IRCC extends International Experience Canada policy: repeat work permits from inside Canada until Dec 31, 2026
📌 Policy Extension — What changed?
Reference: CIC News, February 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) extended a temporary public policy that originally launched in 2023. IEC participants already in Canada can now apply for an additional work permit (a “repeat” participation) from inside the country, without needing to leave Canada and re-enter to activate a new permit. The extension is valid until December 31, 2026. This applies to all three IEC categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co‑op (internship).
🌎 2026 IEC Participation & Quotas (Selected RO 26)
| Country | 2026 quota | 2025 quota | Change | Inland repeat allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 6,850 | 6,200 | ↑ +10.5% | ✅ Yes |
| UK | 5,500 | 5,000 | ↑ +10% | ✅ Yes |
| Australia | 4,350 | 3,950 | ↑ +10.1% | ✅ Yes |
| Ireland | 2,900 | 2,700 | ↑ +7.4% | ✅ Yes |
| Japan | 2,150 | 2,000 | ↑ +7.5% | ✅ Yes |
| Korea | 2,400 | 2,200 | ↑ +9% | ✅ Yes |
* Total IEC intake 2026 projected: ~89,000 participants (all categories). IRCC increased overall RO26 caps by average 8-12% across partner countries. Data source: IRCC 2026-2027 Departmental Plan / RO26 negotiations.
⏳ IEC inland repeat policy: timeline & accuracy
📊 Impact of inland repeat policy (2024–2026)
- ✅ 2024 — 9,850 inland repeat applications approved
- ✅ 2025 — 14,230 inland repeat approvals (+44.5%)
- ✅ 2026 (projected) — 18,500+ based on current volume & quota increase
🧭 Who can apply? (Eligibility – exact IRCC criteria)
✔️ Must have
- Hold a valid IEC work permit OR have maintained status (applied for extension)
- Be from a country that has an IEC bilateral agreement allowing repeat participation
- Meet the category requirements (WH, YP, Co-op) for the second permit
- Pay fees + biometrics (if required)
⚠️ Not eligible
- If you already used two IEC participations (lifetime limit depends on country)
- If you have an unapproved LMIA application or other inadmissibility
- Citizens of countries without repeat IEC arrangements (e.g., some smaller pools)
IRCCGUIDE note: Most major IEC partners (UK, France, Aus, NZ, Japan, Korea, Ireland, etc.) allow a second or third participation. Always check your Recognized Organization (RO) profile.
❓ 20 frequently asked questions (IEC inland repeat policy)
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