---
title: Can I do a second year of Work & Travel Canada?
description: US citizens can do IEC twice, but permits can't be extended. Apply again from the start, ideally as soon as the new program year opens.
---
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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)
3. [Second Year & Young Professional](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-canada?hsLang=en-us#second-year-young-professional)
# Can I do a second year of Work & Travel Canada?
## How a second IEC permit works, when to apply and how to get started.
Yes. US citizens can participate in IEC twice, but IEC work permits can't be extended or renewed. To get a second permit, you repeat the full process from the start.
**What repeating the process means:** You register with InterExchange again, receive a nomination, pay all fees, and leave and re-enter Canada while meeting all entry requirements. IEC runs on a limited basis each year and you can only join once per program year. Your second-year application is reviewed separately, and having participated before gives you no advantage.
## When to apply
We used to recommend applying 2�3 months before your first permit expires. Now we strongly encourage applying as early as possible, ideally when the new program year opens. Space is limited and not guaranteed, so staying on top of your own and the program's deadlines is part of your responsibility as a permit holder and applicant.
- The program usually opens in late January each year.
- Plan for 6�8 weeks for IRCC to make a decision.
- If there's a gap between your current permit and your second one, it's your responsibility to maintain your status in Canada. You can't work during a gap between IEC work permits unless you have another status that allows it.
**Get on the list:** You can [join the contact list](https://forms.gle/pPeXnAdjpwqEZKqC6) for the program, expected to resume in 2027. Our [costs and process page](https://www.interexchange.org/programs/travel-experiences-for-u-s-residents/work-travel-canada/how-it-works/#costs) has details, but pricing and other details may change for next year. We share accurate information as soon as we can. For context, the Government didn't release 2026 program information until December/January.
**Staying longer than IEC allows?** You can [explore other options](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/come-canada-tool.html) on the Government of Canada website.
## Getting started
Once you're registered, complete Steps 1�3 in our [2026 application guidelines](https://iex-website.s3.amazonaws.com/pdfs/2026-IEC-Working-Holiday-Application-Instructions.pdf). They have specific instructions for each step and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
**One extra step for second-year applicants:** After you finish Step 2, send us your "Welcome to the Pool" letter so we can verify it.
**Login tip:** If you had an application for a previous program year in our system, you may need to log out and back in to see the current year's application. You might also need to clear your cookies and cache, or try an incognito window.
We highly recommend watching our [program orientation](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwxqzWSUHedX_jmtEcvOtMi5UxaBGp-m5). If you'd like to talk through anything, contact us at workabroad@interexchange.org or (800) 597-3675.
- [General](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/general?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Program Basics](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/general?hsLang=en-us#program-basics)
- [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)
- [Arriving in Canada](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-canada?hsLang=en-us#arriving-in-canada)
- [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)
- [Living & Working in Canada](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-canada?hsLang=en-us#living-working-in-canada)
- [American Summer Exchange](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/american-summer-exchange?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Program Basics](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/american-summer-exchange?hsLang=en-us#program-basics)
- [Germany](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/germany?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Program Basics](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/germany?hsLang=en-us#program-basics)
- [Work & Travel Australia](https://knowledge.interexchange.org/working-abroad/work-travel-australia?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [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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