Canada: International Experience Canada Extension Process Simplified

Effective immediately, foreign nationals in Canada applying for an extension of their International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit may now receive their permit by mail in Canada, eliminating the previous requirement to leave and re-enter the country. This change does not apply to first-time IEC applicants. To qualify for this streamlined process, applicants must: have been in Canada on a valid IEC work permit when applying for the extension; hold a valid Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction (LOI) at the time of request; and maintain legal status in Canada throughout the process. This temporary policy is in effect until December 1, 2025. Those who do not meet the criteria must still exit Canada via a country other than the United States or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and re-enter to activate their new work permit. Eligibility for multiple IEC participation depends on the bilateral agreement between Canada and the applicant’s country of citizenship. Interested applicants can access the government website for more details.