Now that the season is open you can apply for the IEC program either directly by creating your own IEC account to enter the pool of individual applicants, or through IIN as your RO sponsor.
A Working Holiday permit or visa is a type of open-work permit that allows foreign applicants from within the YMA countries and territories to travel and work in Canada for up to 12 months (*24 months for some nationalities)
With a Working Holiday permit you can work for any employer or in any location in Canada to subsidize your stay as you travel and discover Canada.
What's the difference between a direct IEC application and an RO application?
Direct Applications
For direct applications, you can create your own IEC account on the IEC portal any time you want during the 2026 season. This type of application allows you to enter the ‘pool’ of applicants for FREE.
If your profile is selected and you are invited to apply (ITA), you will then have to make the relevant payments to the Canadian government, upload the required documentation and wait up to 56 days to receive your Port of entry Letter (PoE).
RO Sponsorship
If you don’t want to wait until your profile is selected, you can use the assistance of IIN as a Recognized Organization (RO) to submit an application on your behalf. An RO sponsorship means that you skip the ‘pool’ and your Invitation to Apply (ITA) is guaranteed.
The RO will submit your name directly to IEC and, if all your documentation is correct, you could receive your Port of Entry (PoE) letter in 20-30 days.
How much does it cost to apply for this permit through IIN as RO?
The cost to submit your Working Holiday application under the RO category through IIN is $2,995 + HST (13%). Later in the application process, there will be two other fees (adding to about $282) that the government of Canada will charge once you obtain your invitation to apply. You may also need a medical exam as part of the application process. Read more here: Medical exams – Immigration – Canada.ca
Included with the fee, IIN will provide the following services & products: RO Nomination for the Working Holiday category; Employment sourcing; Assistance with Housing Sourcing; Provide a publication on the Internship and Job Search culture in Canada; Resume review and fine tuning; Provide information on job boards and employment resources; Facilitate a call between Applicant and a current Working Holiday participant in Canada.
IIN has partnered up with Travel Fine to offer any of our direct or indirect clients a