Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about travel and work in Canada?
The following are common questions about lnternational Experience Canada as well as traveling and working in Canada. If you have any other questions, please email us at: seoul.application@international.gc.ca
Eligibility Criteria and Application FAQ
Q: What type of police certificate do I have to submit?
A: You must ensure you submit the correct police certificate. If you do not submit the correct police certificate, your application will not proceed and may even be refused. Therefore, please ensure you submit a Criminal History Information Record that includes searches on all records, including criminal history, investigation history, and lapsed records.
Q: I paid my participation fee but still have not received my medical instructions and IMM 1017. What should I do?
A: Check your junk mail folder to ensure important messages were not filtered. Make sure to add email addresses ending in “@cic.gc.ca” and “@international.gc.ca” to your safe senders list. The Embassy will not respond to any general enquiries. If it is past mid May, 2013 and you have still not received any email with medical instructions and the IMM 1017, please send an enquiry to the Immigration Section at the Embassy of Canada in Manila, Philippines by following the instructions on how to submit an inquiry provided above.
Q: When will I receive my medical instructions and IMM 1017?
A: The medical instructions and medical report form IMM 1017 will be sent to you via email. This is part of the 2nd round assessment, which we anticipate will begin take place from mid-April until mid-June 2013. Until you receive email instructions from the Canadian Embassy, please do not visit any medical centre in relation to your Working Holidayapplication. Please also make sure to add the following email addresses to your “safe senders” list to avoid missing any important communications from the Embassy: ‘Manila-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca’and ‘Client-update-mise-a-jour@cic.gc.ca’.
Q: Do I need a medical examination?
A: Yes. In almost all cases, Working Holiday applicants are required to complete an Immigration Medical Examination.
Q: When do I take the medical examination?
A: You may only complete the medical examination after you have submitted the IEC participation fee payment in a timely manner and after you have received the IMM 1017 form and medical instructions via email from the Canadian Embassy.
Q: Where do I take the medical examination?
A: After receipt of a valid medical report form (IMM 1017) via email, you must contact one of five (5) panel physicians detailed in the email in order to make an appointment for your immigration medical examination (IME). No applicant will be permitted to complete the IME prior to receipt of the medical report form (IMM 1017).
Q: I am planning to leave for another country after submitting the documents for the 1st round. Can I take the Immigration Medical Examination in a country other than in Korea if I am selected in the 1st round?
A: No. You must complete the Working Holiday Immigration Medical Examination at one of the panel physicians in Korea.
Q: Who can represent me regarding my Working Holiday application?
A: Note that anyone who provides paid advice, including guidance on how to complete a work permit application, is required to be an authorized representative. If you have a paid representative or have an unpaid third party who has or will assist you with your Working Holiday application and whom you would like to act on your behalf, you must submit the Use of a Representative IMM 5476 form along with the rest of your application. Please consult the following IEC mission website and CIC website for further information.
Q: I want to make an enquiry regarding the 2nd round assessment. How do I do this?
A: Please carefully review all information on the Working Holiday website before making an enquiry. If you are expecting medical instructions and the IMM 1017 form to be emailed to you, please monitor your junk mail folder in case any important messages are filtered. Also, make sure to add email addresses ending in "@cic.gc.ca" and "@international.gc.ca" to your safe senders list. If you still need to send an enquiry to the Immigration Section at the Embassy of Canada in Manila, Philippines, please follow these instructions. Please be sure to include your immigration file number (beginning with W300######) in the subject line of your email.
Q: Can I submit my application via quick service or in person?
A: No. We accept applications by mail only.
Q: As a Korean citizen, can I apply for the Working Holiday category from a foreign country?
A: You must be a Korean national and resident in Korea at the time of application.
Q: By when do I need to enter Canada?
A: You must seek entry at a Canadian Port of Entry before the expiry date indicated on your Letter of Introduction. For the majority of eligible applicants in the first tranche of the 2013 Working Holiday category, this will be March 31, 2014
Please note that under no circumstances should any applicant resign from their job, purchase non-refundable airline tickets, or take any irreversible action in anticipation of final approval until they have received their Letter of Introduction.
For this reason, it is important to carefully make note of the validity period of the Letter of Introduction. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the content of the Letter of Introduction you should send an enquiry in English or French to the Immigration Section at the Embassy of Canada in Manila, Philippines by following the instructions on how to make an enquiry.
Q: Can I defer my due date to enter Canada after I receive a work permit authorization letter?
