Canada Extends Work Authorization Support Letters to 365 Days for Foreign Workers

Canada has expanded support for foreign workers by extending the validity of work authorization support letters, offering greater stability for those awaiting permit decisions.

According to updated guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, work authorization support letters, commonly known as WP-EXT letters, will now remain valid for up to 365 days — a significant increase from the previous 180-day limit.

The change applies to foreign nationals on maintained status, allowing them to continue working legally while their new work permit applications are under review. Maintained status is governed under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, which permits workers to remain employed under the same conditions as their expired permit until a decision is made.

Officials clarified that WP-EXT letters do not themselves grant work authorization but serve as proof that an individual is eligible to continue working during the processing period.

However, the updated policy does not apply to all categories. Applicants under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program will continue to receive WP-EXT letters valid for 180 days only.

The revised instructions also provide clearer direction for cases involving multiple work permit applications. Authorities outlined how maintained status is affected depending on when additional applications are submitted, as well as scenarios where status may end — such as when an application is refused, withdrawn, or returned as incomplete.

The move is part of broader procedural updates aimed at improving clarity and efficiency in Canada’s immigration system, particularly for temporary foreign workers navigating processing delays.

Courtesy: Economictimes