Stuck on your IEC application? Here's the quick fix.
On This Page You Will Find:
- The exact 3-step process to resolve "In Progress" form errors in your IEC application
- Why the validation button is your secret weapon for catching hidden mistakes
- Critical timing information about your 20-day submission window
- Pro tips to prevent future form errors and speed up your application
- What happens after you successfully submit your work permit application
Summary:
Staring at an "In Progress" status on your International Experience Canada application can feel like hitting a brick wall. You've filled out what seems like endless forms, only to discover something's blocking your submission. The good news? This frustrating roadblock has a simple 3-step solution that takes most applicants less than 10 minutes to resolve. Using the built-in validation feature, you can instantly identify exactly which fields need attention and get your application back on track before your 20-day deadline expires.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Use the "Validate" button on any "In Progress" form to instantly reveal missing information
- You have exactly 20 days after accepting your invitation to complete your work permit application
- Error messages appear directly next to problematic fields, making fixes quick and obvious
- Your application won't be considered officially submitted until payment is processed
- Validating each form as you go prevents last-minute surprises and deadline stress
Sarah Martinez thought she was done. After spending three hours carefully completing her IEC work permit application, she clicked submit only to see those dreaded words: "In Progress." Her heart sank as she realized something was wrong, but she had no idea what. Sound familiar?
If you're facing this exact scenario, take a deep breath. That "In Progress" status isn't a rejection—it's actually the system's way of helping you catch errors before they become bigger problems.
Understanding the "In Progress" Status
When a form shows "In Progress" in your IEC application, it means the system has detected incomplete or incorrect information that needs your attention. Think of it as a helpful checkpoint rather than a roadblock.
This status appears when:
- Required fields are left blank
- Information doesn't match expected formats
- Dates are entered incorrectly
- File uploads are missing or corrupted
The beauty of this system is that it won't let you submit an incomplete application, potentially saving you weeks of processing delays.
The 3-Step Fix That Works Every Time
Step 1: Navigate to the Problematic Form
Click directly on the form that's showing the "In Progress" status. Don't try to work around it or skip to other sections—you need to address this specific form first.
You'll find yourself back in the form interface, which might look exactly as you left it. That's normal. The errors aren't always visually obvious at first glance.
Step 2: Use the Validation Button
Here's where the magic happens. Scroll down to the bottom of the form page and look for the "Validate" button. This button is your diagnostic tool—it will scan every field and identify exactly what needs fixing.
Click "Validate" and wait a moment. The system will process your information and highlight any problems.
Step 3: Fix the Identified Errors
After clicking validate, you'll see error messages appear directly next to the fields that need attention. These messages are specific and actionable:
- "This field is required" means you've left something blank
- "Invalid format" indicates you need to adjust how you've entered information
- "File size too large" means you need to compress or resize uploaded documents
Work through each error message systematically. Fill in missing information, correct formatting issues, and re-upload any problematic files.
Why This Happens (And How to Prevent It)
Most "In Progress" errors occur because of small oversights that are easy to miss during the initial completion process. Common culprits include:
Date formatting issues: The system expects dates in a specific format (usually YYYY-MM-DD). If you've entered dates as MM/DD/YYYY, you'll trigger an error.
Incomplete address information: Missing postal codes, apartment numbers, or using abbreviations where full names are required.
File upload problems: Documents that are too large, in the wrong format, or didn't upload completely due to internet connectivity issues.
Checkbox confirmations: Forgetting to check required acknowledgment boxes at the end of sections.
Your 20-Day Window: What You Need to Know
Once you accept your Invitation to Apply for the IEC program, you have exactly 20 days to complete and submit your work permit application. This deadline is firm—there are no extensions.
Here's how to make the most of this timeframe:
Days 1-3: Gather all required documents and information before you start filling out forms.
Days 4-15: Complete your application forms, validating each section as you go.
Days 16-18: Review everything one final time and submit with payment.
Days 19-20: Keep as buffer time for any unexpected technical issues.
Remember, your application isn't officially submitted until payment is processed. Don't wait until day 20 to handle payment—technical glitches happen, and you don't want to miss your deadline over a payment processing delay.
Pro Tips for Smooth Application Processing
Validate as you go: Don't wait until the end to use the validate button. Click it after completing each major section to catch errors early.
Save frequently: The system should auto-save your progress, but manually saving gives you peace of mind and prevents data loss.
Use the correct browser: Some applicants report fewer technical issues when using Chrome or Firefox rather than Safari or Internet Explorer.
Keep documents ready: Have all your supporting documents scanned and properly sized before you start the application process.
What Happens After Successful Submission
Once you've resolved all "In Progress" issues and submitted your application with payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. This number is your proof of submission—save it somewhere safe.
Your application will then enter the official processing queue. Processing times vary depending on your country of residence and the specific IEC program you've applied for, but most applications are processed within 8-12 weeks.
During this time, you may receive requests for additional information or documents. Respond to these requests promptly to avoid processing delays.
When to Seek Additional Help
If you've followed the 3-step process and you're still seeing "In Progress" status, or if the validation button isn't revealing any specific errors, it may be time to contact IRCC directly.
Before reaching out, make sure you've:
- Tried the validation process multiple times
- Cleared your browser cache and cookies
- Attempted the process from a different browser or device
- Checked that all uploaded documents are properly formatted and sized
The "In Progress" status on your IEC application isn't a dead end—it's a detour that leads to a stronger, more complete application. By using the validation feature systematically and addressing each identified error, you'll have your application back on track and submitted well before your 20-day deadline. Remember, this extra step of verification often prevents more serious issues down the road, ultimately getting you closer to your Canadian work permit faster.
FAQ
Q: Why does my IEC application show "In Progress" status instead of letting me submit it?
The "In Progress" status appears when the system detects incomplete or incorrect information in your application that needs to be fixed before submission. This isn't an error—it's actually a helpful safeguard preventing you from submitting a flawed application that would likely be rejected or delayed. Common triggers include missing required fields, incorrect date formats (the system expects YYYY-MM-DD format), incomplete address information, failed file uploads, or unchecked mandatory acknowledgment boxes. Think of this status as your application's quality control checkpoint. The system is essentially saying "hold on, let's make sure everything is perfect before we send this in." This prevention mechanism saves you weeks of potential processing delays that would occur if an incomplete application entered the official review queue.
Q: What exactly should I click and where is the "Validate" button located in my IEC application?
The "Validate" button is located at the bottom of each form page within your IEC application portal. To access it, first click directly on the form showing the "In Progress" status—don't try to navigate around it or skip to other sections. Once you're inside that specific form, scroll down to the very bottom of the page. You'll see the "Validate" button, usually positioned near other action buttons like "Save" or "Continue." When you click "Validate," the system performs a comprehensive scan of every field in that form, checking for missing information, formatting errors, and data inconsistencies. Within moments, specific error messages will appear directly next to any problematic fields, giving you clear, actionable guidance on exactly what needs to be fixed. This diagnostic tool is incredibly precise—instead of guessing what's wrong, you'll see exactly which fields need attention.
Q: How much time do I actually have to fix the "In Progress" error, and what happens if I miss the deadline?
You have exactly 20 days from the moment you accepted your Invitation to Apply (ITA) to complete and submit your entire IEC work permit application, including resolving any "In Progress" errors. This deadline is absolute—Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not grant extensions, regardless of circumstances. If you miss this 20-day window, your invitation expires completely, and you'll need to re-enter the pool and wait for a new invitation, which could take months depending on your category and country quotas. Critically, your application isn't considered officially submitted until payment processing is complete, so don't wait until day 20 to handle payment. Technical glitches, bank processing delays, or website maintenance could prevent last-minute submissions. Plan to submit by day 18 at the latest, keeping days 19-20 as buffer time for unexpected issues.
Q: The validation button shows errors, but I don't understand what some of the error messages mean. How do I interpret and fix them?
IEC error messages follow specific patterns that indicate exactly what action you need to take. "This field is required" means you've left a mandatory field completely blank—simply fill in the missing information. "Invalid format" typically refers to date formatting issues; change dates from MM/DD/YYYY to YYYY-MM-DD format. "File size too large" means your uploaded document exceeds the system's limits (usually 4MB per file)—compress or resize your documents using free online tools. "Invalid characters" appears when you've used special symbols or characters the system doesn't accept; stick to standard letters and numbers. Address-related errors often involve missing postal codes, apartment numbers, or using abbreviations where full names are required. If you see "Upload failed," your internet connection may have interrupted the file transfer—try uploading again with a stable connection. Each error message appears directly next to the problematic field, making fixes straightforward once you understand the system's requirements.
Q: Can I prevent "In Progress" errors from happening, and are there specific strategies to avoid them?
Yes, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of "In Progress" errors by following proven prevention strategies. First, validate each form section immediately after completing it rather than waiting until the end—this catches errors early when they're easier to fix and remember. Prepare all documents in advance: scan them at appropriate resolutions (usually 300 DPI), ensure file sizes are under 4MB, and save them in accepted formats (typically PDF or JPEG). Use consistent formatting throughout your application, especially for dates (always YYYY-MM-DD), phone numbers, and addresses. When entering addresses, spell out full province/state names rather than using abbreviations, and always include postal codes. Keep a checklist of required documents for your specific program category to avoid missing uploads. Save your progress frequently, even though the system auto-saves. Use recommended browsers (Chrome or Firefox tend to have fewer technical issues than Safari or Internet Explorer) and ensure stable internet connectivity during the application process.
Q: After I fix the errors and submit successfully, what should I expect next in the IEC application process?
Once you've resolved all "In Progress" issues and successfully submitted your application with payment, you'll immediately receive a confirmation number—save this number as it's your official proof of submission. Your application then enters IRCC's processing queue, where review times typically range from 8-12 weeks, though this varies by your country of residence and specific IEC program category (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op). During processing, IRCC may request additional documents or information through your online account—respond to these requests promptly as delays in providing requested information extend your overall processing time. You can check your application status through your IRCC online account, where updates appear as processing milestones are reached. If approved, you'll receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, which you'll present to border officials when entering Canada to receive your actual work permit. The letter itself is not a work permit—you must complete the entry process at a Canadian port of entry to begin working legally.
