Ready for an adventure in Canada? Before you get too caught up in making plans for ski trips and weekends at the lake, make sure that you know what documents you need to submit with your International Experience Canada application. On this page we’ll go over the documents that are usually requested, but pay attention to your IRCC online account when you submit, as immigration officers sometimes request more information.
In this article we’re only covering the documents you need for IEC. Not sure if you’re eligible for IEC? Start off by brushing up on the IEC programs and requirements.
Online application form
The entire IEC application process is done using an online application system designed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You have to begin by creating an account with IRCC. Then you can build your IEC profile and submit yourself to be considered for the IEC pools for which you’re eligible. Finally, if you receive an invitation, you must then complete and submit your application for a work permit.
All of this is done online.
You will only be asked to upload documents once you reach the stage of the application where you are applying for a work permit. But! You can still plan ahead. Take a look at the documents listed below to determine which ones you can start gathering ahead of time.
Documents for work permit application submission
You will only be asked to upload documents once you reach the stage of the application where you are applying for a work permit. But! You can still plan ahead. Take a look at the documents listed below to determine which ones you can start gathering ahead of time.
Police Certificates
You’ll likely need to provide police certificates for countries in which you’ve spent six or more months in a row since you turned 18 years old. When processing your application, an officer might ask you for more police certificates.
If you cannot get your police certificates before your application deadline, then you can upload proof you’ve applied for one. Check out our complete guide on IEC police certificates for full details.
CV/Resume
You’ll need to provide a copy of your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. This is a document describing your education, qualifications, and work experience.
Note that this particular document, at this stage, has no bearing on getting you a job in Canada. You can upload a basic resume here. (But later, when you’re actually looking for work in Canada, it’s crucial to have a great resume.We have a guide on how to write a resume, plus you can access a free resume template in your Moving2Canada account.)
Passport
You must provide a clear, readable copy of your passport, and the country of citizenship indicated on your passport must be the same as the country whose IEC pool you are applying through.
Your passport must be valid at the time you submit your application and must remain valid when you enter and depart from Canada.
Your IEC work permit will not be issued for a period longer than the validity of your passport, so if your expiry date is occuring in the near future, you may want to consider renewing your passport before you apply.
Digital photo
You have to upload a digital photo of yourself.
The photo must show the full front view of your head and tops of shoulders with your face in the middle of the photo. The final photo frame size must be at least 35mm x 45mm and the size of your head must be between 31mm and 36mm. In pixels, the dimensions must be at least 420 x 540.
If you scan a photo you already have, it must have a minimum resolution of 600 PPI. The digital photo file format must be either JPEG or JPEG2000. It must have a file size of no less than 60 kB, with an ideal size of 240 kB. Finally, the image must be in colour (24 bits per pixel) in RGB colour space.
Be sure that you check the specs of your digital photo file before uploading. You can do this simply by right-clicking on the file on your desktop computer.
Family Information
With your application you will have to provide a completed “Family Information” form, also called the IMM 5707 form. This form requests information about your spouse or common-law partner, parents, and children.
Program-specific Documents
You may be required to submit the following documents if you are applying through a specific program or organization.
International Co-op applicants
Proof of school registration: If you are applying through the International Co-op program you must include a letter from your educational institution showing that you are currently registered as a student.
Internship Agreement: This is an agreement signed by you, your employer, and your training centre. It must include the following:
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- your position title,
- the description of the tasks you will perform,
- the exact start and end dates of your internship,
- the complete address of your internship site, AND
- your employer’s contact information, OR
- a letter from your education institution, on official letterhead, that confirms your job offer is linked to your field of studies
Applicants using Recognized Organizations
Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) applicants
After you submit your application, be sure to check your account regularly, as sometimes IRCC may contact you to request additional information. If IRCC requests additional documents, consult our guide on how to upload documents to your IEC application after submitting.