February 6, 2026 Edition
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This Week in the IEC Pool
IRCC issued 4,981 new IEC invitations in its February 6, 2026 update. That’s fewer than last week, but most countries still saw continued movement across pools – bringing the total to 27,675 invitations so far.
Key details:
27,675 total invitations issued so far.
4,981 invitations issued since the January 30 update.
30,345 candidates currently in the pools.
Most pools are still showing an Excellent chance of invitation, but some programs are now showing lower odds.
UK Working Holiday: 0 invitations this week, but 5,994 total issued so far (out of a 9,330 quota).
This week’s biggest mover was France Working Holiday with 1,874 invitations (4,811 total).
Even with “Excellent” odds, no one is guaranteed an invitation in a given round. The best way to boost your chances is still to enter the pool as early as possible.
We’ll keep tracking the weekly updates and flag any major shifts in invitations, pool sizes, and odds as soon as IRCC posts them.
This Week’s Read: When Are IEC Invitations Sent?
There’s a ton of confusion on Reddit and Facebook about when IRCC sends International Experience Canada (IEC) invitations – especially the idea that draws only happen on Mondays.
The truth is that invitations can show up on different days throughout the week, and the timing depends on your country, your IEC category, and IRCC’s internal processing schedule.
Some pools move weekly, especially when quotas start running low. The best way to avoid stress is to check your IRCC account regularly, follow official updates, and ignore “Monday-only” rumours.
On Your Radar: Try Dog Sledding This Winter
Dog sledding is one of the most memorable ways to experience winter in Ontario and across Canada. The pros (called mushers) train for years, but you don’t need experience to try it. You’ll get a quick rundown on how to steer, brake, and handle the lines.
Then you’re off – flying along snowy trails behind a team of excited huskies. It’s a real rush, but still beginner-friendly, so you don’t need any experience to enjoy it.
After the run, there’s usually time for photos and husky cuddles. If you want something active and unique, dog sledding should be on your winter list.
Need IEC Health Insurance? Get Covered With BestQuote
Our trusted partner has helped thousands in our community find affordable coverage that meets IEC requirements.
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: Skip Buying a Car With Flexible Rentals
Renting a car doesn’t have to mean high costs or long contracts. If you only need a car sometimes or for a few weeks or months, try flexible options like Roam.
They offer long-term car rentals done better, with newer models from top brands and simple pay-as-you-go plans. There’s no credit impact, and cars can be delivered straight to your door, which is handy if you’re new to Canada.
This can be a good alternative to buying a car or dealing with short, expensive rentals. It’s especially useful for weekend trips, job interviews outside the city, or settling in during your first months on an IEC permit.
You can also explore other car-sharing options in major cities like Toronto to compare what fits your budget and lifestyle best.
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:
