAN$126 and those applying in the Working Holiday category will have to pay a further fee of CAN$100 for the open work permit.
  6. After you apply, it can take up to eight weeks for your application to be reviewed. If approved, you’ll receive a port of entry letter of introduction that you must submit at the border when you arrive in Canada in order to receive your work permit.

Keep in mind that in addition to your work permit, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada. Canada also offers many other immigration opportunities; visit the Government of Canada website to find out what immigration programmes you may be eligible to apply for.

As a proud Canadian, I echo our Prime Minister’s sentiment and say, ‘Welcome to Canada’ – become part of our diversity, for we are stronger together.

Want to find out how to apply for a student visa? Read our quick guide for student visas, or visit our Places section for more inspiration.


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