Work in Canada
New IEC 2024 Draw: Over 7,400 Invitations Issued in the Third Round
In the latest International Experience Canada (IEC) draw for 2024, more than 7,400 work permit invitations were extended, marking a significant milestone for aspiring participants. The draw, concluding on January 26, 2024, witnessed 6,864 invitations granted in the Working Holiday category, inviting 33,682 applicants from 34 countries.
The breakdown of invitations reveals that the Young Professional category secured over 300 invitations, while the International Co-op (internship) category saw more than 270 invitations. With three draws conducted this year, IEC 2024 has now issued approximately 27,000 invitations.
The processing update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on January 23 indicates a streamlined processing time of six weeks for the ongoing IEC season. The efficient processing aligns with the growing demand for participation in the program.
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As of January 27, 2024, the countries that have been recipients of invitations under the IEC 2024 categories include:
IEC 2024 Working Holiday Invitations
Individuals invited under the Working Holiday category receive an open work permit, enabling them to work for any Canadian employer. This program, a part of the broader International Experience Canada initiative, allows young people from over 32 eligible countries to obtain a Canadian work permit without needing a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Canada. Depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship, the work permit is valid for either 12 or 24 months.
The IEC consists of three distinct programs, each with its specific requirements:
1. Working Holiday – Ideal for those seeking the freedom to work for any employer in Canada, the Working Holiday program issues an open work permit. Participants can change employers and locations while residing in Canada.
2. Young Professionals – This program offers participants the opportunity to gain Canadian work experience by working with a Canadian employer. A valid Canadian job offer is a requirement, and the program issues an employer-specific work permit, requiring participants to work for the same employer in the same location.
3. International Co-op – Designed for international students who need to fulfill an internship or work placement as a component of their post-secondary education. Participants who receive a work permit shall remain with the same employer at the same location for the entire duration of their stay in Canada.
Eligibility for IEC involves having a country with an agreement or using a recognized organization, with a maximum age limit of 35 years.
IEC Application Process 2024
- Create an IEC profile to initiate the application process.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through regular draws conducted by IEC.
- Accept the ITA within 10 days to proceed with the application.
- Submit a work permit application within the next 20 days through the IRCC web portal.
- Successful applicants are granted a work permit detailing the authorized work period in Canada.
The popularity of the IEC draws 2024 attention to the importance of strategic immigration initiatives, and the positive response from participants is evident in the program’s continuous growth. As more individuals seek opportunities to work, live, and experience Canada, the International Experience Canada remains a vital pathway for international experience.
