"IRCC's New Policy: IEC Work Permits Now Mailed Within Canada—No More Border Runs"
- May 7
- 2 min read
In a notable change in policy revealed in May 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented a new provision enabling qualified International Experience Canada (IEC) participants to obtain their work permits via mail, which eliminates the requirement to leave and re-enter the country. This policy will remain in effect until December 1, 2025. The primary goal is to simplify the process for IEC participants who want to extend their stay in Canada without the hassle of international travel.
To be eligible the applicant must:
· Be physically present in Canada at the time of application.
· Hold a valid IEC work permit when submitting the application for participation. This means, if you are applying to participate in the IEC program again, you need to apply before your current IEC work permit expires.
· Maintain legal immigration status in Canada throughout the application process.
· Possess a valid POE Letter of introduction and request the new work permit before this letter expires.
This policy is temporary and set to expire on December 1, 2025. Applicants who do not meet these criteria must leave Canada and re-enter from a country other than the U.S. or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to obtain a new IEC work permit.
This change was made because previously, IEC participants seeking to extend their stay had to leave Canada and re-enter to activate a new work permit – a process known as “flagpoling.” This often involved brief trip across the U.S. border, which, while expedient, posed logistical challenges and financial burdens.
However, as of December 24, 2024, IRCC banned flagpoling for most foreign nationals, including IEC participants, at U.S. and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon border crossings. This policy change necessitated a new approach for in-country work permit renewals.
Benefits of the New Policy
· Convenient: There is no need for the applicant to undertake international travel solely for administrative purpose.
· Time Efficient: Streamlines the process, allowing applicants to continue their stay without interruption.
· Cost Efficiency: It eliminates expenses related to travel, accommodation, and potential work disruptions.
· Adaptability: Provides a practical alternative following the cessation of flagpoling options.
Application Process
Eligible IEC participants can request their new work permit by contacting IRCC through the office web form. Applicants must ensure they include all necessary documentation and adhere to the specified guidelines. Processing times are currently estimated at 4-6 weeks or longer, so it’s advisable to apply well before the current permit expires.
Important Considerations
Applicants must maintain valid immigration status throughout the application process to avoid any gaps in authorization. This policy applies only to those who were in Canada with a valid IEC work permit when they applied for another participation. Those who have left Canada or do not meet the specified criteria must follow the traditional process of exiting and re-entering the country from a location other than the U.S. or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.
In final thoughts, it is better to plan ahead, stay informed and seek professional advice who can navigate you through the complexities of immigration programs.
For personal guidance and support, Contact us
ADMIRE IMMIGRATION SERVICES INC
Vancouver: #200, 223 W Broadway, BC, V5Y 1P5. Phone: 778-925-3008
Surrey: #385-8148, 128 Street, BC, V3W 1R1. Phone: 778-683-3008
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