For many Ukrainians in Canada who are in the country under the CUAET or related Ukrainian temporary measures, the issue of work permit extensions has become particularly important. Some work permits are about to expire, and applicants seeking extensions want to know whether they can legally remain in Canada and work while IRCC reviews their application.
The official explanation from IRCC pertains to the WP-EXT except PGWP letter. If a person has submitted an online application to renew or change the conditions of their work permit and is eligible to continue working, IRCC sends this letter to their online account. It can be printed or shown to the employer along with the valid work permit as proof that the applicant is authorized to continue working while IRCC reviews the application.
A key clarification is that the WP-EXT except PGWP letter automatically includes an expiration date, which is 365 days from the date IRCC received the application. The agency explains that this date is necessary, in particular, because employers and health insurance providers often request confirmation of a person’s right to work and reside in Canada.
At the same time, it is important to understand: the letter itself does not create a new immigration status. The right to remain in Canada and work is based on maintained status if an application to extend or change a work permit was submitted before the current permit expired. IRCC explicitly states that in such a situation, a person has maintained status and may work until a final decision is made on the application.
Another important point: you may only work while awaiting a decision under the same conditions as those in your previous work permit. If it was an open work permit, the applicant usually has more flexibility. If, however, the permit was tied to a specific employer, the person must continue working specifically for the employer listed on the permit until IRCC makes a decision or issues a new permit with different conditions.
IRCC also explains that if the application is not processed by the date specified in the WP-EXT letter, this does not automatically mean the right to work is lost. If the conditions remain the same, the applicant may continue working until IRCC makes a decision. In this case, the employer can be shown the official IRCC webpage as additional confirmation.
If the applicant applied on paper rather than online, a WP-EXT except PGWP letter may not be issued. However, IRCC notes that a person who applied to extend or change their work permit before the current permit expired may still be eligible to continue working under the same conditions. To confirm this, you can provide a copy of the application, proof of fee payment, or postal or courier confirmation of mailing.
Special rules apply specifically to Ukrainians. IRCC has announced that Ukrainians and their family members who arrived in Canada under the CUAET or related measures may have additional time to apply for a work permit extension. According to official information, the deadline for submission is March 31, 2027, and the extension may be for up to 3 years if the applicant meets the requirements.
The IRCC page on Ukrainian measures states that a Ukrainian citizen or an eligible family member of a Ukrainian who arrived in Canada on or before December 31, 2024, holds valid temporary status, and has a valid open work permit issued under one of the Ukrainian public policies may be eligible for an extension. IRCC also specifies that the applicant must be in Canada both at the time of application and at the time a decision is made.
To apply under the Ukrainian special measures, IRCC requires specific documents. These include a copy of the passport or travel document, a letter explaining that the applicant is applying under the 2026 Ukraine special measures, and a copy of the work permit issued under the relevant Ukrainian public policy.
The greatest risk for applicants is waiting until the last few days before the permit expires. Maintained status applies only if the application to extend or change the work permit is submitted before the expiry date of the current document. If the application is submitted after the permit has expired, the situation will be different, and the right to work may be lost.
For Ukrainians in Canada, this update is an important practical tool: the WP-EXT except PGWP letter can help explain to an employer why a person is entitled to continue working while IRCC reviews their application. However, this letter does not replace the proper and timely submission of documents. The key is to submit the application before the current status expires, keep all submission receipts, and carefully verify that the applicant meets the requirements of the Ukrainian special measures.