The 2024 International Experience Canada (IEC) pool is now open for eligible applicants in partner nations. Founded by the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the International Experience Canada is a work permit program designed for eligible youth, allowing them to temporarily work and reside in Canada. The applicants must be citizens of countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangements with Canada. For 2024, the program will allow up to 90,000 applicants from more than 30 countries the chance to gain work experience in Canada. The applicants may also be eligible to become Canadian immigrants eventually. Those interested in applying for the program may start submitting their IEC profiles to IRCC.
Why the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada Opened the Program
The IEC program is designed to address labour shortages in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and whole and retail trade. Immigration is a key factor in addressing the shortage — Canada’s bilateral agreements with partner nations can help address labour shortages by hiring eligible youth to work with many employers, therefore addressing work shortages in the country. At the same time, it also helps foreign youth gain international work experience. The IEC workers are also eligible to immigrate to the country permanently after gaining the required work experience and other requirements set by the Immigration. For 2024, Finland may be included in the list of partner countries as both nations are set to ratify their mobility agreement.
How IEC Works
Who qualifies for the program? Applicants 18-35 years old and who reside in countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements with Canada may apply for the program. It functions as a candidate/applicant system, similar to other programs within the country’s Express Entry management system. Eligible individuals may submit their profiles to the IRCC. Once selected to apply for a work permit, these individuals become applicants and are a step closer to getting their Canadian work permits.
