Canada remains one of the top destinations for young people looking to gain international work experience. In the latest rounds of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued invitations to 3,928 candidates. These draws, held from August 19 to September 1, 2024, offered young foreigners the opportunity to apply for an open work permit, enabling them to live and work in Canada for a limited time. With over 35,000 candidates registered in the IEC pool as of August 1, these recent invitations represent a significant chance for young professionals to kick-start their international careers in Canada.
Breakdown of Invitations: Countries Represented in the Latest IEC Draws
The IEC program invites candidates from various countries, reflecting Canada’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange and fostering global connections. The recent draws saw invitations extended to candidates from a wide range of participating countries:
| Australia | 395 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) |
| Austria | 1 ITA |
| Belgium | 69 ITAs |
| Chile | 1,043 ITAs |
| Costa Rica | 53 ITAs |
| Croatia | 11 ITAs |
| Czech Republic | 49 ITAs |
| Denmark | 21 ITAs |
| Estonia | 10 ITAs |
| France | 234 ITAs |
| Germany | 222 ITAs |
| Hong Kong | 6 ITAs |
| Ireland | 183 ITAs |
| Iceland | 1 ITA |
| Italy | 169 ITAs |
| Japan | 275 ITAs |
| Korea | 378 ITAs |
| Lithuania | 7 ITAs |
| Luxembourg | 3 ITAs |
| Netherlands | 54 ITAs |
| New Zealand | 115 ITAs |
| Norway | 7 ITAs |
| Poland | 20 ITAs |
| Portugal | 62 ITAs |
| Slovakia | 24 ITAs |
| Slovenia | 6 ITAs |
| Spain | 22 ITAs |
| Sweden | 15 ITAs |
| Switzerland | 7 ITAs |
| Taiwan | 350 ITAs |
| United Kingdom | 116 ITAs |
These numbers illustrate the broad international interest in Canada’s IEC program and the diverse range of cultural backgrounds and skill sets the country seeks to attract.
Understanding the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program
The IEC program is a bilateral initiative between Canada and several other countries, primarily aimed at young adults. It allows participants to experience Canada’s lifestyle and culture while gaining valuable work experience. The program is divided into three categories:
Working Holiday: This category is for young adults who wish to travel and work in Canada. Participants receive an open work permit, allowing them to work for almost any employer in Canada and explore the country at their own pace.
Young Professionals: This stream targets young professionals who have a job offer in Canada that contributes to their professional development. It requires participants to secure a job in Canada related to their career path before applying for a work permit.
International Co-op (Internship): This category is for students who need to complete a work placement or internship as part of their studies. Participants gain valuable on-the-job experience in Canada, enhancing their professional skills.
The Impact of IEC on Canada’s Economy and Cultural Exchange
The IEC program is more than just a work opportunity; it’s a significant part of Canada’s approach to building international relations and fostering cultural exchange. By welcoming young people from around the world, Canada benefits from diverse perspectives and fresh talent that can contribute to various sectors of the economy. Additionally, the program helps create lifelong connections between Canada and other countries, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.
With the latest invitation rounds, IRCC has shown its continued commitment to the International Experience Canada (IEC) program by inviting 3,928 young foreigners to explore work opportunities in Canada. The IEC program offers a unique chance for cultural exchange and professional growth, making Canada an attractive destination for young professionals from around the world.
As the program continues to issue ITAs, it underscores Canada’s dedication to fostering global connections and providing meaningful work experiences for the next generation of leaders.
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