January 23, 2026 Edition
Today’s newsletter is brought to you by our partner, Young Guns
This Week in the IEC Pool
IEC invitations are now underway, with 12,693 invitations issued so far (including Australia, the UK, Ireland, South Korea, France, and Italy), but some countries and categories still haven’t started moving yet.
Key details:
Invitations started rolling out the week of Jan 19, 2026.
35,567 candidates are currently in the pools (down from the last update as invitations begin clearing the pools).
IRCC still hasn’t posted “chances of invitation” figures.
Some countries/categories are still waiting on their first rounds (several are currently listed for Jan 26).
Quotas are still being posted in waves, so some remain “To be announced”.
We’ll keep tracking IRCC updates and share changes to quotas, invitations, and pool activity as soon as they’re posted.
This Week’s Read: Can You Enter More Than One IEC Pool?
If you’re eligible for more than one IEC category, you can usually enter more than one pool at the same time (like Working Holiday and Young Professionals).
The catch is that you don’t get to choose which category invites you. IRCC can invite you from any pool you entered. If you just decline the invitation, you’ll usually stay in the pool(s) you entered, which means you could be invited again for that same category in a later round.
If you want to stop the chance of getting invited for that category completely, you’ll need to withdraw your profile and submit a new one with only the pool you actually want.
On Your Radar: Winter Camping in Canada’s National Parks
You may think camping in Canada during winter sounds a bit extreme, but Canada’s national parks prove it’s not only possible, it can be magical.
Parks Canada shares winter camping spots across Canada, from backcountry tent sites to cozy oTENTiks and yurts.
Here are some tips to help you stay warm and safe in the snow:
Dress in warm layers (Merino wool or a synthetic insulating fabric is best).
Bring a sleeping bag made for cold weather and a sleeping pad to create a barrier from the cold ground.
Keep your phone and batteries in an inside pocket or your sleeping bag – cold temperatures drain battery life much faster.
Pack a headlamp or flashlight – winter days are shorter and get dark quickly
Check the weather before you go and plan ahead for extreme weather.
Whether you’re new to camping or you’ve done it before, winter camping can be quiet, beautiful, and a fun new way to explore the outdoors.
This newsletter is sponsored by our partner, Young Guns.
Looking for work in Canada? Our partner, Young Guns is hiring warehouse crew members near downtown Montreal, with starting pay of $20+ per hour. You’ll be responsible for picking, sorting, scanning, and processing cartons as part of a friendly, supportive team
If you’re on an IEC Working Holiday and ready to start soon, this is a great way to get working quickly, start earning, and build Canadian experience.
IEC Life Hacks: Crossing Into the U.S.? Expect More Questions
If you’re on IEC and planning a quick trip to the U.S., heads up: U.S. border checks may get stricter soon.
A proposed rule could require some travellers (including people living in Canada on IEC) to share more personal info if they’re travelling on a non-Canadian passport from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country.
Key takeaways:
The U.S. may ask for your social media usernames (past 5 years) and other contact details.
This could apply to Visa Waiver Program (VWP) passport holders, even if you live in Canada on IEC.
Staying over 30 days in the U.S.? You may need to register (I-94).
This proposal isn’t law yet, but it’s a good reminder to double-check the latest entry rules before you travel.
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:
