International Experience Canada (IEC)
IRCC: “The pools for the 2026 season are closed.” New profiles when pools reopen for 2027. Read on IRCC’s page on November 9, 2026.
International Experience Canada (IEC) gives young people from countries with a youth mobility arrangement with Canada a work permit for a working holiday or work experience. It is for applicants roughly 18 to 35 (the upper age depends on the country). IRCC says the pools for the 2026 season are closed.
Who is eligible
- Citizenship of a participating country or territory and the age range for that country (IRCC).
- Candidates enter a pool and must receive an invitation to apply (IRCC).
Steps
- Create an IEC profile when pools are open.
- If invited, submit your work permit application.
- Activate the permit on entry with your letter of introduction.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Passport from a participating country.
- Police certificates and other documents IRCC lists.
What the law says
“would create or maintain reciprocal employment of Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada in other countries”
The Regulations allow work permits for work that creates or maintains reciprocal employment of Canadians abroad — the basis of youth mobility arrangements.
Official IRCC pages
Program rules not written in the statute, plus current fees and processing times, are on IRCC’s own pages:
Common mistakes
- Waiting for an invitation after the season’s pools close — IRCC removes those profiles; you must create a new one when pools reopen.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for IEC now?
IRCC: “The pools for the 2026 season are closed.” You can create a new profile when pools reopen for 2027 (checked 2026-11-09).
Related streams
- Open work permits (including spousal) Check IRCC
Work permits not tied to one employer — who can get one, including spouses in Canada.
- LMIA-based work permit Check IRCC
An employer-specific work permit backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
- Visitor visa and eTA Check IRCC
Which document a visitor needs — a temporary resident visa or an electronic travel authorization.