IEC 2026 Now Open: Work and Travel in Canada Made Easy

International Experience Canada (IEC) 2026 Season: Work and Travel in Canada

• The IEC program has reopened for 2026, inviting foreign youth to submit their profiles.
• Eligible citizens from 36 countries can live and work in Canada for up to two years.
• Three work permit categories are available: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op.
• Applicants must meet age, nationality, and financial criteria, among others.
• Selections are made through regular invitation rounds using a lottery system.
• New profiles are required for 2026, even if you applied in 2025 and weren’t selected.

Dreaming of spending time in Canada while gaining international work experience? The International Experience Canada (IEC) program might be just the opportunity you’ve been looking for. With the 2026 season now officially open, eligible youth from around the world can submit their profiles and potentially secure a work permit to live and work anywhere in Canada.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about the IEC program this year—from who qualifies to the types of permits available and what your chances are of getting selected.

What Is the IEC Program?

IEC is a youth mobility program run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows young people aged 18–30 or 18–35 (depending on the country) from 36 participating countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years.

The program operates through rounds of invitations throughout the year. Candidates who are selected from IEC pools receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a work permit. But keep in mind—if you had a profile in the 2025 season and weren’t selected, you’ll need to create a fresh one for 2026.

Who Can Apply for the IEC?

To be eligible, you must be a citizen of a country with a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada. Each country has its own age limits and rules about how many times you can participate in the program.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s required:

• Be between 18 and 30 or 35 years old, depending on your country
• Hold a valid passport that will remain valid during your stay
• Have at least CAD $2,500 in available funds
• Provide proof of private health insurance for the duration of your stay
• Have a return ticket or enough money to buy one
• Be admissible to Canada (no criminal or immigration violations)
• Not be accompanied by dependents

Some applicants may also need a job offer, depending on which permit category they apply under.

Types of IEC Work Permits

The IEC program includes three types of work permits, each tailored to different goals and backgrounds.

1. Working Holiday

• Type: Open work permit
• Job offer needed? No
• Who it’s for: Those who want to travel and work casually
• Competition level: Very competitive

This is the most flexible option, allowing participants to work for any employer in most industries across Canada.

2. Young Professionals

• Type: Closed work permit
• Job offer needed? Yes
• Who it’s for: Those looking to gain professional experience in their field
• Competition level: Less competitive

Your job must fall under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupation Classification. Self-employment isn’t allowed under this stream.

3. International Co-op (Internship)

• Type: Closed work permit
• Job offer needed? Yes
• Who it’s for: Students needing a Canadian internship to complete their studies
• Competition level: Least competitive

You must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution outside Canada, and the internship must be a requirement for your academic program.

How to Apply for an IEC Work Permit

The application process begins with submitting your profile and entering the appropriate IEC pool(s). Based on your nationality and answers, IRCC will tell you which pools you’re eligible for.

Here’s how the process works step by step:

• Create your IEC profile via your secure IRCC account
• Enter the pool(s) you’re eligible for
• Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
• If invited, you’ll have:
  • 10 days to accept the ITA
  • 20 days to submit your full application

When applying, you’ll need to:

• Fill out the online application form
• Upload all necessary documents
• Pay the required fees:
  • CAD $184.75 (processing fee for all applicants)
  • CAD $100 (open work permit fee for Working Holiday applicants)
  • CAD $230 (employer compliance fee paid by employer for Young Professionals or Internships)
  • CAD $85 (biometrics fee, if applicable)
• Provide biometrics, if required

If your application is approved, IRCC will issue a Port of Entry (POE) letter, valid for 12 months. Just note—this letter doesn’t guarantee entry into Canada. You still need to meet entry requirements when you arrive.

What Are My Chances of Getting Invited?

IEC invitations are issued through a lottery system. Each country has its own quota for each category, and IRCC conducts selection rounds—usually weekly or every two weeks—until all spots are filled or the season ends.

Your odds of being selected vary depending on:

• How many people are in your pool
• How many invitations IRCC plans to issue
• Your category (Working Holiday tends to be the most competitive)

IRCC updates the estimated chances of selection for each country and category on their website, ranking them as:

• Excellent: 80%–90%
• Very Good: 60%–70%
• Fair: 40%–50%
• Low: 20%–39%
• Very Low: 1%–19%

Generally, the Young Professionals stream has higher chances due to lower competition compared to the Working Holiday category.

Final Thoughts: Should You Apply for the IEC in 2026?

If you’re eligible, the IEC program is a fantastic way to experience life in Canada while gaining valuable work experience. Whether you’re after a new adventure, a professional stepping stone, or a required internship, this program opens doors to exciting opportunities.

Just be sure to apply early and keep an eye on IRCC’s updates throughout the season. And remember—if you applied last year and weren’t selected, you’ll need to submit a brand-new profile for 2026.

Looking to immigrate permanently down the road? Your IEC experience could help strengthen applications through programs like the Manitoba PNP.

Ready to start your Canadian journey? Contact us for a personalized consultation, or explore more about Canada’s immigration pathways on our blog.