7 International Experience Canada Options That Can Lead to an Open Work Permit

International Experience Canada has opened its pools for the 2026 season, creating new pathways for young foreign nationals seeking to work legally in Canada. For applicants planning to live and work in London, ON, this program offers several routes to an Open Work Permit, depending on eligibility and the selected category. With growing interest in mid-sized Ontario cities, understanding how IEC works is now more important than ever.

Below are seven key IEC options and considerations that may lead to an Open Work Permit while building Canadian work exposure.

1. Working Holiday Category

The Working Holiday stream is the most direct IEC option connected to an Open Work Permit. It allows participants to work for almost any employer in Canada without securing a job offer before arrival. This flexibility appeals to individuals who want to explore employment options after settling in London, ON.

Participants can switch employers, industries, and roles during their authorised stay. Due to its popularity, this category is highly competitive, and selection depends on country-specific quotas and pool size.

2. Young Professionals With Long-Term Planning

Although the Young Professionals category issues employer-specific permits, it can still support a future Open Work Permit under different immigration pathways. This category suits applicants who already have a qualifying job offer related to their career background.

Working in a structured role in London, ON, can help participants gain Canadian experience that may later support eligibility for programs that allow an Open Work Permit extension or transition, depending on individual circumstances.

3. International Co-op Internships

The International Co-op category is designed for students who need a Canadian internship as part of their academic program. While this permit is employer-specific, the Canadian experience gained can later support eligibility for an Open Work Permit under other federal or provincial options.

London, ON, has educational institutions, research centres, and businesses that frequently host interns, making it a practical location for this pathway.

4. Country-Based Participation Limits

Each IEC partner country has its own participation rules, including age caps and the number of times an individual may apply. Some countries allow multiple participations, meaning candidates could return to Canada more than once and eventually qualify for an Open Work Permit through a different category or program.

Applicants should carefully review their country’s agreement, as repeat participation can significantly affect long-term work plans in Ontario.

5. Pool Strategy and Timing

Entering IEC pools early in the season improves visibility during selection rounds. While selection occurs through random draws, candidates who remain in the pool longer have a greater chance of receiving an invitation.

Securing an Open Work Permit through the Working Holiday stream often depends on timing, pool size, and acceptance rates. Monitoring draw trends helps applicants adjust expectations and prepare documents in advance.

6. Canadian Work Experience as a Stepping Stone

Canadian employment obtained through the IEC can play an important role in later applications for an Open Work Permit. Employers in London, ON often value local work exposure, making it easier to secure future job offers or contract extensions.

This experience can also support eligibility under other federal programs that allow continued employment without employer restrictions, depending on program rules at the time of application.

7. Understanding Selection Probabilities

IRCC publishes probability ranges showing the likelihood of receiving an invitation in upcoming IEC rounds. These estimates vary by country and category and are influenced by acceptance rates and quota usage.

Applicants targeting an Open Work Permit should pay close attention to these probabilities when deciding whether to remain in the Working Holiday pool or explore alternate IEC categories that may later lead to broader work authorisation.

Application Process Overview

To begin, candidates must create an IEC profile online and enter the relevant pools. If selected, they receive an Invitation to Apply and must respond within 10 days. After acceptance, applicants have 20 days to submit a complete application.

The process includes uploading documents, paying government fees, and completing biometrics if required. Those approved receive a Port of Entry letter, which must be presented upon arrival in Canada.

Working Holiday participants pay an additional fee linked to the Open Work Permit, while employer-specific categories involve separate compliance payments by the hiring organisation.

Why does London, ON, attract IEC participants?

London, ON, offers employment opportunities across education, manufacturing, health services, logistics, and technology. Holding an Open Work Permit allows newcomers to move between employers and roles, which is useful in a city with a varied job market.

Lower living costs compared to those in larger metropolitan areas also make London an appealing choice for IEC participants seeking Canadian work experience without relocating to major urban centres.

Final Notes for 2026 Applicants

With IEC pools now open, early preparation remains essential. Applicants seeking an Open Work Permit should confirm their eligibility, review country-specific rules, and prepare the required documents in advance.

International Experience Canada continues to serve as a practical entry point into the Canadian workforce. For many young applicants, it offers a structured way to work legally, gain experience, and establish a professional foothold in London, ON through an Open Work Permit pathway. If you are planning to apply under the 2026 IEC season, now is the right time to take action. Reviewing eligibility rules early, preparing documents in advance, and choosing the right IEC category can make a real difference. Whether your goal is short-term work or building experience in London, ON, taking the first step today puts you in a stronger position when invitations are issued.