Can I fly to Canada, activate my IEC work permit then leave the next day?

[Pearcey1409]

Hi everyone, I am new here, from the UK and have a question I can't find the answer to anywhere!

I have my IEC Canadian visa approved and it says I am permitted to work for up to 4 years cumulatively. I can get a working holiday visa in New Zealand for 2 years. I was trying to choose between starting a working holiday visa in either Canada or New Zealand before I turn 31 years old in July.

So my question is, can I fly to Canada and activate my 4 year visa, then leave a day or so later and go to New Zealand and do a working holiday visa there for 2 years with the intention to go back to Canada when that is expires in 2 years time?

This way I don't have to choose between the two and get to do both! Everyones a winner! right?

I thought that IEC was only for 2 years when I applied for it but it definitely says 4 years on my letter of approval. So confusing!

Please help! Many thanks.

Adam

 

[scylla]

The short answer is no.

Yes - you can certainly activate your IEC and then leave. However you will only be issued an IEC that has a duration of 24 months. So if you activate it and leave for two years, it will expire before you return.

The four years refers to a rule that governs the total length of time foreign workers are allowed to work in Canada (for jobs of certain skill levels) and has nothing to do with the duration of the IEC you will be issued. Your IEC will be issued for 2 years only.

 

[Pearcey1409]

thank you, that was the perfect answer I was looking for! Not the one I wanted but at least I know now.

Thanks x