New Canada Working Holiday Visa 2026 Season Is Now Open

Last Updated On 19 December 2025, 4:58 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Canada has officially opened the Working Holiday Visa as part of the International Experience Canada IEC 2026 season, marking the start of one of the most anticipated work and travel opportunities for young people around the world.

With pools now open and the first rounds of invitations expected in January 2026, eligible candidates can begin submitting their profiles immediately.

Among the three IEC categories, the Working Holiday Visa remains by far the largest quota and most popular option.

For thousands of young travellers and professionals, this visa represents a unique opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, earn income, improve language skills, explore the country, and build pathways toward future immigration options.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the Canada Working Holiday Visa for 2026, including eligibility, fees, processing times, step-by-step application instructions, and a full list of eligible countries.

What Is International Experience Canada?

International Experience Canada is a federal government program that allows young citizens of partner countries to work and travel in Canada for a limited period.

Depending on nationality, participants can stay in Canada for up to two years and work for any employer while exploring the country.

The program is designed to support cultural exchange while helping participants gain valuable international work experience.

It also helps Canadian employers fill short-term labour gaps, especially in hospitality, tourism, agriculture, and service industries.

Most of the participating countries also allow Canadian citizens aged eighteen to thirty-five to participate in similar youth mobility programs abroad through reciprocal agreements.

IEC Categories Explained

International Experience Canada offers three distinct work and travel categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op.

Applicants may be eligible for one or more depending on their country of citizenship.

Working Holiday Visa Category

The Working Holiday category dominates the IEC program because of its unmatched flexibility.

This stream is ideal for applicants who do not have a job offer before arriving in Canada and who want the freedom to change employers, locations, or even industries during their stay.

Key advantages of the Working Holiday Visa include:

An open work permit that allows work for multiple employers
The ability to work in more than one province or city
No requirement to secure a job offer before applying
The opportunity to earn income while traveling across Canada

Because it does not tie the participant to a single employer, the Working Holiday Visa is often used as a stepping stone for gaining Canadian work experience that may later support permanent residence applications.

For some jobs, particularly in healthcare, childcare, or agriculture, a medical exam may be required before starting work.

Young Professionals Category

This category is designed for career-focused applicants who already have a job offer in Canada.

Key requirements include:

A valid job offer related to professional development
Employment with the same employer in the same location
Paid work that is not self-employed

The job must generally fall under TEER categories zero, one, two, or three of the National Occupational Classification.

Some TEER four roles may qualify if they are directly related to the applicant’s field of study.

This category issues an employer-specific work permit.

International Co-op (Internship) Category

This category is intended for students enrolled at post-secondary institutions outside Canada.

Applicants must:

Have a job offer for a required internship or work placement
Complete the internship as part of their academic program
Work for the same employer in the same location

The internship must be directly related to the applicant’s field of study.

Labour standards and wage requirements are determined by provincial or territorial laws.

The pools for the 2026 IEC season are officially open. Eligible candidates can now create and submit their profiles.

Although IEC is not first-come, first-served, submitting a profile early significantly improves overall chances.

Early entrants remain in the pool for more invitation rounds, increasing the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply.

The first rounds of invitations are expected to begin in January 2026. Many country quotas are limited, and popular Working Holiday pools often fill quickly.

IEC Fees And Processing Time For 2026

All IEC participants who receive an invitation must pay the IEC participation fee.

IEC Fee

IEC participation fee: $184.75

Additional fees may apply depending on the applicant’s situation, including biometrics or medical exams.

Processing Time

The current processing time is approximately 5 weeks after submitting all documents and completing biometrics.

Processing times may fluctuate depending on volume and seasonality.

Applying For IEC Step By Step

Step 1: Check Eligibility Through IRCC Secure Account

Applicants from the below-listed countries can be eligible for the Working Holiday Visa.

Andorra
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Korea Republic
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Taiwan
United Kingdom

Age limits and participation duration vary by country agreement.

Interested candidates must create or sign in to an IRCC secure account and select International Experience Canada.

Step 2: Complete Your IEC Profile

If eligible, applicants can complete their IEC profile online.

Required information includes:

Passport details
Full legal name
Date and place of birth
Contact information

Applicants must use only English or French letters and avoid special characters or accents.

Profiles can be saved and completed later but must be submitted within sixty days.

If the deadline passes, the profile is deleted and must be restarted.

Step 3: Submit Your Profile To The Pool

Profiles can be submitted at any time during the IEC season, as long as it is before the final round of invitations for the applicant’s country.

Applicants may be eligible for more than one category and can submit their profile to multiple pools.

Each country has separate pools for:

Working Holiday
Young Professionals
International Co-op Internship

Only one IEC profile is allowed per applicant at a time.

How Invitations To Apply Are Issued

Invitations to Apply work permits are issued through regular rounds of invitations.

The order of invitation issuance is:

International Co-op Internship
Working Holiday
Young Professionals

If an applicant is eligible for more than one category, they may receive an invitation for the higher-priority category first.

Submitting a profile does not mean applying for a work permit.

A work permit application can only be submitted after receiving and accepting an Invitation to Apply.

Step 4: Responding To Your Invitation

Applicants have 10 days to accept or decline an Invitation to Apply.

If accepted, they have twenty days to submit a complete work permit application through their IRCC secure account.

Accepting the invitation triggers the work permit application process, which includes:

Uploading supporting documents
Paying required fees
Providing biometrics
Completing medical exams if required

If an invitation is declined, the applicant remains in the pool and may receive another invitation later, provided eligibility is maintained.

Activating Your IEC Work Permit From Inside Canada

Applicants who are already in Canada with a valid letter of introduction may be eligible to receive their work permit by mail to a Canadian address.

If eligibility requirements are not met, the applicant must leave Canada and re-enter from a country other than the United States or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to activate the work permit.

Applying Early Matters For 2026

Although IEC operates on random draws rather than a first-come system, early entry increases exposure to multiple invitation rounds.

Applicants who submit profiles early remain eligible for more draws, improving overall odds, particularly in highly competitive Working Holiday pools.

The opening of the 2026 IEC season marks an important opportunity for young people worldwide to work and travel in Canada.

The Working Holiday Visa continues to stand out as the most flexible and accessible option, offering an open work permit and the freedom to explore Canada while earning income.

With limited spots, early preparation and prompt profile submission remain critical for maximizing success.

As invitations begin rolling out in January 2026, applicants who act now will be best positioned to secure one of Canada’s most sought-after youth mobility visas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the age limit for Working Holiday Visa?

Most countries allow applicants between 18 and 35 years old, while some partner countries have an upper age limit of 30. The exact age limit depends on the applicant’s country of citizenship.

Do I need a job offer for Working Holiday Visa?

No. A job offer is not required. The Working Holiday category provides an open work permit, allowing participants to work for almost any employer in Canada.

Can I apply for a Working Holiday Visa while inside Canada?

Yes, in certain cases. Applicants already in Canada with a valid letter of introduction may be eligible to receive their work permit by mail if they meet specific requirements.

When will IEC 2026 invitations start?

The first rounds of invitations for the 2026 IEC season are expected to begin in January 2026.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.