Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has quietly renewed the temporary public policy that lets International Experience Canada (IEC) participants activate subsequent work permits without leaving the country. The measure—first introduced when land ports of entry began turning away so-called “flagpolers”—was officially prolonged on 10 February 2026 and confirmed in program guidance published today, 13 February 2026.(libertyimmigration.ca)
Under the policy, Working Holiday, Young Professional and International Co-op participants who receive an approval letter for a second IEC work permit can complete activation by submitting an online “inside Canada” request through the IRCC Web Form instead of exiting and re-entering Canada. A physical permit is then mailed to their Canadian address, removing the need for costly flights, land-border trips and repeated interactions with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
If you need extra help navigating Canadian visa procedures—whether for an IEC approval, a subsequent work permit, or any other travel authorization—VisaHQ’s online platform can streamline the process. Their Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers real-time tracking, document checklists, and expert support so applicants and employers alike can stay on top of requirements and timelines with minimal stress.
![IRCC extends “no-flagpoling” option: IEC participants can activate a second work permit entirely online]()
The extension is more than a convenience play. Flagpoling volumes had surged after pandemic-era backlogs, straining border staff and snarling weekend traffic at major crossings such as Lacolle and the Peace Bridge. Ottawa imposed an outright weekend ban on flagpoling in 2025; the latest renewal signals that the government views the online activation pathway as a long-term fix rather than a stop-gap.
For employers, the change reduces onboarding delays because new permits can be issued within two to three weeks—far faster than arranging a cross-border trip. IEC participants already working in hard-hit sectors such as hospitality and construction can transition to a new employer or province with minimal disruption. Immigration lawyers caution clients to keep valid status while the request is in process and to travel domestically with proof of the confirmation letter until the hard-copy permit arrives.
Practically, the news means that tens of thousands of young foreign nationals—many of whom are future permanent-residence candidates—will remain in the Canadian labour market throughout 2026 without resorting to border runs. HR teams should update onboarding checklists, and mobility managers should brief IEC holders on the revised steps to avoid inadvertent non-compliance.
Under the policy, Working Holiday, Young Professional and International Co-op participants who receive an approval letter for a second IEC work permit can complete activation by submitting an online “inside Canada” request through the IRCC Web Form instead of exiting and re-entering Canada. A physical permit is then mailed to their Canadian address, removing the need for costly flights, land-border trips and repeated interactions with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
If you need extra help navigating Canadian visa procedures—whether for an IEC approval, a subsequent work permit, or any other travel authorization—VisaHQ’s online platform can streamline the process. Their Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers real-time tracking, document checklists, and expert support so applicants and employers alike can stay on top of requirements and timelines with minimal stress.
The extension is more than a convenience play. Flagpoling volumes had surged after pandemic-era backlogs, straining border staff and snarling weekend traffic at major crossings such as Lacolle and the Peace Bridge. Ottawa imposed an outright weekend ban on flagpoling in 2025; the latest renewal signals that the government views the online activation pathway as a long-term fix rather than a stop-gap.
For employers, the change reduces onboarding delays because new permits can be issued within two to three weeks—far faster than arranging a cross-border trip. IEC participants already working in hard-hit sectors such as hospitality and construction can transition to a new employer or province with minimal disruption. Immigration lawyers caution clients to keep valid status while the request is in process and to travel domestically with proof of the confirmation letter until the hard-copy permit arrives.
Practically, the news means that tens of thousands of young foreign nationals—many of whom are future permanent-residence candidates—will remain in the Canadian labour market throughout 2026 without resorting to border runs. HR teams should update onboarding checklists, and mobility managers should brief IEC holders on the revised steps to avoid inadvertent non-compliance.
