Canada Opens IEC 2026 Season: What You Need to Know

If you’re hoping to work and travel in Canada in 2026, now is the time to act. IEC invitations are issued through random draws throughout the season, so entering the pool early gives you more chances to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

IEC 2026 Pools Are Open 

As of December 19, eligible participants can create an IEC profile and enter the pools for the 2026 season. 

The first rounds of invitations are expected to take place in January 2026, and spots in many pools are limited. While IEC is not first-come, first-served, if you enter the pool early, you are included in more invitation rounds, which can improve your overall chances. 

If you’re serious about coming to Canada under IEC in 2026, make sure your profile is submitted as soon as possible.

What’s New for IEC 2026? 

For the 2026 IEC season, the IEC participation fee has increased to CAD $184.75. Applicants should expect to pay the updated fee when submitting their work permit application. 

Although the IEC 2026 pools are now open, IRCC has not yet released the full list of country quotas or the dates for the first invitation rounds. This information may be shared later. For reference, the IEC 2025 season opened on December 16, 2024, the first round of invitations took place in the week of January 13, 2025, and country quotas were published by February 1.

To improve your chances of getting invited, it’s best to enter the IEC pools as soon as possible. We’ll update our IEC news hub as soon as new quota and draw information becomes available. 

IEC 2026 Program Overview 

International Experience Canada (IEC) allows young people from eligible countries to work and travel in Canada temporarily. 

There are three IEC categories: 

• Working Holiday – open work permit, no job offer required

• Young Professionals – employer-specific work permit, job offer required

• International Co-op (Internship) – employer-specific work permit for students 

Depending on your nationality, IEC work permits are usually valid for 12 or 24 months, with some participants eligible for longer or multiple participations. 

How the IEC 2026 Process Works 

1. Enter the IEC Pool

Create a profile through your IRCC account and enter the pool for your eligible IEC category. 

Profiles remain active in the pool for the entire season unless: 

• you receive an Invitation to apply (ITA) and apply, or

• the season closes 

2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC issues ITAs through random draws throughout the IEC season. 

• You’ll have 10 days to accept or decline an ITA

• Declining keeps your profile in the pool

• Accepting moves you to the application stage 

3. SubmitYour Work Permit Application 

After accepting an ITA, you’ll have 20 days to submit your complete application online. 

You may need to submit: 

• Police certificates

• Proof of funds

• Medical exam results (if required)

• A job offer (Young Professionals / Co-op only) 

You’ll also pay the applicable government fees at this stage. 

4. Receive Your POE Letter

If your application is approved, IRCC will issue a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction through your online account. 

This letter allows you to receive your IEC work permit when you arrive in Canada. 

5. Travel to Canada & Activate Your Permit

You typically have 12 months from the date of approval to enter Canada and activate your IEC work permit. 

At the border, you must present: 

• Your POE letter

• A valid passport

• Proof of funds

• Proof of health insurance for the full stay

• Any other documents requested by the border services officer 

Why Enter the IEC Pool Early? 

IEC invitations are issued through a lottery system, not on a first-come, first-served basis. 

However: 

• Entering early means you’re included in more draws

• Entering later reduces your chances, especially for countries with limited quotas and high uptake. In past years, this has been the case for French, Chilean and Costa Rican working holiday candidates from quite early in the year. Many other pools become limited towards the mid-point or end of the season. So, earlier is generally better.  

Being in the pool from the start doesn’t guarantee an invitation, but it does give you the best possible chance. 

What If You’ve Already Used Your IEC Participation? 

If you’ve reached the maximum number of IEC participations allowed for your country, you may still have options through a Recognized Organization (RO). 

ROs are approved by the Canadian government to facilitate IEC participation and may allow candidates to participate beyond standard country limits. 

Things to keep in mind: 

• RO spots are limited

• Fees can be significant

• Many ROs operate waitlists 

ROs are not suitable for everyone, but they can be an option for candidates who are no longer eligible under standard IEC rules. 

What You Should Do Now 

If you’re eligible for IEC 2026: 

1. Create or log into your IRCC account
2. Enter the IEC pool for your eligible category
3. Prepare documents in advance
4. Monitor invitation rounds closely 

Get Ready for IEC 2026 

The IEC season moves quickly once the pools open, and popular categories can fill fast. 

Join our Moving2Canada community for free to get regular IEC updates and tips, job resources, and info to help you succeed in Canada in 2026.

Get ready to embark on your Canadian adventure with IEC 2026. Start today and take the first step toward your working holiday dream.