February 20, 2026 Edition
Today’s newsletter is brought to you by our trusted partner, BestQuote
This Week in the IEC Pool
IRCC issued 3,313 new IEC invitations in its February 20 update. While that’s fewer than last week, the season keeps moving — bringing the total to 37,973 invitations so far.
With an overall IEC quota of 54,906, that would suggest roughly 16,933 spots left based on invitations issued so far. However, IRCC’s tracker currently shows 29,020 spots remaining, because invitations don’t always turn into approved permits (not everyone accepts, applies, or is approved), so IRCC’s “remaining” number is often higher.
Key details:
3,313 invitations issued since February 13.
37,973 total invitations issued in 2026.
29,540 candidates currently in the pools (up slightly from 28,872).
UK Working Holiday remains the top issuer overall with 7,976 total invitations (626 this week).
France Working Holiday is maxed out and remains the most in-demand pool.
Some countries still haven’t had their first round of invitations this season, and Japan remains the only country without a published quota.
Most IEC programs are currently showing “Excellent” chances of receiving an invitation.
If you’re planning to come to Canada through IEC in 2026, entering the pool early is still your best move. IEC isn’t first-come, first-served, but being in the pool longer means you can be considered in more rounds.
We’ll continue tracking quotas, invitation activity, and pool trends each week.
This Week’s Read: IEC Insurance If You’re Already in Canada
If you’re already in Canada and planning to apply to IEC, insurance is one of the easiest things to get wrong.
And it matters more than people think. If your policy doesn’t cover your full intended stay, your work permit can be issued for a shorter time (for example, 6 months of insurance = a 6-month permit). The annoying part? You usually can’t “top it up” later and extend the permit length. The length is set when it’s issued.
A few quick reminders:
Yes, you often can buy IEC insurance while you’re in Canada, but check the fine print.
“Travel insurance” gets used loosely. IEC needs proper health insurance (including emergency medical + hospital care) and repatriation.
OHIP/MSP and other provincial plans don’t meet IEC’s rules on their own (repatriation is the big gap).
If you’re doing a second IEC participation or switching categories, don’t assume your old coverage carries over.
On Your Radar: Maple Syrup Season Is Here
Maple syrup season has begun in Canada, thanks to the freeze-thaw weather (cold nights, warmer days).
Most years, the season starts in mid-February and runs into early April. March is usually the magic window if you want to catch trees getting tapped, steam rolling out of the sugar shack, and that sweet smell hanging in the woods.
Anywhere in Canada with maple trees tends to lean into it with weekend events and sugar shack visits. That said, if you want the full “maple capital” vibe, Quebec is hard to beat – it produces most of the world’s maple syrup!
With winter finally ending, maple season is your excuse to get outside and experience a uniquely Canadian tradition. Wander a snowy trail, watch syrup get made, then sit down to pancakes, hot drinks – and the classic finale of maple taffy poured onto snow and twirled onto a stick.
Need IEC Health Insurance? Get Covered With BestQuote
Our trusted partner has helped thousands in our community find affordable coverage that meets IEC requirements. Whether you are preparing to come to Canada, or you’re already in Canada and planning to apply to IEC, you can get a quote from Best Quote.
Remember: You don’t need to buy travel insurance to enter the pool or to apply for your temporary work permit. The Government of Canada recommends that you buy this insurance only after you receive your port of entry (POE) letter, which is a key document you need in order to travel to Canada and obtain your work permit.
IEC Life Hacks: Moving to Canada With Your Partner or Friends
Many people plan to participate in IEC with a friend or partner, just remember: IEC is always individual. There’s no group application. One of you could get invited… while the other is still sitting in the pool refreshing their email.
So what happens if one person gets an invitation and the other doesn’t?
1. Get in the pool early. The earlier you enter, the more invitation rounds you’re exposed to. More rounds = better odds. Waiting to “apply together” can actually hurt your chances.
2. If one gets invited, don’t panic. Couples may have options. In some cases, the partner of a Working Holiday participant can apply for a spousal open work permit, but it depends on the job type and other requirements. It takes planning, but it’s possible.
3. Consider Young Professionals. If Working Holiday isn’t working out, the Young Professionals category (with a job offer) can sometimes offer better odds.
You can start your Canadian adventure together – just stay flexible and plan smart. Want all the options for couples, friends, or groups applying through IEC? Read more here.
Resources, In Case You Missed Them
Whether you’re planning to enter the IEC pool, have an active profile, are waiting for an invitation to apply, or have already applied for or received your IEC work permit, our resources are designed to support you at every stage of your IEC journey:
