March 13, 2026 Edition
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Hi there,
Due to a technical issue, our IEC update is arriving a little later than usual. Thanks for your patience, and here’s the latest from the 2026 IEC season.
This Week in the IEC Pool
Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) season continues to move quickly. As of March 13, IRCC has issued 50,142 invitations out of the 61,189 spots available for 2026. In the most recent round alone, 3,496 new invitations were sent.
The UK Working Holiday program still leads with 9,574 invitations issued, while Japan saw the most invitations this week with 1,600.
IRCC also announced two new partner pathways under the Young Professionals stream: Portugal’s Inov Contacto program and Taiwan’s Global Pathfinder Initiative (TGPI). These initiatives allow eligible youth from those countries to apply for employer-specific work permits through IEC.
There are currently 28,448 candidates in the IEC pools, and most programs still show excellent chances of receiving an invitation. If you’re planning to come to Canada through IEC in 2026, joining the pool early can improve your chances, since invitations are issued throughout the season.
This Week’s Read: Switching from a Working Holiday to a Young Professionals Permit
Thinking about switching from an IEC Working Holiday permit to a Young Professionals permit? It can be a smart way to stay with the same employer in Canada, but there are a few important things to check first.
The first is whether your country’s IEC agreement actually allows it. Some countries let you participate in more than one IEC category, while others only allow one participation in total.
Applying for a Young Professionals permit does not cancel your current Working Holiday permit. Your current permit stays valid until it expires. But if your Working Holiday permit expires before your new Young Professionals permit is approved, you will usually need to stop working.
It’s also important to remember that Young Professionals is employer-specific, unlike the open Working Holiday permit. Your employer must submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay a compliance fee before you apply.
For many IEC participants, this switch can be a great next step, but timing, status, and employer support all matter.
On Your Radar: Discover Canada’s Scenery by Rail
Canada is huge, and one of the best ways to explore it is by train. Rail journeys let you sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful scenery – from the Rocky Mountains in the west to forests, lakes, and coastal views in other regions.
Routes such as Via Rail’s cross-country trips, scenic regional trains, and luxury experiences like the Rocky Mountaineer offer a unique way to see parts of Canada you might not otherwise see. You may even spot wildlife like moose or bears along the way.
If you’re spending a year or two in Canada on an IEC permit, adding a train trip to your travel plans can be a memorable way to see more of the country while you’re here.
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: Affordable Cities in Canada to Consider in 2026
Where you choose to live can have a big impact on your budget while you're in Canada. Big cities like Toronto and Vancouver are popular, but they are also expensive. Smaller cities can sometimes give you cheaper rent and lower everyday costs.
Our 2026 list highlights 10 affordable cities like Trois-Rivières, Brandon, Moncton, Prince George, and Medicine Hat. These cities may help you save money on housing while still offering jobs, services, and a good quality of life.
Of course, affordability is only one part of the decision. It’s also important to consider job options, public transit, weather, and the kind of lifestyle you want.
For many IEC participants, looking beyond Canada’s biggest cities could make it easier to manage costs and enjoy more of their time 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:
