IRCC will continue to allow eligible International Experience Canada participants already in Canada who apply for a subsequent IEC work permit while holding a valid IEC permit to have their application examined and their work permit printed and issued in‑Canada. This measure (IEC under IMP R204(d) – C21) remains in effect until further notice, reducing the need for flagpoling but only applying to subsequent IEC applicants.
Soheil Hosseini
February 12, 2026
Jurisdiction
Federal
Week
Week 7
Impact
Low
Programs Affected
IRCC extends in‑Canada work‑permit printing for subsequent IEC participants until further notice
Summary: IRCC has extended the process that lets International Experience Canada (IEC) participants already in Canada, who apply for a subsequent IEC work permit while holding a valid IEC permit, to request in‑Canada examination and work‑permit document issuance. The measure remains in effect until further notice. Date of update: 2026-02-12. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a program delivery update confirming that the process allowing in‑Canada examination and document issuance for subsequent IEC applicants will continue without a set end date. According to the guidance, dated February 10, 2026 and posted as a courtesy to stakeholders, the measure applies to IEC participants under the International Mobility Program (IMP), specifically IEC [R204(d) – C21] – Reciprocity. This update means eligible IEC workers who are physically in Canada and apply for a new IEC work permit before their current IEC permit expires can continue to have their work permit printed and issued from within Canada, avoiding the need to leave and re‑enter the country solely for document issuance. Analysis and potential impacts:
- Positive:
- Reduces reliance on “flagpoling,” lowering border traffic and administrative burden.
- Supports continuity of employment for youth mobility workers and minimizes disruption for employers.
- Provides operational clarity to applicants and representatives under the IMP framework.
- Negative/limitations:
- Applies only to subsequent IEC participants with a valid IEC work permit; it does not extend to other work‑permit categories.
- The “until further notice” wording introduces timing uncertainty for future planning.
- Implementation nuances may vary operationally, given this is internal guidance posted as a courtesy. Program affected: Work Permit (IEC under IMP; R204(d) – C21) Source: IRCC
Date of update: 2026-02-12 Urgency: Informational
Tags: IRCC, Canada immigration, International Experience Canada, IEC, work permit, in‑Canada issuance, International Mobility Program, R204(d) C21, reciprocity, youth mobility, flagpoling, program delivery update End of update.
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