IEC: Easy Work Permit Process for Those in Canada

Have you ever heard of receiving a Canadian work permit right in your mailbox with no catches? Following a recent policy shift by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this has now become a possibility for International Experience Canada (IEC) participants who are currently in Canada.

New Policy and Deadline

IRCC has simplified the IEC work permit renewal process. Eligible IEC participants can receive their second work permit by mail with no need to leave or re-enter the country. This policy is currently in effect and will remain in effect until December 1, 2025. In the past, IEC participants had to leave Canada and re-enter to activate a new IEC work permit which led to unnecessary costs, required time off work, and added stress. This change is significant for thousands of young adults who wish to remain in Canada through the IEC to continue gaining work experience, new opportunities, or to extend their working holiday.

What Is the IEC?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a government initiative that allows individuals typically between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35, depending on their country of citizenship, to travel and work in Canada. The IEC not only offers foreign nationals the chance to earn money but also gives them the opportunity to gain international work experience and improve their English or French language skills by immersing themselves in Canadian culture/society.

There are three main categories within the IEC:

1. Working Holiday
2. Young Professionals
3. International Co-op (Internship)

Receiving IEC Work Permits by Mail

Under the new policy, IEC participants can apply to have their new work permits mailed to them if they meet the following conditions:

1. They maintain legal immigration status in Canada throughout the process when they applied for their IEC work permit.
2. Must have been in Canada with a valid IEC work permit at the time of applying to the IEC program again.
3. Have a valid Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and apply for the new permit before the letter expires.

It is important to note that this policy only applies to eligible individuals. Those who do not meet the requirements listed above are not eligible to receive their new work permits by mail and must follow the previous measure of leaving Canada and reentering through a country that is not the U.S or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to activate their new IEC work permit.

Processing Times and Planning Ahead

As indicated on the IRCC website, IEC work permit applications take around 5 weeks or sometimes longer to process. Given this long processing time, it is important that you apply for a second IEC work permit term well before your current IEC work permit is set to expire to ensure a smooth reapplication process and to avoid losing your legal work status in Canada, which may lead to ineligibility to the program. Just be safe and take all precautionary measures to remain eligible to receive an IEC work permit via mail.

Contact Us

This policy change indicates how IRCC supports international workers and recognizes the importance of IEC participants. If you are currently in Canada under the IEC program and are considering applying for a second round, at Canadim, we can help. Our team will assess your eligibility, help you gather the necessary documents, and submit your application on your behalf to ensure the best chance of success. Whether you are looking to stay in Canada longer or eventually transition to Canadian permanent residency, contact us today and take full advantage of this new and improved opportunity.

Contact us today to extend and apply for a second term in the IEC program!