Canada Work Visa Update:
Canada offers various programs for people looking to work in the country, and one of the most popular among them is the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Recently, a major update has been made to this program, making the work permit process much easier. Now, applicants no longer need to leave the country to get a new work permit under IEC.
According to a report by CIC News, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new facility for IEC participants. Earlier, candidates had to exit Canada and re-enter to receive a new work permit. But with the new changes, eligible participants can now receive their new work permit by mail, without leaving the country.
The IEC program includes three main categories:
- Working Holiday
- Young Professionals
- International Co-op (Internship)
Indian students, in particular, often use the IEC program to do internships in Canada while exploring the country.
What Are the Conditions to Get a New IEC Work Permit?
To be eligible for this simplified process, you must meet a few key conditions:
- You must have held a valid IEC work permit at the time of applying for your second IEC participation.
- You must still have a valid Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.
- You must request your new work permit before your POE Letter expires.
- You must maintain legal status in Canada during this time.
These new rules are valid until December 1, 2025. If you don’t meet the above conditions, you will still need to leave Canada and re-enter (from a country other than the U.S. or Saint Pierre and Miquelon) to activate your new work permit.
Why This Change?
Until late 2024, many IEC participants used a process known as “flagpoling”—where they would briefly leave Canada and immediately return to get their new permit at the border. However, IRCC has now restricted this practice for most foreign nationals, including IEC applicants.
With flagpoling no longer an option, getting your permit by mail is now the only way to extend or renew your IEC status from within Canada.
Keep in mind that it can take 4 to 6 weeks or more for your new IEC permit to be processed. IRCC recommends that those eligible should apply well before their current permit expires to avoid losing legal working status in Canada.
