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.
Categories
Share This Post
Stay Updated with Immigration News
Get the latest updates on Express Entry draws, OINP invitations, policy changes, and more delivered to your inbox.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Related Articles
Francophone PR Pilot
Canada will launch the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) in winter 2027 to offer a direct permanent-residence pathway for eligible French-speaking international graduates outside Quebec. Eligible graduates (from 21 OIF countries) must hold an FMCSP study permit, complete a ≥2-year full-time program with >50% French instruction at participating DLIs, may include family, and can obtain an open work permit while PR is processed.
IRCC Study Permit Guidance
IRCC updated guidance (2026-06-18) clarifying how officers assess study permit conditions: DLI enrollment, program changes, academic progress, leaves and working during leave. Students, institutions and employers should review the instructions to align records and activities, as stricter interpretations of “active pursuit” and work-during-leave rules may affect study and work permissions.
IRCC Pauses Sponsor Intake
IRCC has temporarily paused intake of refugee sponsorship applications from Groups of Five and Community Sponsors under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program (program delivery update posted 2026-06-16). The PDI gives internal processing guidance but no timeline or exemptions; stakeholders should monitor IRCC for reopening details.
AIP guidance update
IRCC revised AIP “Other situations” guidance: post‑submission job or employer changes require updated provincial endorsements and IMM 0157 submitted via the IRCC Web form, with officers recording changes in GCMS and issuing a 90‑day PFL/hold if documents are missing. Provinces will reassess employer designation after ownership changes and applicants must maintain valid work authorization to avoid refusal.