Immigration Announcement

IRCC Invites Nearly 3,000 Candidates Under the IEC Program

Published

2 years ago

August 5, 2024

Ryan

IRCC Invites Nearly 3,000 Candidates Under the IEC Program

Over the last week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held new draws in the pools of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. From July 22 to July 28, 2024, Canada invited 2,994 young foreigners to apply for an IEC open work permit. As of July 28, there were 34,876 candidates registered in the pool and waiting for an invitation.

Details of the Latest Draw

In this round of invitations, IRCC issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates from a wide range of countries. The breakdown of ITAs is as follows:

Andorra: 1 ITA
Australia: 217 ITAs
Belgium: 19 ITAs
Chile: 1,382 ITAs
Costa Rica: 227 ITAs
Croatia: 5 ITAs
Czech Republic: 12 ITAs
Denmark: 14 ITAs
Estonia: 2 ITAs
Finland: 13 ITAs
France: 141 ITAs
Germany: 109 ITAs
Greece: 1 ITA
Ireland: 66 ITAs
Italy: 72 ITAs
Japan: 148 ITAs
Korea: 14 ITAs
Lithuania: 11 ITAs
Luxembourg: 2 ITAs
Netherlands: 4 ITAs
New Zealand: 43 ITAs
Norway: 5 ITAs
Poland: 14 ITAs
Portugal: 19 ITAs
Slovakia: 7 ITAs
Slovenia: 2 ITAs
Spain: 8 ITAs
Sweden: 9 ITAs
Switzerland: 3 ITAs
Taiwan: 316 ITAs
United Kingdom: 108 ITAs

IEC Program Overview

The IEC program offers young adults from various countries the opportunity to work and travel in Canada, fostering cultural exchange and providing valuable international experience. Participants can receive an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.

2024 Invitations and Impact

In 2024, Canada has issued a total of 100,787 ITAs under the IEC program. This program continues to be a popular avenue for young adults seeking international work experience and the chance to explore Canada’s diverse regions.

Future Prospects

The IEC program remains a critical component of Canada’s strategy to attract global talent and enhance cultural exchange. With a significant number of invitations already issued this year, the program is set to continue making a substantial impact on the Canadian workforce and the experiences of young adults worldwide.

Conclusion

IRCC’s recent draw under the IEC program, inviting nearly 3,000 candidates, underscores Canada’s commitment to fostering international exchange and providing opportunities for young people. As the program continues to thrive, it plays a vital role in enriching the Canadian labor market and cultural landscape. For more information on the IEC program and application details, visit the International Experience Canada (IEC) website.

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Date	Province	Invitations
April 09	Manitoba	32 Invitations
April 08	Ontario	1828 Invitations
April 01	Ontario	759 Invitations
March 30	Newfoundland and Labrador	209 Invitations
March 26	Manitoba	14 Invitations
Check Out the Full List of PNP Draws➜

Alberta Introduces Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) Requirements for 2026

Alberta has introduced new Worker Expression of Interest requirements under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, marking a shift toward a more structured and competitive selection process. Starting in 2026, candidates must submit a Worker Expression of Interest profile before applying to worker streams. The province is prioritizing applicants in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, ensuring nominations align with labour market demands.

In addition, Alberta has introduced a new submission fee for WEOI profiles, reflecting increased demand and administrative adjustments in the system.

This move strengthens Alberta’s ability to select candidates based on economic needs while improving transparency and efficiency in its immigration process. For applicants, it means stronger competition but also clearer pathways aligned with in-demand occupations.

Express Entry Draw Invites 3,000 Trade Workers

Canada has conducted a major Express Entry draw targeting skilled trades workers, issuing 3,000 Invitations to Apply in one of the first trade-specific rounds of 2026. Candidates required a Comprehensive Ranking System score of 477, reflecting a moderate threshold compared to other program-specific draws.

This draw highlights Canada’s growing focus on skilled trades, including electricians, plumbers, welders, and construction professionals. By introducing category-based draws for trades, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is addressing labour shortages in infrastructure, housing, and industrial sectors.

The scale of invitations also signals that trade occupations are becoming a core pillar of Canada’s immigration strategy. For candidates in these fields, Express Entry is now a more accessible pathway to permanent residency compared to previous years.

Canada Job Vacancy Trends 2025 Show Ongoing Labour Demand

Canada’s job vacancy trends in 2025 continue to demonstrate strong demand for skilled workers across multiple sectors. While overall vacancies have slightly declined compared to peak levels, key industries such as healthcare, retail, hospitality, and skilled trades remain under pressure.

The healthcare sector alone continues to account for a significant portion of job openings, reinforcing why category-based Express Entry draws frequently target this field. At the same time, sectors like construction and manufacturing are facing persistent labour shortages, driving demand for both domestic workers and immigrants.

These trends highlight an important reality: Canada’s immigration system is closely tied to its labour market. As vacancies persist in critical industries, immigration pathways will continue to prioritize candidates who can quickly integrate into the workforce and support economic growth.

Canada Updates Passport Processing and Service Standards

Canada has also introduced updates to passport processing, including enhanced service standards and processing guarantees. While passport fees have seen slight increases in 2026, the government is focusing on improving turnaround times and service delivery for applicants.

These updates aim to provide greater certainty for applicants, especially those planning travel or immigration processes that depend on valid documentation. Faster processing and clearer timelines reduce delays and improve overall user experience.

For newcomers and Canadian residents alike, efficient passport services are essential, and these improvements reflect Canada’s broader effort to modernize administrative systems alongside immigration reforms.

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Draw	Number Of Invitations	Minimum CRS Points
412 (PNP)	473	795
411 (French)	4000	419
410 (CEC)	2000	515
409 (PNP)	324	786
408 (Trade Occupations)	3000	447
407 (CEC)	2250	509
All Express Entry Draw Results ➜

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IRCC Invites Nearly 3,000 Candidates Under the IEC Program

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