A: No. You must enter Canada by the date provided on your Letter of Introduction.
Q: Can I enter Canada with a copy of the authorization letter?
A: No. You must show the original authorization letter at the port of entry.
Q: What happens if I have a legal name change after submitting my application and all my required documents?
A: If you have passed the 1st round, it is important that you notify the Immigration Section at the Embassy of Canada in Manila, Philippines in writing – either in English or French – of any legal name change by following the procedures detailed on the website.
You will be required to submit legal documents to support your name change. This includes an updated ROK Identification Certificate and any other supporting documentation an officer may request.
If you have already been issued a Letter of Introduction with your previous name(s), please contact us per the instructions above prior to travelling to Canada as a new LOI must be issued to you in order to facilitate your entry into Canada.
Q: What should I have in my hand when I arrive in Canada?
A:
- Your Port of Entry Letter of Introduction
- Proof of medical insurance/coverage that is valid for the entire duration of your expected stay in Canada.
- Passport
Q: How long will the work permit be valid?
A: The maximum validity period of the work permit issued is one year from the date of your initial entry into Canada. The work permit cannot be renewed under the Working Holiday category. Please disregard any general information related to new regulatory changes to the temporary foreign worker program, under which a temporary foreign worker may work in Canada for a maximum cumulative duration of 48 months. Under the Memorandum of Understanding that facilitates Canada-Korea exchanges through the Working Holiday category, a work permit issued in relation to the Working Holiday category is only valid for one year, with no option for renewal or extension.
Q: Is the letter I received from the Embassy the work permit?
A: No, your work permit will be issued at the port of entry into Canada upon presentation of your Letter of Introduction. It will be valid for a maximum of one year from your date of entry into Canada.
Q: May I receive my application and required documents back?
A: Due to the high volume of applications received by the Embassy, none of the original documents submitted with the application will be returned.
Q: May I travel to other countries while I am in Canada?
A: You may enter and exit Canada during the validity period of your work permit. You must ensure that you meet the entrance requirements of any country you plan to visit. The Canadian Embassy in Seoul cannot respond to questions concerning entry requirements or travel restrictions for countries other than Canada. Please note that in order to regain entry into Canada after each time you exit, the Border Services Officer must be satisfied that you continue to meet the necessary conditions to stay in Canada as a Temporary Resident.
Q: What if I change my address and/or contact information during the processing period?
A: Please ensure that you provide us with up to date contact information. If you change your phone number or email address while your application is being processed, you must provide us with your updated contact information. Failure to do so will result in unnecessary delays and a possible refusal of your application for a work permit to Canada. All communications must include your name, date of birth and your immigration file number (beginning with W300######).
Q: I renewed my passport after having received my Letter of Introduction. Do I have to inform you of this?
A: No. It is not necessary to change your Letter of Introduction. You can simply explain to the port of entry officer that you have renewed your passport. You may wish to present a photocopy of the identification page of your old passport.
Q: Can I apply to stay in Canada after my work permit expires?
A: Applicants must leave Canada by the date indicated on their work permits. It is possible to apply to extend your status in Canada. However you must apply for the appropriate permit/visa in Canada to extend your stay at least 30 days before your work permit expires. Please keep in mind that your work permit cannot be renewed or extended under the Working Holiday category. Please refer to the following web site for information on extending your stay/changing your status in Canada
Q: Can I enter Canada while my work permit is still in process?
A: We strongly recommend that you wait until your application for a work permit has been finalized before entering Canada.
Q: Can I cancel my application, get a refund of my IEC participation fee and reapply for the Working Holiday category in future after a work permit authorization letter has been issued to me?
A: No. Once you receive a Letter of Introduction for the Working Holiday category, you can neither cancel your participation nor have your IEC participation fee refunded. You cannot reapply for the Working Holiday category, either.
The IEC participation fee will only be refunded in the following cases:
- Your Working Holiday application has been refused in the 2nd round (unless your application was rejected on grounds of misrepresentation).
- You have submitted in writing in English or French, a signed letter requesting your application be withdrawn. This must be done prior to the issuance of a Letter of Introduction.
Any fee associated with the Immigration Medical Examination is the responsibility of the applicant and is non-refundable.
Q: How long does it take to receive a final decision on my work permit application?
A: The 2nd round, during which work permit applications are assessed in accordance with Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and which includes sending medical instructions and delivering notice of final decisions on applications is anticipated to run from mid-April to mid-June 2013. This may take up to 10 weeks. Therefore we kindly ask applicants to refrain from submitting enquiries on the status of their application during this processing period.
