The International Experience Canada (IEC) program itself does not allow for ‘accompanying dependents’ however, the Act and Regulations do allow for dependents who meet specific requirements to apply for work / study permits.
Spouses or common-law partners of IEC participants cannot be included as ‘accompanying dependents’ in the principal applicants’ work permit applications. Instead, spouses or common-law partners may submit their own work permit applications. These applications must be accompanied by a proof that the principal spouse or common-law partner’s work permit is for a specific NOC 0,A or B occupation or by having an open work permit and a letter from the employer specifying the occupation they are working in plus pay slips.
The requirements for spouse of a high skilled worker (C41 LMIA exemption) are the same for all spouses, whether principal is in the IEC program, Post-Grad Work Permit, or holds occupation specific work permit.
Here are the sites that explain the rationale behind issuing such permits as published by IRCC:
- Canadian interests – Reciprocal employment – IEC (C21):
- Public policy, competitiveness and economy (C41-45):
- Will my spouse or common-law partner get a work permit under IEC to come with me?
- Can my spouse or common-law partner work in Canada?