Good news for those considering switching from an International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit to another IEC work permit while in Canada.

From April 16 to December 1, 2025, IEC work permit holders who are still in Canada will be able to obtain their next IEC work permit with a simpler process than before.

This article provides an easy-to-understand summary of the changes, eligibility requirements, and specific procedures for making a request by mail.

IEC (International Experience Canada) is a work permit category that allows you to work in Canada, including Working Holiday, Recognized Organization, Young Professional, and International Co-op Work permit.

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a port of entry (POE) letter of introduction in your account. The letter does not guarantee entry into Canada or guarantee a work permit. 

Before you travel to Canada

To get your IEC work permit

You must show your POE letter of introduction and other supporting documents to a Canadian border services officer at the port of entry (airport, land border) on or before the expiry date of your letter.

The expiry date will be clearly marked on your letter.

A border services officer will review these documents and will make a final decision on whether you can enter Canada.

• POE letter of introduction

A POE letter of introduction issued under the IEC Program is valid for 1 year. If you can’t come to Canada before your POE letter expires, it doesn’t count as a participation.

You can’t transfer your letter to any other person or name.

You need to maintain legal status in Canada at all times.

Until December 1, 2025, you can get your IEC work permit mailed to a Canadian address if you meet all 3 requirements:

• You were in Canada with a valid IEC work permit when you submitted your IEC work permit application for another participation.
• You have a valid IEC POE letter of introduction (LOI).
  • You must request your work permit before your LOI expires.
• You have valid status in Canada when you request your IEC work permit be mailed to you.

※If you don’t meet these conditions, you must leave Canada and re-enter from a country or territory other than the US or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to activate your work permit.

Follow these steps to ask us to mail your IEC work permit:

1. Go to our web form (opens in a new tab) .
2. For the question “What did you apply for?”, select “Temporary Residence.”
3. For the question “What application did you submit?”, select “International Experience Canada.”
4. Include the mandatory text in the “Tell us about your request” box. You must include the mandatory text
5. Attach the following documents:
   • proof of health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay
   • a copy of your IEC work permit that was valid when you submitted your IEC work permit application

Mandatory text for all participants

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 received my POE letter of introduction and it is valid until [DATE].
My current contact information in Canada is as follows:
Telephone:
Mailing address:
Residential address:

Mandatory text for a Young Professionals and International Co-op participant

Employer-specific work permit: My employer, [name], located at [address], may be contacted at [contact 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.

Mandatory text for a Working Holiday perticipant

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.

The new rule will allow switching from an IEC work permit to another within Canada if certain conditions are met.

This system, which allows applicants to apply without having to leave Canada, is a great advantage for those who are staying in Canada. If you are planning to apply, please remember to complete the necessary procedures before the deadline (by December 1, 2025).Visa JP Canada will continue to bring you the latest immigration news in an easy-to-understand manner. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.