IEC Working Holiday Checker Canada 2026

Check your IEC eligibility by country, age, and category. Covers Working Holiday, Young Professional, and International Co-op with quotas and fees.

FAQ

How does the IEC lottery work?

You create a profile and enter the pool for your country and preferred category — you can be in the pool for multiple categories simultaneously. IRCC conducts periodic draws throughout the year, randomly selecting candidates; if selected, you have 10 days to accept the invitation and 20 days to submit a complete application. Countries with unlimited quotas receive invitations quickly, while limited-quota countries may fill their spots early in the season. If the quota fills before you are invited, your profile stays in the pool until the season closes and you can enter again the following year.

Can I extend my IEC work permit?

IEC permits generally cannot be extended beyond the maximum duration for your country's agreement. However, you may be eligible for a different work permit category (employer-specific permit with an LMIA, CUSMA, or another LMIA-exempt pathway). You may also qualify for a bridging open work permit if you have applied for PR. If your country allows, you may be able to apply for IEC a second time in a different category.

Do I need health insurance for IEC?

Yes. You must have valid health insurance for the duration of your stay, and proof of insurance may be requested at the port of entry. Some IEC participants are covered by reciprocal healthcare agreements between Canada and their home country, but most need to purchase private travel health insurance.

Can I apply for IEC more than once?

It depends on your country's agreement. Some countries allow you to participate in IEC multiple times, as long as you apply for a different category each time (for example, Working Holiday once and Young Professional once). Other countries limit participation to one IEC permit in total. Check the specific terms of your country's bilateral agreement.

How does this calculator work?

Enter your country of citizenship, your age at the time of invitation, and optionally a preferred category — Working Holiday (open permit, no job offer needed), Young Professional (employer-specific, career development), or International Co-op (tied to studies). The checker looks up your country's bilateral agreement and shows whether it participates, your age eligibility, all available categories with their requirements, quota information, total fees, permit duration, and country-specific notes. If your country does not have an IEC agreement, it suggests alternative pathways.