Work permit extension: what the IRCC proof-of-work letter lets you do

What the letter is

IRCC explains this on its page Extend or change the conditions of your work permit: After you apply.

After you apply online, IRCC sends a letter to your online account. The letter is called “WP-EXT except PGWP.” You can use it to show that you are allowed to keep working under the same conditions as your original work permit. This is true until IRCC processes your application.

You do not need to wait for a new permit to show your employer that you have the right to work. The letter is the document IRCC provides for this.

The 365-day date on the letter

The letter automatically lists an expiry date. The date is 365 days after the day IRCC receives your application. IRCC says this is meant to answer the concerns of employers and health insurance providers.

IRCC also says what happens if the date passes. If IRCC has not finalized your application by the date on the letter, you can still keep working until IRCC makes a decision. You can show your employer the IRCC web page as proof.

Who gets the letter and who does not

Missing documents: the 90-day rule

Some applications need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). If you apply without one and do not submit it within 90 days of submitting your extension application, IRCC may refuse the application as incomplete. You send missing documents through the IRCC web form.

When IRCC approves your extension

IRCC sends a note to your online account. You can start working under the new permit as soon as you get it. You do not need to wait for the permit to arrive in the mail.

What this means for you

• You are a worker who applied online before your permit expired: check your IRCC account for the letter. Save a copy. Give it to your employer or human resources (HR) team if they ask for proof.
• You are an employer or HR contact: the letter and its 365-day date are meant to answer your questions. IRCC says the worker can keep working after that date until a decision is made, and can show you the IRCC web page as proof.
• You applied on paper: you will not get a letter. Keep your application copy, proof of fee payment and tracking information.
• Your permit already expired when you applied: the letter is not issued to you. Read IRCC’s page for your situation.

For the wait time itself, see our news post on IRCC’s personalized processing times for work permit extensions.

What to do next

1. Open your IRCC online account and look for the letter.
2. Save the letter. Give a copy to your employer if they ask.
3. Write down the date on the letter. Remember that IRCC says you can keep working past it until a decision, and that you can show employers the IRCC web page.
4. If you need an LMIA or CAQ and have not submitted it, send it within 90 days through the IRCC web form.
5. Read our guide on work permits for the basics.

IRCC’s page also has a banner about a Canada Post labour disruption when this article was written. IRCC says it is processing applications normally, mail may be delayed, and it recommends online applications. Check the page for the latest notice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the WP-EXT letter?

It is a letter in your IRCC account that you can use as proof that you are allowed to keep working under the same conditions while IRCC processes your extension.

What if the date on my letter passes?

IRCC says you can still keep working until a decision is made. You can show your employer the IRCC web page as proof.

Do paper applicants get the letter?

No. If you applied before your permit expired, you are allowed to keep working under the same conditions. You can show a copy of your application, proof of fee payment or postal or courier tracking.

Can I start working under my new permit before it arrives?

Yes. IRCC says you can start as soon as you get the approval note in your account.

Sources

• IRCC: Extend or change the conditions of your work permit, After you apply (checked October 6, 2026)