Maple News reports that the 2026 season for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program is officially underway, with work permit pools now open for eligible youth from around the world. Aspiring participants can begin submitting their profiles to be considered for a unique opportunity to live and work in Canada for up to two years.
The IEC program is available to citizens aged between 18 and 30 or 35—depending on their home country’s agreement with Canada—from one of 36 partner countries that share a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement. These agreements allow young people to gain valuable international work experience while experiencing Canadian culture firsthand.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will conduct regular rounds of invitations throughout the year, selecting candidates from various IEC pools to apply for a work permit. Those who created a profile for the 2025 season but were not invited will need to submit a fresh profile to be evaluated in the 2026 cycle.
The IEC program offers three types of work permits: the Working Holiday permit (open work permit), the Young Professionals permit (employer-specific work permit), and the International Co-op (internship) permit, tailored for students who need placement as part of their academic requirements. Each category has distinct eligibility requirements and quotas.
Eligibility hinges largely on citizenship from a participating country and meeting age criteria, which vary between nations. For instance, Australians and Irish citizens can participate up to three times, while others, like those from Belgium or Iceland, may only participate once. Participants must also meet general health, character, and financial requirements.
To apply, candidates must first create an online IEC profile through the IRCC portal. Once added to the pool, they await an invitation to apply. After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), applicants typically have 10 days to accept and 20 days to submit required documents, including proof of funds, insurance coverage, and medical exams if applicable.
Opportunities are distributed differently per country based on government agreements and yearly quotas, which can impact one’s chances of receiving an invitation. Knowing your country’s historical draw rates and quotas can help in planning and setting realistic expectations.
With global mobility on the rise and international work/travel experience increasingly valued by employers, the IEC program continues to be one of Canada’s premier pathways for global youth engagement. It also serves as a launchpad for many who later transition into long-term immigration pathways such as Express Entry.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on key updates to the IEC program and other Canadian work visa pathways as the 2026 season progresses.