IMM5988 Work Permit Extension Explained
We often hear from clients: “I received form IMM5988 saying my status ends in 6 months, but my current work permit is still valid for X years. Did IRCC cut my WP?” Below is a clear explanation of what IMM5988 is and how it applies to different situations.
What is form IMM5988?
IMM5988, also called an “electronic application receipt”, is a letter issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirming that your online application was received and is being processed. Keep it for your records. It acts as proof that you may continue working while IRCC processes your application, subject to the conditions stated in the letter.
Typical wording found in IMM5988:
This confirms that your application has been received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on ______ (yyyy/mm/dd). Please attach this letter to your present permit number ______ as proof that you are authorized to work for any employer, in any occupation with no restriction on hours until ______ or until a decision is made on your application, whichever is first. This period of work is authorized as per subsection 186(w) of the Immigration and Refugees Protection Regulations.
Why did I receive IMM5988 and what does it mean for my status?
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Scenario 1: You still hold a valid work permit for 1+ year and you applied to extend or change conditions
No action is required regarding the 6-month note in IMM5988. IRCC allows you to hold multiple valid work permits at the same time. Receiving a new permit or submitting an application to extend/change conditions does not cancel your existing WP. You may keep working under your current WP until it expires, and then switch to the new conditions when approved. -
Scenario 2: Your current work permit is close to expiring
IMM5988 confirms you can keep working while IRCC processes your application. The letter often mentions up to 6 months from the date indicated. In practice, under IRPR s.183(5), your maintained (formerly implied) status continues until a decision is made on your application, provided you applied before your current WP expired. IRCC references 6 months in the letter to prevent misuse of the document, but the regulation governs your actual status period. -
Scenario 3: Your previous work permit already expired when you applied
If you filed before the expiry date, maintained status applies as in Scenario 2. If you filed after the permit expired, maintained status does not apply and you cannot work until IRCC restores your status and authorizes work. IMM5988 alone does not grant the right to work in that case.
Important details to keep in mind
- File on time. Maintained status applies only if IRCC receives your application on or before the last day of your current status.
- Submission time is recorded in UTC. Applications filed late evening in Western Canada may show the next day in IRCC systems. Plan ahead and file early to avoid timing issues.
- If your employer is unsure after the 6-month mark: where a decision is still pending but you applied on time, a legal opinion letter explaining IRPR s.183(5) can help confirm your ongoing right to work. Contact us at info@canadianbychoice.ca.
Have questions?
Common questions
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Did IRCC cancel my previous work permit?
No. You can hold more than one valid status document. A permit is not cancelled unless it expires or an officer formally cancels it in person at an IRCC office or at the border. -
Does a new WP invalidate my old WP?
No. There is no provision in the Act or Regulations that automatically cancels a prior WP when a new one is issued. A permit becomes invalid when it reaches its expiry or if a removal order becomes enforceable. -
The IMM5988 says I lose status if I leave Canada. Is that always true?
This applies to people on maintained status after their previous permit expired. If your previous WP is still valid and you hold the required travel document and visa/eTA, you may exit and re-enter Canada without jeopardizing your pending WP application. -
Can I have multiple valid work permits at the same time?
Yes. You may hold two or more valid WPs simultaneously. You must comply with the conditions of each permit. Your earlier WP remains valid until it expires or until a removal order becomes enforceable.
Bottom line
IMM5988 is a standard receipt confirming that IRCC has your application and, in many cases, that you can keep working while they process it. It does not “shorten” a valid work permit and does not, by itself, cancel any existing status. Always consider your specific timeline, whether you applied on time, and the conditions printed on each permit you hold.
