Should I still applying for IEC despite Covid and backlog?

Closed Thread Subscribe

Thread Tools

Oct 31st 2020, 12:20 pm

Steve90

Just Joined

Thread Starter

Joined: Oct 2020

Posts: 14

Steve90 is an unknown quantity at this point

Should I still applying for IEC despite Covid and backlog?

Apologies I have limited knowledge around how the IEC visa works.

Current status of IEC data:

Quote:

United Kingdom — Working Holiday
This pool is open. If you’re eligible you can submit your profile now.

Quota: 2,500 (subject to change)
First round of invitations: February 24, 2020
Final round of invitations: To be announced
Invitations issued to date: 291
Spots available: 2,347
Candidates in the pool: 6,494

The data for this category are based on the information available on March 13, 2020.

Quote:

Chance of receiving an invitation in the next round

Quote:

Very low

As of March 13, 2020

Despite this should I still create a profile and apply or should I assume that I should wait for next season?

My concern is that if I apply and get rejected due to there being an existing back log would this mean I cannot apply again (I believe UK applicants can only apply once).

What is the speculation of how the IEC process will run with Covid going on (I expect an unknown)

Thanks in advance

Oct 31st 2020, 12:34 pm

christmasoompa

SUPER MODERATOR

Joined: Oct 2007

Location: In a darkened room somewhere.............

Posts: 34,030

christmasoompa has a reputation beyond repute

Re: Should I still applying for IEC despite Covid and backlog?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve90

Apologies I have limited knowledge around how the IEC visa works.

Current status of IEC data:

Despite this should I still create a profile and apply or should I assume that I should wait for next season?

My concern is that if I apply and get rejected due to there being an existing back log would this mean I cannot apply again (I believe UK applicants can only apply once).

What is the speculation of how the IEC process will run with Covid going on (I expect an unknown)

Thanks in advance

You can certainly apply, but this year's program is suspended at the moment and I can't see that changing anytime soon. You can only participate once, but you can apply more than once (many have to, as they don't get lucky). Only once you actually are invited and get your LOI does that count as your participation.

HTH.

Oct 31st 2020, 12:43 pm

Steve90

Just Joined

Thread Starter

Joined: Oct 2020

Posts: 14

Re: Should I still applying for IEC despite Covid and backlog?

Thanks for the quick response to this.

Does the program year run from Jan - Dec (Reset in Jan2021)

Oct 31st 2020, 12:57 pm

christmasoompa

SUPER MODERATOR

Joined: Oct 2007

Location: In a darkened room somewhere.............

Posts: 34,030

Re: Should I still applying for IEC despite Covid and backlog?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve90

Thanks for the quick response to this.

Does the program year run from Jan - Dec (Reset in Jan2021)

No, not necessarily I'm afraid! It's opened anytime between October and March previously, it changes and isn't a set date. Then it just runs until the quota is full.

So if you decide to wait and apply under next year's program, you'll just have to keep an eye on the website. We also usually try and put it on here as soon it's announced.

Good luck.

Nov 1st 2020, 6:44 am

Steve90

Just Joined

Thread Starter

Joined: Oct 2020

Posts: 14

Re: Should I still applying for IEC despite Covid and backlog?

Thanks for confirming, I will keep an eye out.

Is there another thread that contains what to expect for applying for an IEC or preparation beforehand e.g. apply for work permit, should I have medical examination results ready etc.

Just wanted to get an understanding of the sequence the application process goes through and what should be in order so that is no delay on my end.