IEC - Defer Entry / Re-apply? NEED HELP PLEASE!

[EmeraldDragon]

Hi,

I've looked everywhere and can't seem to find a straightforward answer to my question. I have been lucky enough to be issued an IEC visa and have until June 2017 to activate it at the border. However, due to a change in personal circumstances it's looking unlikely that I'll be able to go to Canada before June. I'm devastated by this and want to know if there's either a way to:

a) defer my entry to a later date (don't think this is a possibility but it's worth asking!)

or

b) am I eligible to re-apply again if I don't activate my visa before June at the border? (I'm from the UK - from what I understand it varies from country to country but I can't find a definite answer or explanation to this)

If I don't do anything - just let my POE expire - will I be able to enter next year's pool?

I could really do with some advice here, or details of anyone whom I can contact.

Thanks,

Chloe

 

[scylla]

1) Not possible to defer. It's use it or lose it.
2) No - you're not eligible to reapply. Because you've been issued an IEC visa, you've used up your one participation allowed in the IEC program. Unfortunately it doesn't matter if you activate it or not - it's still counted as one participation (and those from the UK are only allowed one participation).

 

[Bs65]

As scylla says use it or lose it so your only option really it seems is a long weekend trip (maybe out Friday back Sunday night) to activate it using maybe Air Transat who are cheaper than the national airlines.

Still not a cheap option as you would need the airfare plus the minimum cost 2 year travel insurance (and proof 2500 CDN) but at least once activated and you get 2 years you can come back whenever in that 2 year period so at least would not lose a once in a life time opportunity.

 

[EmeraldDragon]

Thank you both for your replies, I'm glad to finally be able to get a straightforward answer.

 

[conorthegg]

Hi, I am just wondering if you ever found another solution for deferring your visa. I am in the same situation, but from Ireland? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Conor