New Way to Activate Your IEC Work Permit in Canada (Without Flagpoling)
If you’re participating in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program and recently received a new Letter of Introduction (LOI) while already in Canada, there’s an important update you need to know. As of December 23, 2024, flagpoling — the process of leaving Canada and re-entering to activate your work permit — is no longer allowed for IEC participants.
But don’t worry — you can now activate your new IEC work permit from inside Canada using a new process created by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Here’s how it works:
Why the Change?
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is no longer allowing IEC participants to flagpole at the U.S. or Saint Pierre and Miquelon border crossings. This means you can’t leave Canada and return just to activate a new IEC work permit.
To help with this change, IRCC has introduced a temporary process that allows IEC participants to request the examination and issuance of their work permit from inside Canada. This process is in place until December 1, 2025.
Who Can Use This New Process?
You must meet all the following conditions:
- You’re already in Canada.
- You have a valid IEC work permit.
- You submitted a new IEC application before your current work permit expired.
- You received a new Letter of Introduction (LOI).
How to Request Your New Work Permit
You need to submit a special IRCC web form and include specific details. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Prepare the Required Message
When filling out the IRCC web form, include this text (copy and paste into the form and fill in your details):
A112025: I am requesting an A11 examination and the issuance of my work permit from within Canada.
My application number is [W#########].
I submitted my IEC application on [date].
I have received my IEC POE letter of introduction, which is valid until [date].
My current contact information in Canada is:
Telephone:
Mailing address:
Residential address:
Step 2: Add One of the Following (Depending on Your IEC Category)
For Young Professionals or International Co-op participants:
Employer-specific work permit: My employer, [name], located at [address], may be contacted at [telephone or email] to confirm my continued employment offer. I intend to begin work for this employer as soon as my work permit is received.
For Working Holiday participants:
Open work permit: I attest that my circumstances remain the same and I still meet the requirements of the open work permit program I was approved for.
Step 3: Attach the Following Documents
- A copy of your IEC work permit that was valid when you submitted your new application.
- Proof of health insurance that covers your entire stay in Canada.
Important Notes
- This option is only available until December 1, 2025.
- If you are not sure whether you qualify for this process, or if you need help preparing your request, consider speaking with an immigration professional.
At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we assist clients with IEC applications and transitions between permits. If you’re not sure how to prepare your request or need support with your work permit, feel free to reach out.
