Canada doubles validity of WP-EXT letters to 365 days for online applicants

Canada keeps work proof valid for 365 days

IRCC now gives WP-EXT letters a 365-day validity period for eligible online work permit extension applicants in Canada. The change took effect April 27, 2026 and doubles the former 180-day window for workers on maintained status while they wait for a renewal decision.

The letters serve as proof that a worker can keep working under the same conditions as the expired permit under Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations paragraph R186(u). If the extension application is still pending after the letter expires, workers can keep relying on maintained status if they meet the rules and IRCC says no second letter is needed.

Who gains the most from the longer window

The update mainly helps temporary foreign workers, including many expats and remote workers on employer-specific permits who apply online before their current permit expires. It gives them a longer document to show employers, insurers and other institutions while processing times remain long.

The change doesn't apply to tourists, who don’t have work permits and it doesn't extend PGWP letters past 180 days. Paper applications also don’t get a WP-EXT letter.

What applicants need to do now

Applicants need to file online before their permit expires, stay in Canada and keep following the conditions of their current permit. IRCC issues the WP-EXT letter automatically for eligible online filings and workers can print it or show it as proof if asked.

The longer validity matters because in-Canada work permit processing times were averaging 217 to 259 days in early 2026. Read our full Canada guide for the complete picture and check our nomad news page for more policy updates.