Work experience in Canada: the Young Professionals work permit

How does the Young Professionals work permit application process work?

Step 1

At any point during an IEC season, create a free Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) secure account.

Then, you have to make a profile and submit it to a “pool.”

Refer to our step-by-step guide to the application process for screenshots and complete details.

Step 2

Wait for an “Invitation to Apply (ITA).” “Rounds of invitations” are issued weekly until the quota is met (i.e. there are no Young Professionals work permits left for the IEC season).

In the meantime, your future employer must submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee (CA$230). They will be given an offer of employment number, which you must include in your Young Professionals work permit application. For more information, read chapter 7.

Step 3

Once you receive an ITA, you have 10 days to accept or decline it.

If you accept it, you have 20 days to complete and submit your application. This involves filling out the online form, providing supporting documents and paying the fees (CA$264.75 in total, CA$179.75 application fee + CA$85 biometrics fees).

If you miss the deadline, you will lose your spot. You will have to wait for another round of invitations and hope you receive another ITA.

Step 4

Within 24-48 hours of submitting your application, you will receive a biometrics instruction letter (BIL) to explain how to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

You have 30 days to book an appointment and go to a biometrics collection point with your passport.

Step 5

The Government of Canada will review your Young Professionals work permit application once your biometrics data is received. Employees assess whether:

• you qualify for a work permit (read Who can apply)
• you’ve provided all the required documents
• the employer is allowed to hire you
• you pose a security or health risk to Canada

A final decision (application approved or refused) will be made within eight weeks.

If your application is approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction that you will need to show when you arrive in Canada.