Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The International Experience Canada (IEC) program plays a vital role in enriching Canada’s economy with unique skills from the global youth. By offering meaningful work and life experiences, this initiative not only benefits international participants but also enhances the global outlook of Canadian youth who travel and work abroad.<\/p>\n On January 9, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, officially announced that the IEC program is now open for youth interested in exploring work and travel opportunities in Canada. Invitations to apply for work permits will soon be sent to those already in the IEC pool.<\/p>\n This year, Canada plans to accommodate close to 90,000 international youth, as outlined in a previous announcement<\/a>. This expansion aims to address labor shortages across the nation by connecting Canadian employers with young, talented workers.<\/p>\n Canada’s commitment to youth exchange programs is longstanding. The IEC program offers an excellent opportunity for youth to experience different cultures, languages, and societies, while simultaneously enhancing their future career prospects.<\/p>\n “Our government empowers international youth to work and travel in Canada, supporting employers in finding necessary talent. This initiative not only boosts our economy but also provides a mutually beneficial experience.” \u2013 The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n “By opening IEC to 90,000 international youth, we introduce a diverse array of skills and perspectives to our workforce, helping tackle labor shortages, particularly in tourism. It also offers Canadian youth invaluable global experiences.” \u2013 The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism of Canada<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n “IEC is a gateway for youth from Canada and 36 other countries to gain life-changing work and cultural experiences. It equips young individuals with new skills and a global perspective.” \u2013 The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth of Canada<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n “With labor shortages impacting many sectors, the IEC program provides a diverse talent pool ready to contribute to Canada’s workforce while offering enriching experiences.” \u2013 The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Media Inquiries:<\/strong><\/p>\n Bahoz Dara Aziz<\/strong> Media Relations<\/strong> The IEC program is a reciprocal initiative allowing youth from Canada and partner countries to work and travel abroad.<\/p>\n Eligible youth aged 18 to 35 from Canada and 36 partner countries can apply based on specific age and country requirements.<\/p>\n The program includes Working Holiday, International Co-op (Internship), and Young Professionals categories, each offering different work permits and experiences.<\/p>\n Applications are accepted at specific times yearly, mainly from December to fall. Canadian youth can apply throughout the year.<\/p>\n The IEC provides opportunities for cultural exchange, skill development, and professional growth, benefiting both participants and host countries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" International youth contribute valuable and diverse skills to Canada’s economy when they come from abroad to gain meaningful work and life experiences here. Similarly, Canadian youth benefit from working and travelling abroad and coming home with an international perspective. … <\/i>Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4802,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4804","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-immigration"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4804","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4804"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4804\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4802"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4804"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4804"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4804"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Introduction to the Program<\/h2>\n
Program Expansion and Benefits<\/h2>\n
Fostering Cultural Exchange<\/h3>\n
Perspectives from Leaders<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Program Details<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
Additional Resources<\/h2>\n
\n
Contact Information<\/h2>\n
Press Secretary
Minister\u2019s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
bahoz.daraaziz@cic.gc.ca<\/a><\/p>\n
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca<\/a><\/p>\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
What is the International Experience Canada (IEC) program?<\/h3>\n
Who can apply for the IEC program?<\/h3>\n
What are the categories of participation in the IEC program?<\/h3>\n
When can international youth apply for the IEC program?<\/h3>\n
What benefits does the IEC program offer?<\/h3>\n