Who can participate with International Rural Exchange Canada & CRI:
Canadian Resort Immigration (CRI) has an agreement with the Recognized Organization (RO) called International Rural Exchange Canada. Applicants can apply for IEC Working Holiday and/or Young Professionals work permits in one of two ways: either (1) via the “regular” path which is governed by the specific youth mobility agreement (YMA) in place between Canada and the person’s country of nationality, or (2) through a Recognized Organization. As described below, there are many benefits of applying through an RO, including expanding eligibility to participants who would not be eligible through the regular path.
So, who can participate? Generally, 18-35 year olds from 36 out of 38 eligible International Experience Canada nations can participate in the RO program through CRI
The 38 Youth Mobility Arrangements (YMA) countries with bilateral agreements are:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico*, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Ukraine*
*Mexico and Ukraine agreements are currently suspended
Benefits of an RO participation:
Receive a guaranteed Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the pools usually on Thursday or Friday. This is considerably faster than is typical through the non-RO route.
Participate up to two more times in IEC programs, over and above what is allowed under your country’s YMA.
Apply under IEC categories that may not normally be available to certain nationalities (for example, a Working Holiday work permit for Swiss citizens & a Young Professionals work permit for Japanese citizens)
Apply up until the age of 35, even if your country's YMA is only for those 18-30. (for example a 32 year old Japanese citizen would be eligible through an RO but not through the regular process governed by the YMA)
Participation requirements:
Hold a valid passport from one of the 36 out of 38 IEC eligible countries
Be 18 - 35 years old (must get invitation to apply before your 36th birthday)
Pass criminal background check
Purchase travel insurance for entire duration of stay in Canada
Have savings of at least CAD $2500