Canada: International Experience Class (IEC)

mdu

Hi , just found this page today :

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/ireland-irlande/highlights-faits/IEC-EIC-Oct2010.aspx

"Welcome to the new International Experience Canada (IEC) page!
The IEC initiative will officially open for the upcoming year after January 18, 2011.
Due to administrative changes being made to the IEC that will come into effect at the beginning of 2011, for the first time in Ireland you will be able to apply directly to the Embassy of Canada.
We are streamlining the application process which will affect how and where you apply for the IEC. We invite you to visit our web site frequently between now and January, 2011 to familiarise yourself with the numerous changes coming into effect in 2011 and how these changes will affect the application process.
Please note that any application received before the IEC initiative officially opens in January 2011 will not be considered, returned to the applicant, or retained for the opening date."

dirtyghettokid

my guess is that it will save applicants money rather than having to go through usit! i wonder will they publish how many visas will be available?

DamienH

Great news, I hate having to deal with USIT!

mdu

yeah, its called the IEC working holiday programme. Not sure if its the exact same as the USIT visa but if it is then good to know that there is a choice for people..

dirtyghettokid

they could be more informative about opening dates also!

eamog1888

Hi All,


can you just apply for this visa and then book flights later in the year or is there a period where you need to have everything booked...

thanks:cool:

Lenmeister

Is this open to anyone? I wonder if people who've already spent a year or more there can apply.

Hoolie84

I'm almost certain that if you have been on one of the work and travel visas before you are ineligible, but check it out.

Lenmeister

Well either way looks like I have to wait until January to find out.

Hoolie84

If you google IEC France, you'll get the application procedure for French citizens, the restrictions for individual EU countries are usually exactly the same.... The French are not allowed to reapply if they have been on a work and travel visa before, not sure why teh Irish one is so slow to put the rules up. Probably as its the first year the embassy has been accepting applications directly.

Hoolie84

Actually from what I can see, you could reapply, but you would have to see if you are eligible for a different IEC category. You can't apply for the same category twice, so hopefully you fall under another category's eligibility...

I'll just add that these are the french rules... The irish may be different....

Lenmeister

Well hopefully you can apply again. There's alot of people in the same boat as me who've already been there for a year and desperately want to get back over. I hope they'll bring out something in the near future where you can head back. There's nothing I can do, I've researched this a million times. Only way I have of getting back over at the moment is to have a degree in something, making me a working professional, which I don't have, like so many others.

Hoolie84

Theres always the option to come over as in international student. Study here and get a Canadian credential and apply for a 3 year graduate work visa once you finish.

All depends on the finances I guess...

Lenmeister

Exactly, alot of time and money needed for that kind of thing.

niva*sis

anyone know how long this process will take???

mdu

t00024894 wrote: »

anyone know how long this process will take???

hard to tell right now. best to check out the immigration website in January.

nahuvy

Hey just wondering did anyone apply through them yet. I downloaded the application kit/forms the other day and there are some variations from what usit said one eg is "Proof of funds-Candidate form" is a form that you need to get signed by a bank saying you have 2325e/$3000 in your account or a version to be signed from a third party saying they are loaning you 775 euro,its one or the other. No form for is mentioned for having 775e/$1000 in your a/c with a return ac. Would be grateful for any help/tips

Lenmeister

If you check the site you'll see that it says you must have proof of funds. The best way is to print out a statement get it stamped by the bank, then just send that off with your application kit. No Problem.

littlehannah96

nahuvy wrote: »

Hey just wondering did anyone apply through them yet. I downloaded the application kit/forms the other day and there are some variations from what usit said one eg is "Proof of funds-Candidate form" is a form that you need to get signed by a bank saying you have 2325e/$3000 in your account or a version to be signed from a third party saying they are loaning you 775 euro,its one or the other. No form for is mentioned for having 775e/$1000 in your a/c with a return ac. Would be grateful for any help/tips

Hey, it actually says on the usit site also that you need proof of funds. The USIT has the exact same requirements as the embassy visa. This is because all usit is is a travel agents that apply for the visa for you (on the condition that you buy a package of useless things.off them for 299euro) instead of doing everything yourself.

nahuvy

Thanks guys for your help, just got confused as i had thought you only needed €775 in your account when you had a return ticket but had got the form filled out at my bank anyhow so its sorted.

Lenmeister

No, I went last year through usit ti Canada and needed $3000 in my account and had to provide evidence of that $3000 - in other words a bank statement. So just print 1 out and send it with your application. Just as Hannah says, it says on the usit site that you need funds. They just act as a middle man but whatever the embassy needs, usit will let you know.

