When Does IRCC Send IEC Invitations

Do IEC invitations only come out on Mondays? 

No. This is one of the most common myths. While IRCC sometimes launches rounds of invitation earlier in the week, invitations are not limited to Mondays. IEC invitations can be issued on different days throughout the week, depending on: 

• The country and pool

• The specific IEC category

• IRCC’s internal processing schedules 

Many applicants have received invitations between Monday to Friday. Refreshing your account every Monday morning isn’t necessary and can just add stress. 

How often does IRCC send IEC invitations? 

IRCC runs IEC rounds of invitation regularly during the season, but the frequency varies by country and program. Some pools may see weekly invitations, while others might have gaps of several weeks, especially later in the season or when quotas are nearly full. 

If you want to stay on top of what’s actually happening, it’s best to follow official updates rather than speculation. 

Learn more about the latest IEC rounds of invitation and pool updates. 

Does it vary depending on IEC programs?

While invitations can happen Monday to Friday across all IEC programs, it does vary by category and Working Holiday is usually the most competitive. It often fills up quickly for many countries, sometimes earlier in the season than Young Professionals or International Co-op. So yes, timing and availability can look different depending on which IEC program you’re applying for.

Working Holiday

The Working Holiday program is the most popular IEC category and usually has the highest volume of invitations. Because of that, invitations may be sent more frequently and larger but still on various days of the week.

Young Professionals

The Young Professionals category is employer-specific and often has fewer invitations overall.

When applying under this category, always refer directly to the Young Professionals program details to make sure your job offer and employer meet IRCC requirements.

International Co-op (Internship)

The International Co-op category is also employer-specific (like Young Professionals), which means you need a valid job offer.

Note on insurance (all IEC categories):

No matter which IEC program you’re in, Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op, you must have IEC health insurance to enter Canada. This is what border officers check when you arrive, and it needs to cover you for the full length of your stay (including emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation). 

Working Holiday travel insurance is different: it’s mainly for trip protection like delays, cancellations, and lost baggage, and it doesn’t always meet IEC health insurance rules on its own.

How will I know if I get an IEC invitation? 

If you’re invited: 

• You’ll receive a notification in your IRCC account

• You may also get an email (but always rely on your account, not email alone) 

Once invited, you’ll have a limited time to accept or decline, so it’s important to check your account regularly. 

Is it possible not to get selected from the pools?

Yes. IEC invitations are issued randomly, and places are limited, so some applicants may not be selected before the pools close. The chance of being selected depends on your country, category, and quota, so it’s best to enter the pools early to give yourself the highest chance of receiving an invitation.

What are my options if I’m not selected in the 2026 IEC season?

If you’re not selected in the 2026 IEC season, you can either re-enter the pools for the 2027 season. You can also consider alternative options, such as a different work permit, a study permit, or a permanent residence pathway, depending on your situation.

Instead of stressing about exact invitation dates, focus on what you can control: follow official IRCC updates, and check your IRCC account regularly throughout the season. Try to ignore rumours that aren’t backed by reliable information – if you’re still in the pool, no news on Monday doesn’t mean bad news for the rest of the week.

Want IEC updates without constantly refreshing your account? Join the Moving2Canada community and we’ll keep you in the loop with the latest IEC news, tips, and reminders.