Final decisions on applications will be taken as medical results are assessed. We anticipate that the majority of applications will be completed by around mid-June 2013.
General FAQ
Q: Why should I participate? What’s in it for me?
A: What you learn from other cultures, and the self-reliance you gain from living and working abroad, are highly marketable assets in the global economy. Companies with international operations often seek employees who are able to communicate effectively in more than one language, and who can understand the nuances of a different culture and its values. An international experience in Canada can help you build these skills and more!
Q: Is my home country participating in these programs?
A: IEC is available in several countries and we are adding new ones all the time. Please see the list of all participating countries on the International Experience Canada website.
Q: Do you provide financial assistance?
A: A year of travel and work in Canada can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be expensive. Plan accordingly. International Experience Canada does not provide any financial assistance. You are responsible for your own journey, including your travel arrangements, airfare, IEC participation fee, accommodation costs, medical insurance costs and finding employment in Canada.
Q: What kinds of jobs can I find in Canada?
A: All kinds! It depends on what you want to do and how hard you want to look for employment. Many of our participants find work in the tourism and hospitality industries (for example, in restaurants, pubs and hotels), where Canadian employers are willing to offer temporary work. You can also get work experience in a variety of other fields such as science, law, education, commerce or administration.
Q: I am not a student. Can I still participate?
A: Of course! International Experience Canada is open to students and non-students aged between 18 and 30 who want to travel and work in Canada.
Q: What is a Letter of Introduction?
A: A Letter of Introduction is a document issued by the Visa and Immigration section of the Embassy of Canada to Korea, confirming that your application for a work permit has been approved. It notifies you that you may enter Canada in order to work.
The Letter of Introduction is not a work permit in and of itself. You must present your Letter of Introduction, along with other required documents, to a border service officer at a Canadian port of entry (airport, land crossing). The officer will then issue the work permit.
Q: What is the difference between a work permit issued through IEC and any other kind of work permit?
A: A work permit obtained through IEC is issued only to persons who meet the specific IEC eligibility criteria and who are admissible to Canada. For other work permits, you require an offer of employment in Canada. In most cases, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada must also provide a Labour Market Opinion.
Q: I have replaced the passport under which my Letter of Introduction was issued (because it was damaged / lost / stolen / name change due to marriage) and I am about to travel to Canada. May I still use the Letter of Introduction to obtain my work permit?
A: Yes, as long as the validity period of the Letter of Introduction has not expired. When entering Canada, you must notify the Border Service Officer of this change so that your work permit can be issued in accordance with your current passport information. We recommend that you bring a photocopy of your previous passport along with your current valid passport for presentation at the port of entry. If you changed your passport because you changed your name after getting married, please also bring a copy of your marriage certificate.
While-in-Canada FAQ
Q: Can I volunteer while in Canada?
A: Yes. You may volunteer during your stay in Canada under the Working Holiday category. However, participants in the Young Professionals and International Co-op (Internship) categories should be careful because they do not have “open” work permits and some types of volunteer work may not be allowed. If you have any concerns, you can call Citizenship and Immigration Canada at 1-888-242-2100 to discuss your options.
Q: I currently have a valid IEC work permit. Can it be extended?
A: No, your current work permit obtained through IEC cannot be extended, nor can you apply for a new work permit.
Q: Is it possible to enrol in a course during my stay in Canada while participating in the IEC initiative?
A: Yes, but the course (or courses) must be completed within a six-month period. You may not sign up for a course that is part of a program lasting more than six months (such as a two-year program or four-year degree). In this case, a separate study permit would be required. The Working Holiday through International Experience Canada may not be combined with formal studies. For more information about studying in Canada and job opportunities as a student, visit the Council of Ministers of Education website. For scholarships, visit the International Scholarships website.
Q: Can I change my status (from worker to visitor / from worker to student / from student to worker / from IEC participant to another category of temporary worker through Citizenship and Immigration Canada) while I am in Canada?
A: You must go to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website or call 1-888-242-2100 to check the requirements for changing the conditions of your work permit or extending your stay in Canada. You should make your inquiries after entry to Canada, while your work permit is still valid.
Q: Is the validity period of my work permit placed "on hold" if I temporarily leave Canada?
A: No, the time on your permit continues to run out until the end of the validity period specified on your permit. The validity period cannot be put on hold or extended.
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