Eire09

Hey, im a bit confused about the filling out of the application kit..do physically mail it or send through email? Do i scan Garda cert, bank statement etc into application kit ? Thanks

gustafo

Eire09 wrote: »

Hey, im a bit confused about the filling out of the application kit..do physically mail it or send through email? Do i scan Garda cert, bank statement etc into application kit ? Thanks

Everything needs to be sent by post to canadian embassy in paris.

Augmerson

Hey guys, I have some questions maybe somebody could throw some light on the situation. I went on the under 35 program in 2007. According to USIT's website, you can apply to the IEC even if you have participated before because the structure has changed, so I'm fine to sign up right? Just niggling doubts are annoying me.

nahuvy

yep thats what i heard too

red menace

Augmerson wrote: »

Hey guys, I have some questions maybe somebody could throw some light on the situation. I went on the under 35 program in 2007. According to USIT's website, you can apply to the IEC even if you have participated before because the structure has changed, so I'm fine to sign up right? Just niggling doubts are annoying me.

It's a new scheme so you should be good to go

Augmerson

Thanks guys, managed to find this from the IEC website, thought I'd post it up for anyone else with the same question -

IEC wrote:

I have participated in the IEC on a previous occasion. Now that participation is restricted to two one-year periods, does my previous participation restrict my ability to travel to Canada in the future?

No. The new policy of two one-year participation periods is not being implemented retroactively. So even if you have previously participated in the IEC, you will still be able to participate twice, assuming you can demonstrate eligibility to do so.

bertaluchi

Hi there,
does the IEC bit not make it different?
In that, I am on the USIT 1 year working Visa. Does this not state that it's ok if you have already got the IEC Visa?
They're 2 different visas

louisejscott

Hi guys just wondering- My bf and I are common law under canadian law but we are both applying for the IEC as we both want to work. Do you tick common law on the application or leave it blank as we are both applying anyhow?

joannaman

Quote:
Originally Posted by IEC
I have participated in the IEC on a previous occasion. Now that participation is restricted to two one-year periods, does my previous participation restrict my ability to travel to Canada in the future?

No. The new policy of two one-year participation periods is not being implemented retroactively. So even if you have previously participated in the IEC, you will still be able to participate twice, assuming you can demonstrate eligibility to do so.

Ok, so does that mean that if you have already done a one year under 35 visa in Canada (which I have done), that you can now apply again with a clean slate and spend another 2 years there if you want? (somebody please say yes!)

red menace

joannaman wrote: »

Quote:
.....

Ok, so does that mean that if you have already done a one year under 35 visa in Canada (which I have done), that you can now apply again with a clean slate and spend another 2 years there if you want? (somebody please say yes!)

That is the way I was reading it, because it was a new program everyone should be starting afresh with it

loveslasvegas

This sounds like a stupid question but on the IEC website u have to fill in details in order for them to email you the application package....

it asks for "Province" so do we put Leinster!!!! I'm from Dublin but surely they would want your city instead!

I feel stupid even asking this haha but don't wana make any mistakes in my application

JONJO THE MISER

joannaman wrote: »

Quote:
Ok, so does that mean that if you have already done a one year under 35 visa in Canada (which I have done), that you can now apply again with a clean slate and spend another 2 years there if you want? (somebody please say yes!)
[/B][/I]

:eek: Bloody hell if this is true its fantastic news, after 2 years you can then apply to be a permanent resident or maybe you will be married by then so you wont need too:p

beano345

JONJO THE MISER wrote: »

:eek: Bloody hell if this is true its fantastic news, after 2 years you can then apply to be a permanent resident or maybe you will be married by then so you wont need too:p

man on the same wavelength as me! think its 3 years then you can apply for permanent residence!

beano345

loveslasvegas wrote: »

This sounds like a stupid question but on the IEC website u have to fill in details in order for them to email you the application package....

it asks for "Province" so do we put Leinster!!!! I'm from Dublin but surely they would want your city instead!

I feel stupid even asking this haha but don't wana make any mistakes in my application

no its the province in canada you intend going to ie if your going to toronto the province is ontario!

loveslasvegas

cool
thanx beano345

eamog1888

haven't seen any other posts but just got provisionally accepted through mail...need to pay the money in the next 10 days...fairly happy with that...best of luck to the rest of u...c u at the bar...hopefully

LuckyG

Just got refused as i have been living in the UK

gutted

joannaman

eamog1888 wrote: »

haven't seen any other posts but just got provisionally accepted through mail...need to pay the money in the next 10 days...fairly happy with that...best of luck to the rest of u...c u at the bar...hopefully

How much is it costing you Eamog? I couldn't see any prices on the IEC website, but last time I went with usit I was paying nearly €500 fee (and then flights and insurance with them), so I'd be curious to know is it a lot less now.

eamog1888

joannaman wrote: »

How much is it costing you Eamog? I couldn't see any prices on the IEC website, but last time I went with usit I was paying nearly €500 fee (and then flights and insurance with them), so I'd be curious to know is it a lot less now.

