1. How do I know if my country has a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada and I am eligible to apply?
The best way to find out is to visit the IEC website and check if you meet the criteria to apply.
2. I only have one name. How do I write my name on the application, and in the Employer Portal?
Application: For any participant with only one name when submitting an IEC application, you should enter your name in the “last name” field and leave the “first name” field blank. Do not enter “Not applicable” “*” or “NA.”
Employer Portal (for employer-specific category applications): For those candidates with only one name, please enter the name in the “last name” field and enter “Not Applicable” (without quotes) in “first name” field. Do not enter “Not applicable” “*” or “NA.”
3. How many times can I participate in the IEC through an RO and is there a discontinuity requirement between each participation?
You can take part in two (2) RO-facilitated participations in your lifetime. The two participations are cumulative between all present, past or future ROs. These RO-facilitated participations are in addition to the country-specific limits on participations, which can vary by country.
In terms of discontinuity, although some of IEC’s YMA country agreements require a break or discontinuity (i.e. a specified period between IEC participations, except the once per season rule) between each participation, there is no discontinuity requirement for individuals nominated via an RO.
In a case where an individual is a dual citizen, IEC allows the use of the second citizenship to participate an additional two (2) times through ROs; however, their dual citizenship status must match the countries and territories that the RO is eligible to serve under their MOU with IRCC.
4. What do I need to know about Residency Requirements?
Residency requirements are typically waived for RO inbound applicants. However, under IEC, if you are from a country with a residency requirement, and currently living elsewhere, in your online application the residential/mailing address must be your permanent address in your country of citizenship, otherwise your application may be refused.
This means that, while as an RO applicant you do not have to be physically living in your country of citizenship when you apply, you must still provide a permanent mailing address in your country of citizenship in the application. Applicants in this situation should be prepared to provide proof, e.g. municipal correspondence, utility or credit/bank bill/statement, if requested by a processing officer or BSO at a port of entry.
5. Can I apply to International Experience Canada and Express Entry at the same time?
1. Are IEC participants allowed to do upfront Medical Examinations?
Information on upfront medical exams is available on IRCC’s website. Note that IEC does not provide any official letter for an upfront medical exam. An official letter is only provided to applicants when a medical exam is officially requested as part of the application process. In such cases, this official request letter will be sent to you via your online account.
2. How do I submit a document through the Web form after I’ve submitted my application?
The web form can be found here. There is a short triaging questionnaire before you are directed to the form itself. For the last question on the first page, remember to select “no” to the question “Is your application being processed by an office OUTSIDE Canada?” as all IEC applications from YMA country citizens are processed in Canada.
Once all the fields are completed on the first page, the you must click “Go to Web form” at the bottom of the page. Complete all of the web form questions and once complete, click “Next”.
On the next page, the you should see a space on the page to upload your document(s). Don’t forget to click submit!
3. I am currently at the end of my first permit, applying again through an RO. Do I need a new medical and police checks?
During the course of your application you will be informed of what documentation you need to submit as a repeat applicant.
In most cases, if you have not left Canada since your first application, you may not need a new police background check. However, the situation of every applicant is different. so you will be informed through your application about which documentation you need.
Arrival/Post-Arrival
1. My application was approved, but before I come to Canada to work, I would like to come to Canada for a short stay as a visitor (to see family and friends). Do I have to activate my work permit even if I’m not ready to work and don’t bring all of my documentation?
As long as you satisfy the border services officer that you are entering as a visitor, and will not be working, you are permitted to enter Canada as a visitor. Individuals should be prepared to show proof that you will be departing Canada at the end of your short visit and that you will not be working until a later date.
However, if the officer is not satisfied with the proof provided or with statements made by you at the POE, the BSO has the right to refuse you entry or to activate the permit. Therefore, you should be aware of this risk and plan accordingly as the RO team may not be able to provide assistance in such cases.
When you are ready to work in Canada, you will need re-enter Canada at a port of entry and present your valid POE Letter of Introduction (LOI), proof of insurance for your full stay, proof of funds and any other documentation requested by the BSO to have your work permit issued.
2. How can I extend or change a work permit?
You can only extend or change your work permit in very specific situations, which are detailed on IRCC’s website. Based on your circumstances, the web tool will advise if you are eligible to apply and which mechanism you must apply with, e.g. web form or paper mail-in application.
You will need to follow instructions carefully and indicate in your application if you are fee-exempt or not (which is clearly stated based on reasons for the extension or change requested).
Also, please keep copies of your submissions, proof of mailing or electronic submission, and all supporting documentation. This will help reduce significant delays if an issue arises with an extension/change application.
