Canada Issues 10,000+ Working Holiday Visas in First IEC 2026 Draw. Apply Today!

Canada’s Working Holiday Visa is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program that allows young foreign nationals from eligible countries to live and work in Canada on an open work permit. The visa lets applicants work for almost any employer without a job offer in advance. It is mainly designed to promote cultural exchange while helping Canada meet short-term labour needs. The visa is valid for up to 12 or 24 months depending on nationality and provides an excellent opportunity to gain Canadian work experience.

Yes, Canada conducted its first International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday selection round for 2026 in January. During this round, more than 10,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to eligible candidates. This confirms that the IEC season for 2026 has officially started. Unlike Express Entry, IEC draws are conducted periodically throughout the year until country-specific quotas are filled. Candidates already in the pool are randomly selected based on available spots and program rules.

In the first IEC Working Holiday round for 2026, Canada issued over 10,000 Invitations to Apply. This represents a significant portion of the total annual quota allocated for the Working Holiday category. The high number of ITAs issued early in the year indicates strong demand for temporary foreign workers and highlights Canada’s continued reliance on international youth mobility programs to address labour shortages across hospitality, tourism, retail, and service sectors.

Eligibility for the Working Holiday Visa depends on nationality, age, and compliance with IEC requirements. Applicants must be citizens of an IEC-partner country, usually aged between 18 and 30 or 35, depending on bilateral agreements. Candidates must hold a valid passport, show proof of funds, obtain health insurance, and meet admissibility requirements. A job offer is not required at the time of application, making it one of the most accessible ways for young professionals to work in Canada legally.

Yes, the Working Holiday Visa is issued as an open work permit. This allows visa holders to work for any eligible employer in Canada without being tied to a single job or location. Open work permits provide flexibility to change employers, explore different industries, and travel within Canada while working. However, certain restricted occupations, such as jobs involving childcare or healthcare, may require additional medical examinations before employment.

The IEC Working Holiday draw is completely different from Express Entry. IEC is a temporary work permit program focused on youth mobility and cultural exchange, while Express Entry is a permanent residence system based on skills and points. IEC draws do not use CRS scores or ranking systems. Instead, candidates are randomly invited from the pool based on country quotas and program availability. IEC work experience can later help candidates qualify for permanent residence pathways.

While the Working Holiday Visa itself is temporary, it can help applicants transition to permanent residence. Canadian work experience gained through IEC can improve eligibility under Express Entry programs such as the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programs. Many IEC participants use their time in Canada to secure employer support, improve language scores, and strengthen their overall immigration profile. It is often considered a practical stepping stone toward long-term settlement in Canada.

The validity of the Working Holiday Visa depends on the applicant’s country of citizenship. Most participants receive a visa valid for 12 or 24 months. During this period, holders can live and work anywhere in Canada. The visa duration cannot usually be extended beyond the permitted limit for each country, but participants may explore other work permits or immigration options before their visa expires to continue staying in Canada legally.

Yes, Canada conducts multiple IEC Working Holiday selection rounds throughout the year until all country-specific quotas are filled. After the first 2026 round, thousands of spots remain available across participating countries. Candidates who are already in the IEC pool but did not receive an ITA in the first round still have a chance to be invited in upcoming draws. The frequency of draws depends on demand and remaining quotas.