Can You Leave and Re-enter Canada on an IEC Work Permit?

The short answer is yes, you can leave and re-enter Canada on an IEC Work Permit, but there are a few things you should know before you go.

Can You Re-enter Canada on an IEC Work Permit? Here’s What to Know

On an IEC permit, you can leave Canada and come back as long as your IEC work permit is still valid (or you have another type of Canadian status). This is true whether you got it through the Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op categories. 

There’s no limit on how often you can come and go, but there are a few conditions to keep in mind: 

• Your work permit must still be valid when you re-enter.
• Your passport must also be valid.
• You must carry valid health insurance that covers your full time in Canada.

When you travel back to Canada, a border officer may check your documents and make sure you still meet the requirements for the IEC program. They have the final say, so having your paperwork ready will save you time and stress and possibly prevent them from refusing your re-entry. 

What to Bring When You Re-enter Canada 

Think of this like packing your carry-on with the essentials – if you’re missing one, things can get complicated fast. 

Here’s what to bring every time you return to Canada on your IEC work permit: 

• Valid passport
• IEC work permit
• Valid ETA (Your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) this should have been issued with your IEC approval)
• Proof of health insurance that covers your full stay in Canada
• Proof of employment or residence (optional but useful)
• Proof of onward travel or financial ability to purchase onward travel
• Proof of funds – Carrying evidence that you have sufficient funds is always advisable when you are entering Canada

While you probably won’t be asked for all of these, having them handy helps show that you still meet IEC requirements, and it can make your re-entry process much smoother. 

Why Your Health Insurance Matters  

Health insurance isn’t just a safety net, it’s a legal requirement under the IEC program. Your policy must cover your entire IEC stay in Canada. That means if your work permit is valid for 12 months, your insurance must also be valid for 12 months. It also means that you should not cancel your IEC insurance once you are covered by provincial health programs. This is very important if you plan to travel and re-enter Canada as the border agent may check that your policy is still valid upon re-entry. 

If you plan to travel or visit home during your IEC stay, most health insurance policies let you leave and re-enter Canada without losing coverage, but if you are planning to travel internationally, you should check that your plan is not cancelled if you leave Canada. Your plan may pause while you’re out of Canada and resume once you return. 

Check your provider’s rules or compare IEC-approved plans through BestQuote to make sure your coverage fits your travel plans. 

Make sure your insurance covers: 

• Medical care and hospitalization
• Repatriation (returning you to your home country if necessary)
• Emergency travel or evacuation  

If you want to travel internationally, check if your plan covers trips outside of Canada as well. Some policies only cover you in Canada, so you may need additional coverage for travel outside of Canada.

Common Travel Scenarios (and What Happens Next)

Everyone’s situation looks a little different, but most IEC travellers fit into one of these categories: 

“I’m going home for a visit.” 

No problem. You can leave and return as long as your passport, permit, and insurance are valid. Keep digital and printed copies of your documents just in case. 

“I’m traveling to the U.S. for a few days.” 

This is common and usually simple too. Bring your work permit, passport and other documents listed above. You’ll clear customs again when you return to Canada, so keep your documents accessible. While you can travel to the U.S, you cannot flagpole to the U.S to activate a new status.  

“My work permit is expiring soon.” 

You can leave Canada before it expires, but you’ll need a new, valid status to re-enter if it has expired by then. If you plan to stay in Canada, explore other permit options before traveling. If you re-enter Canada just before the expiry of your IEC permit, this is risky. You will need to clearly explain to the border agent how you plan to extend your status in Canada and potentially show that you are eligible for such extension. 

Quick Travel Tips for IEC Participants 

A little preparation goes a long way. Keep these reminders in mind before you travel: 

• Carry both printed and digital copies of your key documents.
• Tell your employer if you’re traveling, especially if your role requires you to stay on payroll or maintain hours.
• Check visa requirements for the countries you plan to visit, your IEC doesn’t grant you entry outside Canada.
• Take out additional travel insurance if your health insurance doesn’t cover you outside Canada.
• Enjoy the Flexibility but Keep Your Paperwork in Order 

One of the best parts of the IEC program is the freedom it gives you to work, travel, and explore Canada. Just remember, border officers want to see that you’re organized and meeting IEC conditions. Travel freely but travel smart. Keep your documents up to date, insurance active, and your re-entry smooth. That way, you can focus on what you came for: exploring Canada and everything that comes with it.