Your work permit expired last week. Your extension application is still in processing. You are allowed to keep working — but your employer’s HR department has just told you to stop coming in until you show them a valid permit. This happens constantly, and it is usually fixable in one conversation if you bring the right documents.
Quick Answer
If you applied to extend your work permit before it expired and you have stayed in Canada, you are on maintained status and can keep working under the same conditions until IRCC decides. If you applied online, your IRCC account holds a letter titled “WP-EXT except PGWP” that proves this; since April 2026 it is valid for 365 days from the date IRCC received your application, and you can keep working even after that date if IRCC still has not decided. Paper applicants prove it with a copy of the application, the fee receipt and the courier or postal tracking record.
This guide explains general rules. It is not legal advice. If your employer refuses to let you work despite valid proof, or your situation involves a refusal or a change of employer, speak with a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.
The Rule Your Employer Needs to See
Official rule: IRCC states that if you applied to extend your work permit and your permit expires while it processes your application, you have maintained your status and your authorization to work “until we make a decision on your application, as long as you stay in Canada.” The legal basis is section 186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
What it means: the expiry date printed on your old permit is no longer the date that matters. What matters is (1) that you applied before that date and (2) that you have not left Canada since. Your conditions stay exactly the same — same employer, job and location if your permit is employer-specific.
Your Proof Pack
| How you applied | What to give your employer |
|---|---|
| Online | The “WP-EXT except PGWP” letter from your IRCC account (print it or show it with your current work permit), plus your acknowledgement of receipt |
| On paper | A copy of your work permit application, proof you paid the fees, and the postal or courier tracking record showing delivery before your permit expired |
| Both | A copy of your expiring work permit and a link to IRCC’s page “What to do if your work permit expired” |
IRCC’s own page tells workers they can show it to their employer, so including the URL is not overstepping — it is what IRCC suggests.
“The Letter Says It Expired” — The April 2026 Change
Before 2026, IRCC’s interim letter was valid for 180 days, and with in-Canada extensions taking longer than that, many workers hit the date on their letter while still waiting. HR departments read it as a hard stop.
In late April 2026, IRCC changed its instructions: the letter now lists a date 365 days after IRCC received your application, and IRCC states that if your application is not finalized by that date, you can still keep working until a decision is made. You do not need to ask IRCC for a second letter. Current in-Canada extension times are on our IRCC processing times tracker.
A Short Email to HR
Subject: Work authorization while my work permit extension is processed
Hello [Name], my work permit extension was received by IRCC on [date], before my permit expired on [date]. Under section 186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations I have maintained status and remain authorized to work under the same conditions until IRCC decides. Attached are [my WP-EXT letter / my application, fee receipt and delivery confirmation]. IRCC’s guidance for employers is here: canada.ca — “What to do if your work permit expired”. I’m happy to provide the new permit as soon as it’s issued.
Situations Where Maintained Status Does Not Cover You
- You applied after your permit expired. You are not on maintained status and cannot work; you may be in the 90-day restoration window instead (restoration as a worker).
- You left Canada after your permit expired. Maintained status ends when you leave (travel on maintained status).
- You want to change employers on an employer-specific permit. IRCC says you must keep working for the employer on your original permit unless you request and receive a separate authorization to work (changing employers on a closed permit).
- You applied for a PGWP. The WP-EXT letter is for extensions other than PGWP; PGWP applicants follow their own rules (PGWP timeline).
- Your application was refused. Maintained status ends with the decision.
If HR Still Says No
An employer who wrongly suspends a worker who is legally authorized is making an employment decision, not an immigration one. Put your request in writing, keep copies, and if you lose pay, contact your province’s employment standards office. If you hold an employer-specific LMIA permit, the employer’s obligations to you also continue — see when an employer cuts hours on an LMIA permit.
Related Problems While You Wait
- My SIN expired — can I keep working?
- What happens to my health card?
- Status Expiry Timeline tool
FAQ
Where do I find the WP-EXT letter?
In the IRCC online account you used to apply, with your application’s correspondence. It is issued automatically for online extension applications.
My letter’s date has passed and IRCC hasn’t decided. Can I still work?
Yes. IRCC states that you can keep working until it makes a decision, as long as you applied on time and stayed in Canada.
Does my employer need to do anything with IRCC?
No. Keep a copy of your proof on file with HR; they do not need to contact IRCC.
