IEC 2026–2027: every country, both directions.

1. WH

   Working Holiday

   An open work permit, so you can work for almost any employer, anywhere in Canada, and travel. No job offer needed. This is the stream with the deepest pools and the longest odds.

   Open permit
2. YP

   Young Professionals

   An employer-specific permit for a job in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 (or TEER 4 if you hold a post-secondary credential) that advances your career. Your employer submits an offer of employment and pays the $230 compliance fee before you apply.

   Employer-specific
3. IC

   International Co-op

   For students who need a work placement or internship that counts toward their degree abroad. Often the least contested pool — several co-op quotas were still wide open this season.

   Employer-specific

• Time-critical

  Applicants nearing the age cap

  If this is your last eligible year the timing strategy changes entirely — including whether to switch stream to one with better odds rather than wait for another Working Holiday round.

• Varies by country

  Second participation

  Most agreements allow a second stint, often only in a different category, and some impose a waiting break of three months to a year. Finland allows three; Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, Hong Kong SAR, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Portugal and Taiwan allow only one (Source: IRCC eligibility by country, verified October 9, 2026).

• Plan ahead

  Using IEC toward PR

  Canadian work experience from IEC feeds directly into Express Entry through the Canadian Experience Class — but only if the occupation and duration are chosen deliberately.

• A passport that outlasts your permit

  Your work permit cannot be valid longer than your passport, so a passport expiring next year quietly shortens a two-year permit.

• CAD 2,500 in funds

  The published minimum to support yourself on arrival, in addition to a return ticket or the money to buy one.

• Health insurance for the whole stay

  Required for the full duration, and checked at the port of entry. A permit can be shortened to match short coverage.

• No accompanying dependants

  IEC permits are issued to the participant alone. Family members need their own status.

• Admissibility

  Medical and police requirements apply as with any work permit. Holders of a refugee travel document from any country are ineligible.

• A job offer, for two of the streams

  Young Professionals needs a TEER 0–3 offer; International Co-op needs a placement required by your studies. Your employer submits the offer and pays $230 before you apply.

In practice a Working Holiday applicant pays about $369.75 and a Young Professionals or Co-op applicant about $269.75, plus whatever the employer pays. Fees change; confirm on canada.ca before paying.