Application packages for International Experience Canada are processed in the order in which they are received. It normally takes eight weeks to process a complete application package from the date it is received at the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei.
If your IEC Application and Declaration form is approved, you will receive an email telling you that you have passed the first stage of the application process, and that your application package has been sent to the Visa and Immigration section for processing of your work permit application. This email will also contain a World Tracking Number. This is the IEC tracking number for your IEC application, which you should mention in all future correspondence with the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei.
The Visa and Immigration Section will verify your application as per Canadian immigration law and regulations.
If a medical clearance is deemed necessary, the Visa and Immigration section will send you special forms and instructions for undergoing a medical examination within 15 days. Once you receive the medical forms, please immediately schedule a medical examination with one of the listed Designated Medical Practitioners. If you do not perform the medical exam within the indicated timeframe, your application for a work permit may be refused. Please note that your appplication for a Work Permit will not be approved until you are found medically admissible to Canada.
Note: If you have spent a significant amount (6 months or more) of time outside of Taiwan since you turned 18 you may be asked to provide an additional police clearance from the country/territory where you resided. The Visa and Immigration section will contact you to request the police clearance(s) if it is required in your case. Normally, the timeline to provide the addittional document is 30 days. Please note you will be responsible for any expenses associated with acquiring this additional documentation.
Note: For applicants required to submit police clearances – you will be contacted by the Visa and Immigration Section by email, notifying you that a police clearance is required. For information on how to obtain a police clearance in Taiwan please visit Taiwan police clearance.
After the Visa and Immigration section receives the required supporting documentation (your medical results supplied by the Designated Medical Practitioner and your police clearance(s), if required), it will be in a position to assess your application. If any additional information or steps are required, you will be contacted by e-mail again with instructions on what to do next.
If your medical examination results are accepted and Work Permit Application is approved, you will be sent a Letter of Introduction, as well as an IEC Welcome Letter. If your application is rejected, you will be provided with a letter detailing reasons for the rejection, and your application will be closed. Your program participation fee may also be refunded pursuant to the Refund Policy.
At any time during the processing of the application, Citizenship and Immigration Canada may request additional information or documents to determine your admissibility to Canada.
Note: Most Taiwanese passport holders no longer require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to travel to Canada. As such, for those eligible for the visa waiver program no TRV will be issued as part of the work permit application. However, holders of travel documents that are not eligible for the visa waiver and must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. For more information click our Visa Waiver FAQ. If you are not eligible for the visa waiver, you will be sent a request to submit your passport by mail, along with a Speedpost form. The TRV will be affixed into your passport and returned to you, along with the Letter of Introduction using the Speedpost form you provided.
We recommend that you wait until you receive your Letter of Introduction (which will be sent to you by e-mail before you pay for any travel to Canada, buy health-care insurance for your stay in Canada, or make commitments to your prospective employer in Canada (provided you have one).
The Letter of Introduction is not your work permit. Rather, it will identify you at the port of entry to Canada as being eligible to receive a work permit under International Experience Canada. As such, you must be sure to present the Letter of Introduction to the border service officer at the port of entry. Your Letter of Introduction validity may not exceed one year from the date of your medical examination (generally, most people will receive LOIs with a validity of approximately 10-11 months from the date of their medical exam) The final date upon which you can present the letter at a Canadian port of entry and receive a work permit will be shown on the letter.
The issue of your Letter of Introduction completes the processing of your IEC application package.
The expiry date of the Letter of Introduction will be clearly shown, and you must present the letter at a port of entry on or before its expiry. This expiry date cannot be altered, extended or changed under any circumstances. You cannot transfer your Letter of Introduction to any other person or name.
You must present your Letter of Introduction and passport to border service officer at the port of entry upon arriving in Canada.
If the officer is satisfied that your entry is consistent with the Immigration and Refuge Protection Act and Regulations, you will receive a work permit.
Check your work permit carefully before leaving the border service officer. Make sure you understand all the information on it. Check the date of expiry on the work permit. If you think there is a mistake, tell the officer who issued it immediately. It is your responsibility to check your work permit thoroughly at the time it is printed.
Reminder: The border service officer may ask you for proof of health-care insurance (covering medical care, hospitalization and repatriation). Your insurance policy must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada. We recommend that you wait until you receive your Letter of Introduction before you book or pay for any travel to Canada or buy health-care insurance for your stay in Canada.
You may be refused entry if you do not have insurance. If your insurance policy is valid for less than 12 months, you may be issued a work permit that expires at the same time as your insurance. In this case, you may not apply for an extension of your work permit at a later date.
Your work permit will be stapled into your passport at the port of entry. It will show:
To work in Canada you will need to meet any Canadian federal or provincial registration or licensing requirements that are relevant to your occupation. Thus, if you are offered work in construction, in a medical field, as a mechanic or engineer, or in any other skilled area, you should find out whether you need to meet any provincial licensing or regulatory requirements. For further information, please visit Working in Canada.
The work permit obtained through International Experience Canada is not valid beyond the expiry date printed on it.
If you wish to stay in Canada as a tourist once your work permit expires, you should visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website or call (in Canada) 1-888-242-2100 to check the requirements for changing your status from a worker to a visitor. You should make your inquiries while your work permit is still valid.
