Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is improving how it processes International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits by expanding the use of automation technology. A new tool will help process IEC work permit applications by triaging applications based on their complexity and approving eligibility for routine applications. This will improve efficiency by making decisions faster for some applicants. It will also support the growth of IEC and facilitate work and travel for international youth in Canada.
International Experience Canada (IEC) gives youth the opportunity to travel and work in Canada for up to 2 years. There are 3 different kinds of work and travel experiences available – Working Holiday, Young Professionals and International Co-op (Internship).
If you’re a citizen of a partner country, you may be able to apply to one or more of these 3 categories. However, if you aren’t a citizen of a partner country, you may still be able to apply to IEC through a recognized organization.
Automated tools are part of IRCC’s commitment to using technology responsibly to build a stronger immigration system for all of our clients. IRCC reviews the tools regularly so they work as intended and results are consistent with applications that receive a full human review.
The triage function of the IEC work permit tool takes on most clerical and repetitive tasks related to sorting applications, allowing officers to focus their attention on assessing applications and making final decisions. The tool triages applications using rules developed by experienced IRCC officers, based on the legislative and regulatory criteria of the program. Files are directed to officers for further processing based on office capabilities and officer expertise.
The tool’s eligibility function identifies routine applications for streamlined processing, using criteria developed by officers. The file is then sent to an officer to determine whether the applicant is admissible to Canada and make the final decision. Applications whose eligibility is not approved automatically may still be manually approved following review by an officer. Only an IRCC officer can refuse an application; the automated tool does not refuse or recommend refusing applications.
