IEC 2026 – MAJOR UPDATE FROM IRCC ON THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE CANADA PROGRAM

 📍 IRCC Update – December 24, 2025

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program, commonly used by young people to work, travel, or intern in Canada under bilateral agreements, has received a comprehensive update covering procedures, eligibility, and application assessment.

📌 Key updates include:

1️⃣ Role of the CBSA at the port of entry clarified: Officers of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have full authority to verify information, request additional documents, and refuse issuance of a work permit if discrepancies are found.

2️⃣ Medical exam (IME): Mandatory for occupations involving health care, children, or the elderly. Failure to complete an IME within the required timeframe may result in restrictions on the duration or type of work permit.

3️⃣ Dependants are not permitted under IEC in any form.

4️⃣ Passport validity must cover the full duration of the issued work permit. Shortened permits based on passport expiry will no longer be granted.

5️⃣ Certificato di residenza (Italy) cannot be reused for subsequent IEC applications.

6️⃣ Dual citizens of an IEC-participating country are no longer eligible if one of their nationalities is Canadian. Example: Canada + an IEC country equals ineligible.

7️⃣ New guidance on police certificates: Clearer rules on late submissions and acceptable substitute documents while certificates are pending.

8️⃣ Increased verification at the port of entry, improved case management in Global Case Management System (GCMS), and more streamlined issuance and amendment of work permits.

9️⃣ Mexico and Ukraine removed from the list of IEC-eligible countries, in line with current Canadian policy.

🔟 Dutch students: May submit a confirmation letter from their educational institution for TEER 4 positions related to their field of study, instead of other previously required documents.

🧭 SICON recommendations:

Applicants awaiting an IEC invitation or preparing their application should reassess nationality eligibility, medical requirements, and police documentation carefully.

Employers recruiting interns or short-term workers through IEC must update their port-of-entry procedures accordingly.

Candidates planning to transition from IEC to PR streams or LMIA-based pathways should define a clear strategy from the outset.

📣 SICON provides end-to-end support:

• IEC 2026 eligibility assessment
  • Work permit application preparation under the new rules
  • Long-term immigration planning after IEC
  • Updates on eligible countries and program timelines

📩 Contact SICON today to stay ahead of the IEC 2026 season.