International Experience Canada – IEC : an opportunity to simplified recruitment
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows Canadian employers to easily recruit young international talent. Thanks to bilateral agreements between Canada and over 30 partner countries (including France, Belgium, Germany, Australia…), participants aged 18 to 35 can come to Canada for temporary work, bringing with them diversity, skills, and fresh perspectives.
What is the IEC program?
IEC is a seasonal program that opens at the beginning of the year and closes at the end. The first round of invitations for the 2025 season began the week of January 13.
Currently, 36 nationalities are eligible for the program, although not all categories are available in every country. Participation requirements vary depending on the bilateral agreements.
The three types of permits under IEC
The IEC program offers three types of work permits, each tailored to a specific profile:
1. Working Holiday (WHP)
This category is for young people who want to travel while working.
- Open work permit: allows participants to work for any employer in Canada.
- No prior commitment required from the employer.
- Duration: up to 24 months for French citizens.
2. Young Professionals
This category targets graduates with a job offer in their field of expertise or study.
- Closed work permit (also known as an employer-specific work permit) : allows participants to work exclusively for a designated employer at a specific location in Canada.
- Positions must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
- Duration: up to 24 months.
3. International Co-op Internship
This category is for international students enrolled in a post-secondary institution who wish to complete an internship in Canada.
- Closed work permit (also known as an employer-specific work permit) : allows participants to work exclusively for a designated employer at a specific location in Canada.
- Requires an internship agreement or job offer
- Duration: up to 12 months.
Why hire through IEC as an employer?
EIC allows Canadian employers to recruit motivated young international talent.
The Young Professionals and International Co-op Internship categories are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which helps reduce processing times (approximately 5 weeks) and recruitment costs.
The program is especially beneficial for seasonal, temporary, or skilled positions, as it avoids the restrictions associated with low-wage LMIA requirements.
Steps to hire through IEC
To hire a candidate under the IEC program, the employer must:
- Provide a signed job offer or employment contract (for Young Professionals), or an internship agreement (for International Co-op).
- Pay the compliance fee of CAD $230.
- Wait for the candidate to receive their work permit.
Focus on French citizens
French citizens have access to all categories of the IEC program. They can participate twice, but in different categories (e.g., Working Holiday + International Co-op). The maximum duration of the Working Holiday permit for French participants is 24 months, making it one of the longest stays.
Conclusion: a strategic lever for businesses
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a valuable opportunity for Canadian employers looking to recruit young international talent, while being exempt from the LMIA.
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