Canada IEC Pool 2026 Officially Open

The International Experience Canada (IEC) 2026 season is now open, offering young candidates from more than 35 partner countries the opportunity to live and work in Canada.

Each year, Canada issues more than 90,000 IEC work permits across its categories, making it one of the most popular youth mobility programs. IEC stands out by offering open or employer-specific Canada work permit with clearer selection odds compared to other pathways.

Eligible candidates can create an online profile and enter invitation pools for 2026. This guide explains IEC categories, eligibility, quotas, and the application process.

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What are the IEC Category?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers three main categories, each designed to meet the different career and travel goals of young applicants from partner countries.

• Working Holiday: This category provides an open work permit, allowing participants to work for almost any employer in Canada. It is ideal for those who want to travel while gaining short-term work experience.

• Young Professionals: The Young Professionals category offers an employer-specific work permit for candidates with a valid job offer related to their professional background, helping them gain skilled Canadian work experience.

• International Co-op (Internship): This category is for students who have a Canadian internship or work placement as part of their academic program and allows them to gain practical work experience in Canada.

Each category has its own eligibility requirements, quotas, and duration limits depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship.

What are the Eligibility Criteria of the Canada IEC?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows young individuals from eligible countries to settle in Canada for a limited period. 

To participate in the IEC 2026 season, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

To be eligible for the Canada IEC program, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 35 years of age, depending on their country of citizenship
• Hold a valid passport from an IEC partner country, valid for the entire stay in Canada
• Have at least CAD 2,500 in settlement funds upon arrival
• Obtain health insurance covering medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation for the full duration of stay
• Be admissible to Canada, with no serious criminal or medical issues
• Hold a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one
• Have no accompanying dependents under the IEC program
• Meet any additional conditions related to the chosen IEC category

Meeting these eligibility criteria allows candidates to create an IEC profile and enter the invitation pools. Invitations to Apply are issued throughout the season, subject to available quotas and country-specific agreements.

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Schedule for the 2026 IEC Season

The 2026 IEC season schedule outlines key dates for profile submission, invitation rounds, and work permit applications

How to Apply for an International Experience Canada?

Applying for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program is done online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Follow these steps to apply successfully:

• Step 1: Check Your Eligibility: Confirm that your country participates in the IEC program and that you meet the age, passport validity, and category-specific requirements.

• Step 2: Create an Online Profile: Create an IEC profile on the IRCC portal and choose the appropriate category: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op.

• Step 3: Enter the IEC Pool: After submitting your profile, you will be placed in an invitation pool for your selected category and country.

• Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected, you’ll receive an ITA during one of the regular IEC draws conducted throughout the season.

• Step 5: Submit Your Application: Accept the ITA and submit your complete work permit application, including biometrics, documents, and government fees, within the deadline.

• Step 6: Get Your Work Permit Approval: Once approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction, which you present when you arrive in Canada.

The IEC application process is completed entirely online and involves several stages, from creating a profile to receiving approval for a work permit.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: IEC 2026 pools open International Experience Canada Canada IEC work permit 2026 IEC working holiday visa Canada work permit IEC Program Canada Working Holiday Canada Young Professionals