Simple Guide to Canada’s New Work Permit: No IELTS, LMIA, or Job Offer Needed | ICE Process 2023
Canada’s new work permit program under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a golden opportunity for those dreaming about living and working in Canada.
The best part? No IELTS exam or job offer is needed for two of its streams.
Whether your job is high-skilled or low-skilled, you can qualify for this visa.
All you need is proof of funding amounting to just CAD 2,500. Plus, you won’t need an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), a typically complex process.
People from almost all countries can apply, and to sweeten the deal, your spouse or partner might get an open work visa, allowing them to work with any Canadian company.
IEC Work Permit
The IEC work permit is designed for those wanting to work in Canada, but are intimidated by the complex work permit process.
This new visa by the IEC makes the dream of working in Canada much more achievable.
The benefits are not limited to you alone. Your spouse or partner can also benefit from your application.
This opens the door to a new life journey in Canada, creating invaluable memories together.
Young Professional Stream
If you are aged between 18 and 35, the young professional stream might be ideal for you.
No need for an LMIA or IELTS exam!
The cost of an IEC work permit is about CAD 156 and allows up to two years of travel and work in Canada. With just six weeks of processing time, you can have your work permit very quickly.
Please note, you do need a job offer to apply for this stream.
Don’t worry though, the IRCC website lists registered organizations that can help you secure one.
These organizations can also assist you with your travel plans, helping you understand local tax laws and rules.
And you can bring your dependents with you! After you arrive in Canada, your spouse and kids can apply for visiting visas and get jobs.
Given the current labor need, finding work shouldn’t be too challenging if you have the basic skills.
International Co-op Internship Stream
Are you a student in Canada or planning to become one? The International Co-op internship route is your ticket to a work visa without the need for an LMIA or IELTS exam.
This stream enables you to secure a work visa while studying in Canada, provided your program of study is still in session and relevant to the offered internship.
Once you’ve completed your education, the employer-specific work permit you’re granted allows you to work for the business where you did your internship.
Working Holiday Stream
The working holiday stream is perfect for those who want to explore Canada while working.
You can come to Canada and work for as many employers as you want, even without a job offer.
This stream is a fantastic opportunity for those seeking adventure and wanting to explore various parts of Canada.
Your specific needs and aspirations should guide your choice of stream.
The IEC has a stream for everyone, whether you’re a student seeking an internship, a young professional looking for employer-specific work permits, or just wanting to travel and work in Canada.
To plan your trip to Canada, make sure to check the IEC website for a list of eligible countries and registered organizations.
Applying for Jobs and Internships
To apply, simply type “IEC Canada” into Google and visit the official IRCC page. From there, you can select your country to see if it’s listed as eligible.
If your country is not mentioned, select “my country is not mentioned.”
However, your country needs to have a youth mobility agreement with Canada.
On the list of available jobs, make sure to select Canada as your search location.
You will see a comprehensive list of available roles in Canada. If you don’t find a job you like, don’t be discouraged; the job listings are updated regularly.
When you select a job, you can view important details such as:
- The salary offered
- Company information
- Job description
- Working conditions
- Duties
- Skills needed for the position
- Language requirements
- Nationalities eligible to apply
Post-application Process
Once your application is shortlisted, you’ll be notified about the interview rounds.
If you secure the job, you’ll get an offer letter within just 35 days.
This offer letter is all you need to apply for a work visa.
Applying for these jobs is free; you don’t have to pay unless you’re hired.
Once you have a job offer, simply register for the IEC pool on the IRCC website and wait for your Invitation to Apply (ITA).
To apply, you need to create a GC key, log onto your IRCC account, and select the pools that apply to you.
You have just 10 days to accept your ITA and 20 days from the time you accept to complete your documentation and pay your fee.
Required Documents
- Proof of Funds: You need to show that you have the financial means to cover your expenses for the first three months in Canada, which is $2,500.
- Medical Certificate: A medical exam is required for every country where you’ve lived or traveled for at least six months. The exam must be done by a doctor authorized by IRCC.
- Health Insurance: Your insurance should cover your entire stay in Canada. If it doesn’t, your work permit will expire the same day as your insurance.
- Police Clearance: You need a PCC from your current country and any other country where you’ve lived for six months or more consecutively.
- Acceptance Letter: A confirmation letter from a reputable institution or entity. This should be presented along with your passport, digital photo, and resume.
For the latest information on visa criteria changes, prospective paths to legal residency, and more, visit femmesetvilles.org