Program Delivery Update: Bilateral Agreements and Arrangements – IEC

On December 11, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant updates to the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, specifically regarding bilateral agreements with Australia. These changes will take effect on December 18, 2024, and clarify participation limits for Australian citizens under the IEC framework.

Overview of the International Experience Canada Program

The IEC program is a reciprocal initiative that allows young people aged 18 to 35 from various countries to work and travel in Canada, while also enabling Canadian youth to gain similar experiences abroad. The program consists of three main categories:

• Working Holiday:Participants receive an open work permit allowing them to work anywhere in Canada to support their travels.
• International Co-op (Internship):This category is designed for students who have secured a co-op placement in Canada. Participants receive an employer-specific work permit to gain practical experience in their field of study.
• Young Professionals:Participants must have a job offer from a Canadian employer in their field of expertise. They receive an employer-specific work permit to gain professional experience.

Key Updates for Australian Participants

The recent update specifically affects Australian citizens participating in the IEC program. Under the new guidelines:

• Australians are allowed two participationsunder the bilateral agreement:
  • One participation of up to 24 monthsin either the Working Holiday or Young Professionals category.
  • One participation of up to 12 monthsin the International Co-op (Internship) category.

This structure allows Australians greater flexibility and opportunity to engage with the Canadian workforce while experiencing the country’s culture.

Implications of the Update

The update aims to enhance youth mobility between Canada and Australia, reflecting a commitment to fostering international relationships and providing young people with valuable work experiences. The changes are expected to:

• Increase Participation:With clear guidelines on participation limits, more Australians may be encouraged to apply for the IEC program.
• Support Employers:By facilitating international work experiences, Canadian employers can fill skill gaps and benefit from diverse perspectives brought by international youth.
• Boost Tourism:As participants travel across Canada, they contribute to the local economy, particularly in tourism-dependent regions.

Broader Context of IEC Updates

In addition to updates for Australian participants, IRCC has also announced new agreements with other countries, including Finland and Iceland, while enhancing existing arrangements with South Korea and the United Kingdom. These developments indicate Canada’s ongoing efforts to expand its youth mobility partnerships globally.

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, emphasized that these initiatives not only benefit young people but also play a crucial role in stimulating Canada’s economy through increased employment opportunities and tourism.

Conclusion

The updates to the IEC program reflect Canada’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and providing young people with opportunities for personal and professional growth. With these changes set to take effect on December 18, 2024, Australian citizens will have enhanced opportunities to participate in this valuable program, contributing positively both to their own development and that of Canada’s economy.