In a major development for foreign nationals participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new policy allowing eligible participants to receive their work permits by mail, without needing to leave and re-enter the country.
This progressive shift eliminates a major inconvenience that previously forced applicants to travel out of Canada and return to activate a new IEC work permit. The change is particularly relevant in light of the government’s decision to ban “flagpoling”, the practice of briefly exiting and re-entering Canada (usually via the US border) to receive immigration services at ports of entry.
Let’s dive into what this change means for you, who qualifies, and how it affects your Canadian immigration journey, especially if you’re looking to transition from temporary to permanent residency in Canada.
What is the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program?
IEC is a Canadian immigration initiative that allows young adults from over 30 partner countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years. It promotes cultural exchange and gives international participants valuable work experience in Canada.
IEC consists of three major categories:
- Working Holiday – Open work permits for travel and work flexibility.
- Young Professionals – Employer-specific permits to gain professional experience.
- International Co-op (Internship) – For students needing work placements.
To participate, individuals must receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction before arriving in Canada. The letter must be presented at a Canadian port of entry to obtain the physical work permit.
The Policy Change: Work Permits Now Mailed Within Canada
Previously, those already in Canada who were approved for a second participation in IEC had no option but to exit the country and return to activate their new permit. This was not only inconvenient but also costly, and became even more complicated after the ban on flagpoling came into effect in December 2024.
Now, eligible applicants can receive their new IEC work permit by mail if they meet the following conditions:
- They were already in Canada with a valid IEC work permit when applying for another IEC participation.
- They hold a valid POE Letter of Introduction and apply for the new permit before it expires.
- They maintain legal immigration status in Canada at the time of the request.
This change is currently in effect until December 1, 2025, and it is a significant relief for those who planned to remain in Canada continuously, without international travel.
Why This Matters: A Practical and Cost-Effective Shift
This new policy serves as a major win for IEC participants and Canada’s immigration system overall:
- 🧳 Eliminates unnecessary travel: Applicants no longer need to leave Canada for administrative processing.
- 💰 Reduces financial burden: Avoids travel costs, accommodation expenses, and potential work disruptions.
- 🕐 Saves time: Processing work permits by mail is more convenient and avoids lengthy border queues.
- 🚫 Adapts to flagpoling restrictions: With IRCC ending the border workaround, this is a timely alternative.
Participants should apply well before their current permit expires, as work permit processing can take four to six weeks or longer.
Reapplying for IEC? Know Your Eligibility
IEC participation rules vary by country. Depending on your country’s bilateral agreement with Canada, you may be eligible for multiple IEC participations. Some countries impose a mandatory waiting period between participations, while others allow back-to-back entries. Always check your specific eligibility and timelines.
For those who qualify, this new policy makes it significantly easier to pursue a second round of work in Canada without unnecessary delays or travel-related complications.
How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure a Long-Term Future in Canada
While temporary programs like IEC are great stepping stones, many participants aim to transition to Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. That’s where ICC Immigration comes in.
We specialize in turning temporary stays into long-term success stories. Whether you’re in Canada on an IEC work permit or just beginning your journey, our immigration professionals are ready to guide you every step of the way.
Here’s how ICC Immigration can support your goals:
🏡 Permanent Residency Applications
We provide end-to-end assistance with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other PR streams. We ensure your application is competitive and submitted correctly to maximize your chances of success.
💼 Work and Study Permits
Our team helps you explore additional temporary options that can lead to PR. Whether it’s a job-specific work permit or a study permit at a designated Canadian institution, we tailor strategies to your goals.
👨👩👧 Family Sponsorships
If you have close relatives in Canada, we facilitate family reunification through sponsorship programs. This not only strengthens your support network but can also simplify your PR journey.
⚖️ Expert Legal Guidance
Our experienced legal professionals ensure full compliance with Canadian immigration regulations, helping you avoid mistakes that can cause delays or rejections.
Most importantly, ICC Immigration offers a secure, predictable alternative to high-risk options like asylum claims. We advocate for legal, structured, and future-focused immigration pathways to give you peace of mind and a clear roadmap to a better life in Canada.
Final Thoughts: A Welcome Update in a Changing Immigration Landscape
IRCC’s decision to allow work permit delivery by mail is a smart, compassionate, and efficient policy update. It supports young foreign workers who contribute to Canada’s economy while easing administrative pressure on immigration services.
If you are an IEC participant with ambitions of staying longer or transitioning to permanent residency, now is the time to plan strategically. Start preparing your new work permit request early and explore your long-term immigration options with expert help.
Canada is evolving — and so should your immigration strategy.