IRCC extends in-Canada permit option for IEC workers

IRCC extends in-Canada permit option for IEC workers

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended a policy that lets participants in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program receive new work permits while remaining in Canada. The extension was confirmed on February 10, 2026, and will stay in effect until further notice.

The measure enables eligible foreign nationals already holding an IEC work permit to obtain subsequent permits without leaving the country. The policy was first introduced in 2024 as a temporary measure and was initially scheduled to expire in December 2025.

• IRCC extends policy allowing IEC participants to get repeat permits from within Canada.
• Applies to those with a valid IEC work permit and a new letter of introduction (LOI).
• Participants must submit permit issuance requests before the LOI expires.
• Follows restrictions on flagpoling introduced in December 2024.
• Policy remains effective until further notice.

Policy overview

The extended policy allows IEC participants who meet specific criteria to have their new work permits mailed to Canadian addresses. Applicants must be physically present in Canada, hold a current IEC work permit, and have received a letter of introduction confirming approval for another IEC work permit category.

They are also required to use IRCC’s web form to request examination and permit issuance before their letter of introduction expires. This process removes the need for applicants to leave Canada to activate their new permit, a requirement that previously involved travel abroad or crossing the border temporarily.

Background and recent developments

Prior to this measure, IEC participants seeking a new permit often had to exit and re-enter Canada — a process commonly called “flagpoling.” Since December 23, 2024, this practice has been restricted, preventing applicants from activating their new work permits by briefly crossing into the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

The in-Canada issuance policy was introduced in the spring of 2024 to maintain program continuity and reduce administrative burdens following the flagpoling restriction. Its extension into 2026 ensures that eligible IEC participants can continue working in Canada without interruption while awaiting their next permit.

About the International Experience Canada program

The International Experience Canada program provides temporary work opportunities for youth from 36 partner countries that have bilateral mobility agreements with Canada. The program is divided into three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship).

Eligibility depends on nationality, age, and program stream. Participants are typically aged between 18 and 35, though some countries have an upper limit of 30. The number of times an individual can participate varies by country, ranging from one to three lifetime participations.

Participation and selection process

Each year, IRCC opens the IEC pool in December, and invitations to apply for work permits are issued from January onward. When the number of applicants exceeds a country’s annual quota, IRCC uses a randomized draw system to issue invitations among eligible candidates.

The program attracts thousands of young professionals annually who contribute to Canada’s labour market and cultural exchange objectives. Some provincial immigration programs, including the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), also recognize IEC work experience when assessing eligibility for permanent residency pathways.

Participating countries

As of early 2026, 36 countries participate in IEC. These include Australia, France, Ireland, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, among others. Age limits and participation allowances differ by agreement; for example, Australians can participate up to three times until age 35, while citizens of Belgium are limited to one participation up to age 30.

The program continues to serve as a primary route for international youth to gain professional experience and cultural exposure in Canada. The extension of the in-country permit issuance policy ensures continuity for these workers as IRCC maintains restrictions on flagpoling.

Public relevance

The extension is expected to simplify administrative processes for thousands of IEC participants currently in Canada. It reinforces IRCC’s ongoing approach to streamline in-country processing and maintain flexibility within Canada’s youth mobility framework.

Further updates on the policy duration or procedural adjustments are anticipated through official IRCC channels. Participants are advised to monitor government updates for any changes affecting eligibility or application timelines.

For continued coverage of Canadian immigration policy updates, including work permit and provincial nominee developments, follow related reports on this platform.