Work in Canada
Canada Invites 6,986 Candidates in Latest IEC Draws
Canada continues to attract young global talent through the International Experience Canada program, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issuing 6,986 Invitations to Apply during draws held between February 7 and February 13, 2026. The latest rounds highlight strong participation across multiple countries and reinforce Canada’s position as a leading destination for youth mobility and cultural exchange.
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IEC Program Remains Highly Active in 2026
The International Experience Canada program allows young people from partner countries to work and travel in Canada through open work permits, usually under the Working Holiday category. The initiative supports labour market needs while promoting cultural exchange and international experience.
As of February 13, 28,872 candidates remained in the pool awaiting invitations, demonstrating continued global interest in the program. With the 2026 season officially underway, Canada has already invited 34,660 candidates this year.
Breakdown of Invitations by Country
The latest rounds covered a wide range of participating countries. Key invitation numbers included:
- United Kingdom – 1,435 ITAs
- Germany – 1,832 ITAs
- France – 1,013 ITAs
- Korea – 470 ITAs
- Taiwan – 371 ITAs
- Ireland – 279 ITAs
- Spain – 258 ITAs
- Portugal – 231 ITAs
Other countries receiving invitations included Australia, Belgium, Chile, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and more, reflecting the global reach of the IEC program.
United Kingdom Pool Shows Strong Opportunities
The United Kingdom remains one of the largest participating countries in the IEC program. For the 2026 season:
- Quota: 9,330 spots
- Invitations issued: 7,976
- Spots available: 3,742
- Candidates in pool: 482
According to IRCC data, candidates in the UK pool currently have an excellent chance of receiving an invitation in upcoming rounds.
How IEC Invitation Rounds Work
IEC invitations are issued through regular rounds conducted until quotas are filled or the season closes. Several factors influence how many invitations are sent, including:
- Available spots per country
- Number of candidates accepting invitations
- Application refusals or expired invitations
IRCC often issues additional invitations later in the season to ensure quotas are fully used, meaning candidates can receive invitations at any point during open rounds.
Why IEC Remains Popular
The program offers flexible work opportunities that appeal to young professionals looking to gain international experience. Participants can:
- Work for multiple employers
- Travel across Canada
- Gain Canadian work experience
- Build pathways toward future immigration options
Many participants later explore permanent residency through economic immigration programs after gaining Canadian experience.
Outlook for the Rest of the Season
With thousands of spots still available and rounds continuing throughout the year, additional invitations are expected in the coming months. Candidates are encouraged to keep profiles updated and monitor weekly pool updates for changes in quotas and invitation chances. The strong early activity in 2026 confirms that Canada continues to value youth mobility as a strategic component of its immigration system, balancing labour market flexibility with cultural exchange.
