---
title: What's the timeline for the IEC application?
description: You have 60 days to finish Steps 1�3, then nomination, your ITA, a 10-day and 20-day deadline, and 6�8 weeks of government processing.
---
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1. [Working Abroad - Participants](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad?hsLang=en-us)
2. [Work & Travel Canada](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-canada?hsLang=en-us)
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# What's the timeline for the IEC application?
## Key deadlines and wait times from your first step to a decision.
Once you start, you'll have 60 days to finish Steps 1�3, and the government usually takes 6�8 weeks to decide after you submit your work permit application. Here's how the pieces fit together.
- **60 days:** your deadline to complete Steps 1�3.
- **Within 7 days of finishing Steps 1�3:** we nominate you. Nominations go out every Tuesday during program season.
- **After nomination:** you'll get your Invitation to Apply (ITA) and your RO letter. The ITA typically arrives within 2�3 business days, but it can take 1�2 weeks at the busiest times.
- **10 days after you receive the ITA:** your deadline to begin the work permit application.
- **20 days after you start the application:** your deadline to submit it.
- **6�8 weeks:** typical processing time for the government's decision.
**How long Steps 1�3 take:** They shouldn't take more than 30 minutes of actual work, though most people spread them over 2�3 days. Plan to submit at least one day before each deadline.
For screenshots and more detail, see [the full 2026 application guidelines](https://iex-website.s3.amazonaws.com/pdfs/2026-IEC-Working-Holiday-Application-Instructions.pdf).
Questions? Contact us at [workabroad@interexchange.org](mailto:workabroad@interexchange.org) or (800) 597-3675. We reply within 24 hours.
- [General](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/general?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
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- [Work & Travel Canada](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-canada?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [After You Apply](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-canada?hsLang=en-us#after-you-apply)
- [Costs & Payment](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-canada?hsLang=en-us#costs-payment)
- [Second Year & Young Professional](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-canada?hsLang=en-us#second-year-young-professional)
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- [Getting Started](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-canada?hsLang=en-us#getting-started)
- [Applying](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-canada?hsLang=en-us#applying)
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- [Visa](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-australia?hsLang=en-us#visa)
- [Program Basics](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-australia?hsLang=en-us#program-basics)
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