Ottawa | June 2025 — A quiet but critical shift is underway for thousands of International Experience Canada (IEC) participants stuck in immigration limbo after the flagpoling ban took effect on December 23, 2024.
With the U.S. border and Saint Pierre and Miquelon crossings no longer an option to activate new IEC work permits, IRCC has launched a temporary but complex workaround — allowing eligible IEC participants to get their permits printed from within Canada, without leaving the country.
This change is a direct response to the sudden shutdown of flagpoling, a move that has disrupted travel plans, job start dates, and peace of mind for countless youth visa holders across the country.
No More Flagpoling: A Policy Earthquake
Previously, IEC participants could take a day trip to the U.S. border and re-enter Canada to activate their new work permits — a practice known as flagpoling.
That’s now off the table.
- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has closed the door to flagpoling for IEC renewals
- As a result, new letters of introduction (LOIs) can’t be activated at land borders
- IRCC has responded with a temporary workaround until December 1, 2025
The In-Canada Fix: How It Works (But You Better Follow the Script)
If you’re already in Canada and have applied for a subsequent IEC work permit (i.e., your second Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op permit), here’s what you need to do:
✅ Who Qualifies?
You must:
- Be in Canada
- Have applied while your previous IEC permit was still valid
- Still have valid status
- Have received a Letter of Introduction (LOI) for your new permit
Step-by-Step Process (a.k.a. The Paper Trail Gauntlet)
1️⃣ Submit an IRCC Web Form with Specific Text
You must include the code:
A112025 – which flags your request for special in-Canada processing.
Sample Message:
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:
Add one of the following, depending on your stream:
- Working Holiday (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.” - Young Professionals / International Co-op (Employer-Specific):
“My employer, [Name], located at [Address], may be contacted at [Phone/Email] to confirm my continued employment offer.”
2️⃣ Attach:
- A copy of your previous IEC work permit
- Health insurance covering your entire intended stay in Canada
Important Caveats (Read These Twice)
- If your health insurance policy is too short, your work permit will be shortened to match it
- Two back-to-back insurance policies are acceptable (if you couldn’t buy one for the whole period)
- You will not be able to extend the new permit later — it’s final
- If your LOI is already expired, you’re out of luck
What Happens Behind the Scenes?
After you submit your request:
- The message is routed to IRCC’s Client Support Centre
- Then forwarded to the Immigration Operations Branch
- Processing is handled by CPC Edmonton
- IRCC will aim to issue your permit within 5 business days
The officer will:
- Verify your application history, insurance, employer (if applicable), and immigration medicals
- Check if you still meet eligibility
- Decide whether to approve or refuse
If You’re Refused…
You’ll be told:
- Why your permit wasn’t issued
- What your immigration status is now
- Whether you need to leave the country or restore your status
Final Step: Printing & Mailing
If approved:
- Your permit is printed by CPC Edmonton
- It’s mailed to your Canadian mailing address
- You can then start your job (or travel freely within Canada)
About Author
