IRCC Now Allows Eligible IEC Participants to Receive Work Permits by Mail Within Canada
International Experience Canada (IEC) applicants who are already in Canada may now have their work permits mailed directly to their Canadian address—if they meet certain eligibility requirements. Work in Canada – Parisa Erfani
Previous Requirement to Exit and Re-enter Canada Lifted
Before this update, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) required IEC participants in Canada to leave and re-enter the country to obtain a new work permit. Mailing permits to Canadian addresses was not allowed, forcing applicants to travel—even for brief border crossings—to activate their permits.
Eligibility Criteria for Mail Delivery
To qualify for this new mail-in process, applicants must:
- Have been in Canada on a valid IEC work permit when they applied for another IEC participation;
- Hold a valid Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and request their new work permit before the LOI expires;
- Maintain valid legal status in Canada at the time of the request.
Applicants must maintain valid immigration status throughout the process. This policy will remain in effect until December 1, 2025.
Alternative for Ineligible Applicants
Those who do not meet these criteria must still leave Canada and re-enter from a third country (not the U.S. or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon) to obtain their new permit.
Why the Change Was Introduced
This update helps participants who wish to continue staying in Canada under the IEC program. Previously, a second round of participation required international travel. For those not planning overseas trips, this was inconvenient—especially since IRCC banned the practice of flagpoling (leaving and quickly re-entering Canada for permit processing) for most foreign nationals as of December 24, 2024.
By mailing permits, IRCC now allows eligible IEC applicants to receive new permits without needing to travel.
Processing Time and Recommendations
IEC work permit processing now takes approximately 4–6 weeks or longer. Applicants aiming for a second participation should apply well in advance to avoid lapses in work authorization.
About the IEC Program
IEC enables young citizens from over 30 countries to live and work in Canada for up to two years, promoting cultural exchange and international experience. The program includes:
- Working Holiday
- Young Professionals
- International Co-op (Internship)
Applicants must receive a POE Letter of Introduction prior to arrival, which must be presented to border officials to obtain the actual work permit.
IRCC simplifies work permits for IEC participants already in Canada | CIC News
