The Government of Canada has officially launched the latest season of its highly anticipated youth mobility initiative, opening the doors for thousands of young adults to live and work across the country under the International Experience Canada program.
As of late December 2025, the International Experience Canada 2026 pools are officially open, allowing eligible candidates from over 35 partner countries to submit their profiles for a chance to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a work permit.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is announcing the development, saying the program is designed to foster cultural exchange and provide professional development.
The agency explained that the International Experience Canada program offers a streamlined pathway for “migrants” aged 18 to 35 (or 30, depending on the country) to gain international exposure without the usual bureaucratic hurdles.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that International Experience Canada, usually called IEC, is a youth mobility program. It lets young people from partner countries come to Canada on a temporary work permit while exploring the country.
IEC is not a permanent residence. It is a temporary program, but for many people, it becomes a stepping stone to longer-term options later.
According to the IRCC in a press statement issued on its official website, those eligible to apply for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program must be a citizen of one of 36 eligible countries, aged 18 to 30 or 18 to 35, and meet basic health, character, and financial requirements.
The statement added: “IEC has three different streams. Not everyone can apply for all three.
1. Working Holiday
This is the most popular option.
- You get an open work permit
- You can work for almost any employer in Canada
- No job offer needed before applying
- It is ideal if you want flexibility, seasonal work, or to travel between jobs.
2. International Co-op (Internship)
This option is for students.
- You need to be enrolled in post-secondary studies
- The job must be related to your field of study
- You get an employer-specific work permit
- This is commonly used for paid internships or work placements.
3. Young Professionals
This is for career-focused applicants.
- You need a job offer before applying
- The job must match your education or career path
- You get an employer-specific work permit
- It suits people who want structured work experience in Canada.
How the IEC Application Process Works
The International Experience Canada (IEC) process is not first-come, first-served. It works through pools and invitations.
Here are the basic steps:
- Create an online profile and choose your IEC category.
- Enter the pool for your country.
- Canada issues random invitations during the season.
- If invited, you submit a full application and documents.
- Once approved, you receive a Port of Entry Letter.
- You activate your work permit when you arrive in Canada.
- Rounds of invitations continue until country quotas are filled.
List of All 36 IEC Eligible Countries
Citizens from the following countries can apply for an IEC in 2026:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that International Experience Canada (IEC) remains one of the easiest legal ways to work abroad without employer sponsorship or complex paperwork.
