Technical Issues Affecting Applicants Under International Experience Canada (IEC) Program | Canadavisa.com
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Technical Issues Affecting Applicants Under International Experience Canada (IEC) Program


the CanadaVisa Team - 26 April, 2016

Banff iec
Banff iec

Multiple technical issues affecting the application process for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program have been causing frustration among individuals wishing to come to Canada through the program.

Significant changes to the IEC program came into effect late in 2015. The program has moved from a first-come, first-served model to an Expression of Interest/Invitation to Apply model. Eligible candidates can create an IEC profile, but must receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before they may submit an application. Invitations to Apply were due to be issued on April 11 and April 18. However, none were issued on either date due to what the IRCC is describing as “technical issues”.

In a statement posted on its website, the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly known as CIC) stated:

We are currently experiencing the following issues with our online services:

We are working to resolve these issues.

We will re-invite applicants whose work permit applications expired due to these technical issues. Documents sent using the Web form will not be considered.

Applicants who are having problems with the “Personal details” form should follow these steps.

Citizens of the following countries may be eligible to work in Canada under one of three IEC categories: Working Holiday, Young Professional, International Co-op.

AustraliaAustriaBelgium
ChileCosta RicaCroatia
Czech RepublicDenmarkEstonia
FranceGermanyGreece
Hong KongIrelandItaly
JapanKoreaLatvia
LithuaniaNetherlandsNew Zealand
NorwayPolandSlovakia
SloveniaSpainSweden
SwitzerlandTaiwanUK

Working Holiday

Participants in this category can receive an open work permit, valid for one to two years. Open work permits allow participants to work anywhere in Canada for almost any Canadian employer. Nationals of some countries may be allowed to stay in Canada for more or less than one year.

Young Professionals

Under this category, citizens of participating countries can gain valuable international experience by working for a Canadian company. A signed job offer letter or contract of employment with a Canadian employer related to the applicant’s professional development is required before applying.The job offered must be classified as a National Occupation Code (NOC) Skill Type Level 0, A, or B.

International Co-op

This category allows citizens of participating countries who are enrolled at a post-secondary institution in their country of citizenship to spend a period of time interning for Canadian companies. Participants must arrange co-op placements with Canadian employers before applying. Applicants must be registered students for the duration of the internship.

Candidates for all categories must:

Please note that specific age and eligibility requirements may vary by country.

To learn more about International Experience Canada (IEC), click here.

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