LOI Extensions Granted To Certain IEC Participants outside Canada

Canada grants LOI extensions to a handful of IEC participants outside the country. However, participants need to fulfill certain conditions.

There are some participants in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program who have a Letter of Introduction (LOI) which is about to expire. They are allowed to apply for an extension of the LOI.

During the early part of 2020, Canada started travel restrictions to control the rapid spread of Covid-19.  However, there was an exemption from these restrictions for the applicants of the Young Professional, International Co-op, or Working Holiday categories of the IEC.

The applicants were able to enter Canada. However, it was mandatory for them to have a valid job offer and a port of entry LOI.

Sadly, many participants failed to travel to Canada due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Who All Are Allowed To Apply For An Extension?

Those who have an LOI for their work permit application through the IEC program may apply for an extension. Their LOI extension will be for a maximum period of 12 months if their LOI is going to expire in 30 days.

Those who are looking for an extension need to apply through the web form of IRCC.

Factors on Which the Length of the Extension Depends

Applicants may receive an extension of the LOI for a maximum of 12 months. This length depends on:

  • Whether the applicant’s medical exam can be extended or reassessed.
  • Whether the applicant has received an extension earlier.

It is crucial to point out that the final decision may differ from one case to another. This is at the discretion of the immigration officer.

Things That IEC Participants Should Know

IEC participants will have to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival to Canada during the pandemic. They should have a plan for the quarantine period. This includes the location of their quarantine and how they intend to get their foods and medicines during this period of 14 days.

In addition, it is important for the IEC to have proper health care coverage for the duration of time the participants remain in Canada. This is mandatory even if the participants receive coverage from their employers, territory, or province where they will be working in the future.

The participants should have sufficient coverage that includes Covid-19 testing.

If an employer withdraws a job offer, it will not count as IEC participation. You may reapply for participation in the days to come.

What is IEC?

The IEC programs let youths to work in Canada on a short-term basis. It is important for the participants to be citizens of countries that have a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada.

Based on the agreement, participants should be between 18 and 35 years of age to be eligible for IEC work permits.

These work permits do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment. They fall into one of the following categories:

  1. Working Holiday
  2. International Co-op
  3. Young Professionals

Get in touch with us on WhatsApp or Call us at 905-671-4442. You may even email us at info@immigrationterminal.ca if you have any queries about your Canadian work permit application under the IEC program.

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