Canada continued its International Experience Canada (IEC) invitation rounds in the second half of August, inviting 1,535 young foreign nationals to apply for an IEC open work permit.
The invitations were issued between August 15 and August 30, 2026. As of August 27, 45,338 candidates were registered in the IEC pool and waiting for an invitation.
Canada IEC Draws in August 2026
The latest rounds included invitations for candidates from multiple participating countries and territories.
Among the invitations issued were:
| Andorra | 3 |
| Australia | 80 |
| Belgium | 10 |
| Chile | 12 |
| Croatia | 14 |
| Czech Republic | 45 |
| France | 261 |
| Germany | 80 |
| Hong Kong | 20 |
| Ireland | 38 |
| Italy | 87 |
| Japan | 30 |
| Korea | 485 |
| New Zealand | 60 |
| Spain | 37 |
| Taiwan | 23 |
| United Kingdom | 90 |
The source reports that Canada had invited 88,855 IEC candidates in 2026 in total.
Source: International Experience Canada Update
What Is International Experience Canada?
International Experience Canada is a program that allows eligible young people from participating countries and territories to obtain Canadian work experience through work permit categories available under the program.
IRCC conducts rounds of invitations for candidates in the IEC pools.
The number of candidates invited in each round can vary, and invitations continue until available spots are filled or the IEC season closes.
Is the 2026 IEC Season Still Open?
The supplied IRCC information states that the 2026 IEC season is open and eligible candidates can create an IEC profile.
Candidates can select their country or territory to review relevant dates, available spots and their likelihood of receiving an invitation.
However, availability and invitation chances can vary considerably by country, category and quota.
What Happens After an IEC Invitation?
An IEC invitation gives an eligible candidate the opportunity to apply for a work permit.
Candidates should review the requirements and application instructions applicable to their IEC category and country or territory.
Receiving an invitation does not itself mean that the work permit has been approved.
Why Are IEC Invitation Rounds Important?
IEC invitation rounds are particularly important for young people who want to gain international work experience in Canada.
The number of available places and invitations can change throughout the season.
IRCC notes that several invitation rounds may occur between the first and final rounds, and candidates in a pool may receive an invitation at any point after the first round.
What If Spots Remain Near the End of the Season?
IRCC plans to invite enough candidates during the final round to meet the quota.
However, additional invitations may sometimes be issued if candidates decline invitations, allow them to expire or have their work permit applications refused.
IEC August 2026 Draw: Key Takeaways
The latest information shows:
- Canada issued 1,535 IEC invitations from August 15 to August 30.
- 45,338 candidates were registered in the pool as of August 27.
- Korea received the largest number among the listed countries, with 485 invitations.
- France received 261 invitations.
- The United Kingdom received 90 invitations.
- Canada had invited 88,855 IEC candidates during 2026 according to the supplied source.
Eligible candidates should monitor their country’s IEC pool and invitation rounds because quotas, availability and invitation chances can change during the season.
