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Are you a working professional or an intern seeking opportunities to work and reside in Canada? With a decent work-life balance and a happiness index of 7.03, Canada provides a myriad of programs that allow individuals to gain international work experience. Working holiday visa (WHV), also known as the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, emerges as a crucial pathway for individuals looking to travel and work in Canada for a defined period. Notably, this program is divided into three distinct subcategories, each with its own eligibility criteria. In such a scenario, understanding these eligibility requirements becomes crucial in boosting the likelihood of a successful application process. In this blog, we will delve into Canada’s working holiday visa, delivering insights into eligibility criteria and application procedures, enabling you to make an informed decision.
Understanding Working Holiday Visa
The International Experience Canada (IEC) is a broader term that includes various subcategories. The working holiday visa program (WHV) is one of the notable categories of IEC. WHV is a program designed by the Canadian government to target young individuals seeking to reside and work in Canada for up to two years. Such a program empowers foreigners to obtain work experience while immersing themselves in the Canadian lifestyle, potentially serving as the initial step toward obtaining permanent residency. The International Experience Canada (IEC) program boasts three categories which include:
1. Working Holiday
Such a category is tailored to those individuals who want to work in diverse industries and locations across Canada without requiring a job offer in advance. Applicants who successfully secure the working holiday program will be provided an open work permit. However, for certain positions, applicants are required to take a medical exam first.
2. Young Professionals
Another significant category is designed for those individuals who have already acquired a job offer in Canada that counts toward their professional development. However, the work permit in this category is employer-specific (closed), which means the applicants will be working for the same employer in the same location during their stay in Canada.
3. International Co-op (Internship)
As the name suggests, the international co-op program caters to students with secured internships or work placements, enabling individuals to acquire practical work experience in Canada. This category also provides an employer-specific (closed) work permit, and the internship must be directly linked to the student’s field of study.
How to Apply for a Canadian Working Holiday Visa?
The following are some of the crucial steps that you must follow when submitting your visa application:
1. Meeting the IEC Eligibility Criteria
To participate in International Experience Canada (IEC), consider understanding the eligibility requirements established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. However, ensure that your country or territory of citizenship must have a Youth Mobility Agreement (YMA) with Canada.
2. Create an Account to Enter the IEC Pool
Fill out the questionnaire, get your personal reference code, and create an account with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. When submitting your application, you are also required to pay a fee, which may hinge upon the IEC category you are applying for. After submitting your profile, choose the IEC pool you intend to be in. Remember, in this stage, IRCC removes all those profiles from the pool that don’t meet the eligibility criteria, and selected applicants receive an Invitation to apply for a work permit.
3. Submit Your Application
It’s important to note that IRCC provides ten days for the selected individuals to accept the invitations. If you wish to accept the invitation, you will have 20 days to complete and submit the application.
4. Biometrics
If required, a biometric instruction letter (BIL) will be sent to the candidate via their IRCC account after they submit their application. If your application is successful, IRCC will send a letter to the applicant’s account. After receiving the approval, you can fly to Canada.
Conclusion
A working holiday visa in Canada emerges as a crucial pathway that facilitates working professionals gaining international work experience. It is imperative for aspiring applicants to understand the eligibility requirements and prepare thoroughly to ensure a streamlined application process. You can also rely upon Visa Immigration as we provide the necessary resources and guidance to navigate this journey effectively. With years of experience, we are a seasoned team of lawyers who navigate the complexities of the visa application process, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome. Get in touch with us today to embark on your pathway of international adventure and professional development.