Canada extends WP-EXT letter validity to 365 days, i.e., foreign workers in Canada who apply for a new work permit before their current permit expires will now receive WP-EXT letters valid for 365 days. This is a major increase from the earlier validity period of 180 days.

The change was shared through updated instructions to immigration officers, published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on April 27, 2026.

This update is expected to make it easier for workers to show proof of their work authorization while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application.

What Are WP-EXT Letters?

WP-EXT letters are documents given to foreign workers as proof that they are allowed to keep working under maintained status. Maintained status applies when a worker submits a new work permit application before their current permit expires.

Under this rule, workers can continue working under the same conditions as their previous permit while staying in Canada, until a final decision is made.

It is important to understand that WP-EXT letters do not give work authorization by themselves. They only act as proof that the worker already has the right to continue working under maintained status, as allowed under Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPA).

Longer Validity For Better Support

Earlier, WP-EXT letters were valid for only 180 days. Now, with the new update, their validity has been extended to 365 days.

This longer validity period helps workers avoid problems when showing proof of their work status to employers or government offices. It reduces the need to request new documents while waiting for application results.

Workers can use these letters to confirm that they are legally allowed to continue working, even if their previous work permit has expired.

Important Note For PGWP Applicants

The update does not apply to all WP-EXT letters.

Letters issued to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) candidates will continue to have a validity period of 180 days. These letters are considered a different category & are not included in the new rule.

New Clarifications On Second Applications

Along with the validity change, IRCC has also shared more details about how maintained status works when a worker submits more than one work permit application.

These clarifications build on earlier changes were introduced in May 2025.

In general, a second work permit application will help maintain status only if it is submitted before the original work permit expires.

The table below explains how different situations are handled:

What Happens To The First Work Permit Application? If The Second Application Was Submitted Before The Original Work Permit Expired If The Second Application Was Submitted After The Original Work Permit Expired 
First application is still being processed The worker can stay in Canada on maintained status. The second application may also help maintain their status. The worker can stay in Canada only because the first application is still being processed. The second application does not give them extra protection. 
First application is refused or withdrawn The worker may still have maintained status because the second application was submitted before the original permit expired. Maintained status ends. The second application does not keep the worker in status. 
First application is returned as incomplete The first application does not count. But the worker may still have maintained status if the second application was properly submitted before the original permit expired. The first application does not count, and the second application does not keep the worker in status. The worker is out of status. 

What Does This Mean For Workers?

This update gives more clarity and support to foreign workers in Canada. The longer validity of WP-EXT letters makes it easier to prove legal work status during long processing times.

At the same time, the new examples help workers understand how multiple applications affect their status. This can help them avoid mistakes and stay compliant with immigration rules.

Palina Immigration Consultancy, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at Palinaimmigration.com.