Foreign nationals in Canada who apply to extend or change the conditions of their work permit before it expires may continue working while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes the new application. This is commonly known as maintained status.
To make that continued work authorization easier to prove, IRCC issues a support letter in eligible online applications known as the WP-EXT except PGWP letter. This letter can be shown to employers, insurers, and other institutions as proof that the worker remains authorized to work in Canada while waiting for a decision.
IRCC now confirms that this letter is automatically issued with a 365-day validity period, giving workers and employers a longer and clearer window of proof while an application remains in process.
What Is the WP-EXT Letter?
The WP-EXT except PGWP letter is an automated confirmation letter issued by IRCC after an eligible applicant applies online to extend or change the conditions of a work permit.
This letter confirms that the applicant may continue working under the same conditions as their current work permit while IRCC processes the application. It serves as practical proof of continued work authorization during maintained status.
Applicants can print the letter and keep it with their current work permit or show both documents together when proof of authorization is requested. According to IRCC, the letter confirms that the worker is authorized to continue working under the same conditions as the original work permit until a decision is made.
Why the WP-EXT Letter Now Shows 365 Days
IRCC states that the WP-EXT letter now automatically lists an expiry date that is 365 days from the date the application is received.
IRCC explains that the 365-day validity period exists for two practical reasons:
- It reflects the department’s service standard for processing this type of application.
- It helps workers satisfy employer and health insurance requests for proof of continued work authorization.
This longer validity period reduces confusion for employers and institutions that often request dated evidence confirming a worker’s legal authorization to continue working in Canada.
Does the Letter Expiring Mean You Must Stop Working?
No.
If IRCC has not finalized the application by the expiry date printed on the WP-EXT letter, the worker may still continue working until IRCC makes a decision, as long as the conditions remain the same as those on the original work permit.
This is one of the most important parts of IRCC’s guidance. The expiry date on the letter does not end the worker’s legal authorization to work. It is an administrative validity date for proof purposes, not the legal end of maintained status.
If an employer or third party asks for updated proof after the date on the letter has passed, IRCC instructs workers to show the employer the relevant IRCC webpage confirming they may continue working until a decision is made.
Who Gets the WP-EXT Letter?
The WP-EXT except PGWP letter is generally available to eligible applicants who apply online to extend or change their work permit before the current permit expires.
This letter is particularly useful for foreign workers who need to show ongoing authorization to:
- employers
- provincial health insurance providers
- payroll departments
- other government agencies
IRCC uses the letter to help confirm that the worker remains authorized to work under maintained status while the application is pending.
What If You Applied on Paper?
Applicants who submit a paper work permit extension or change application do not receive a WP-EXT except PGWP letter.
IRCC explains that paper applicants do not receive the automated letter because officers must first confirm the application is complete and that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements.
However, paper applicants may still continue working under maintained status if they applied before their current work permit expired and continue working under the same conditions.
In those cases, workers can show employers proof that the application was submitted, such as:
- a copy of the work permit application
- proof of payment
- courier or postal tracking confirmation
Important Limits on Maintained Status
Maintained status does not apply in every case.
IRCC specifically notes that temporary resident permit (TRP) applicants do not benefit from maintained status.
Workers must also continue to follow the same work conditions listed on their original work permit while waiting for a decision. For employer-specific work permits, this usually means continuing with the same employer, job, and work location unless a new authorization applies.
What Happens After Approval?
If IRCC approves the application, the worker will receive either:
- an extension of the current work permit, or
- a new work permit with updated conditions, such as:
- type of work
- employer
- work location
IRCC also confirms that once the approval notice appears in the applicant’s online account, the worker may begin working under the approved terms immediately. There is no need to wait for the physical work permit to arrive by mail.
What This Means for Workers and Employers
The 365-day WP-EXT letter is a practical administrative update, but it has significant real-world value.
For workers, it provides stronger documentation to confirm continued work authorization while an application is in process.
For employers, it offers clearer proof that a worker remains legally authorized to continue working under maintained status, even while waiting for IRCC to finalize the extension.
For both workers and employers, the key point remains the same: applying before the work permit expires is what protects status and continued work authorization. The WP-EXT letter does not create work authorization. It helps prove that authorization already exists under Canadian immigration law.
Need Help Extending Your Work Permit in Canada?
Maintained status rules can be straightforward in principle but difficult in practice, especially when employers, insurers, or provincial agencies request proof of continued work authorization.
Visaserve Immigration Law can help you assess your eligibility, prepare a compliant work permit extension, and avoid unnecessary interruptions to your ability to work in Canada.
Reach out to our team at info@visaserve.ca or call 905-203-2266 to speak with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer today.
