The International Experience Class (IEC) is a program which allows foreign nationals who meet certain criteria, and who are from specified counties, to temporarily work in Canada (and Canadians to work in those foreign countries). The IEC is divided into three groupings:
- Working Holiday: Open work permits that allow foreign nationals to work anywhere in Canada
- International Co-op: Pre-arranged work placements for foreign students
- Young Professionals: Pre-arranged work placements for foreign nationals seeking to gain experience in their professions.
There are certainly details to these programs (including age restrictions, quotas, requirements for employers, etc.), but these are the three primary branches of the program.
One country with which Canada has had limited cooperation under the program is Italy. For Italians, only the working holiday option has been open, for people aged 18-35, and only for a maximum period of six months. However, Canada and Italy have now signed a new agreement (to be ratified), allowing participation in the other branches of the IEC (Young Professionals and International Co-op), for up to 12 months, with an allowance to participate twice (i.e. a total of 24 months).
Note that under current COVID rules, participation can only occur with a current/valid job offer, and participants will need to abide by quarantine and other requirements.
The expansion of the program should create opportunities for many Italian citizens, and Canadian employers who may seek their skillsets.
The information in this article is for general purposes only, and not intended as legal advice for any particular situation.