I took a chance and avoided usit and went straight to the embassy in paris...€110 euro for the visa...think usit is €300 + the €110 to the IEC...i was getting worried as i saw people on here getting turned down so i reapplied to usit yesterday...i was 416 on their list..

loveslasvegas

eamog1888 wrote: »

I took a chance and avoided usit and went straight to the embassy in paris...€110 euro for the visa...think usit is €300 + the €110 to the IEC...i was getting worried as i saw people on here getting turned down so i reapplied to usit yesterday...i was 416 on their list..

Eamog1888 what did u put for Province on the personal info page of IEC website to get ur application pack?

someone told me to put ontario but theres already a drop down list to select this and it askd for province of current residence!!

Thanx

eamog1888

loveslasvegas wrote: »

Eamog1888 what did u put for Province on the personal info page of IEC website to get ur application pack?

someone told me to put ontario but theres already a drop down list to select this and it askd for province of current residence!!

Thanx

i filled out the initial details and put in my current address (i live in Dublin 24)..one thing i did notice was when i downloaded the cover sheet with details and barcode (its separate from the pack), it had my "province" as 24 which is what i put in for my area code...i have to say i was nervous about this as i thought i'd ****ed up....dont want to lead ya on the wrong path but thats what i put in and well it seems to be passed...hope that helps

Demo2011

LuckyG wrote: »

Just got refused as i have been living in the UK

gutted

How long have you been in the UK ? did the refusal say it was that ?

loveslasvegas

ah cool thanx a million

Yeh i put dublin but wasnt sure if i shoulda put Leinster!! haha

cool well if it worked for u then hopefully be grand for me!!

well done on getting accepted

best of luck!

zweton

are these visas nearly gone?

louisejscott

I submitted on my own and just got my email to pay the fee yesterday- does that mean my forms are correct or can I still be rejected for a mistake. Also if I'm living in Canada next year can I apply for the another IEC visa under the 2 year rule or will I run into the same issues as the guy who has been living in London.

Demo2011

louisejscott wrote: »

I submitted on my own and just got my email to pay the fee yesterday- does that mean my forms are correct or can I still be rejected for a mistake. Also if I'm living in Canada next year can I apply for the another IEC visa under the 2 year rule or will I run into the same issues as the guy who has been living in London.

So long as they do not change the rules we can apply next year again (you must apply before the date of your 36th birthday etc etc & follow eligibility criteria according to website etc)

No issue with being in Canada for 1 year - I think LuckyG came unstuck because he was in the UK too long (7 years I believe)

Once you pay & they do the security checks in the High Comission in London you get the letter of Introduction. Therefore, my understanding is that once the pennies are paid & you are not an undesireable such as a scary terrorist etc. the process is complete. (That's my understanding anyway)

Have a great day!

louisejscott

Thanks...I've turned totally paranoid through this process... I'll pay the money today

Eutow

eamog1888 wrote: »

haven't seen any other posts but just got provisionally accepted through mail...need to pay the money in the next 10 days...fairly happy with that...best of luck to the rest of u...c u at the bar...hopefully

Hi Eamog,

I've just got my conditional acceptance e-mail and have sorted out the wire transfer of the 110Euro today, but how do I upload a proof of payment as I don't have a scanner to scan my wire receipt into a PDF document?

eamog1888

Eutow wrote: »

Hi Eamog,

I've just got my conditional acceptance e-mail and have sorted out the wire transfer of the 110Euro today, but how do I upload a proof of payment as I don't have a scanner to scan my wire receipt into a PDF document?

sorry pal, i haven't done that yet.....pain in the hole from what i read in the mail...go to internet cafe i suppose...

1 thing actually whats the story with the receipt?..just looked at the mail there it says "proof of payment must mention your first and last names, your date of birth and your identification number (ID)"

Eutow

eamog1888 wrote: »

sorry pal, i haven't done that yet.....pain in the hole from what i read in the mail...go to internet cafe i suppose...

1 thing actually whats the story with the receipt?..just looked at the mail there it says "proof of payment must mention your first and last names, your date of birth and your identification number (ID)"

Yeah, they could have made it easier. It's a bit stupid that you have to scan an image, would be a lot easier if you could use a payment reference number.

Luckliy I was able to get around not having a scanner and use my webcam to take a picture of the form I filled out today in my bank. This included my name, address, where the payment is going etc but there was no section for date of birth, so I added that on to the copy when I got home. I had to stick the form onto the top of an old shoe box lid to stop it from folding in on itself, hold it up to the webcam, save it and open the image to see if it was readable before converting it to a PDF file.

The form I got from my bank has a space for "Reference to appear on your statement", so I put the ID number there.