IRCC’s R186(u) update confirms interim proof-of-work letters are valid for 365 days and allows eligible workers to keep working during work permit renewals without requesting a second letter, provided R186(u) requirements continue to be met. Instructions have been reorganized and expanded, including new guidance on subsequent applications.
Soheil Hosseini
April 28, 2026
Jurisdiction
Federal
Week
Week 18
Impact
Moderate
Programs Affected
IRCC updates R186(u) guidance: interim work letter valid 365 days, continued work allowed during permit renewals
Summary: IRCC has clarified and reorganized its program delivery instructions on continued work authorization under R186(u) during work permit renewals, confirming the interim proof of work letter is valid for 365 days and that eligible workers may keep working until a decision is made without requesting a second letter. IRCC has issued a program delivery update clarifying continued authorization to work under R186(u) pending a decision on work permit renewal under R201(1). The department says the instructions have been reorganized and expanded to give more specific guidance and have been posted as a courtesy to stakeholders. Key updates:
- Interim proof of work letter is valid for 365 days.
- Workers may continue working past the date on the letter until a decision is made, provided R186(u) requirements continue to be met.
- No need to request a second interim work letter if the application is still in process.
- New section added addressing subsequent work permit applications submitted while a first application is still being processed.
- Instructions have been reorganized and clarified for ease of use. Program affected: Work Permit Updated instructions: Continued authorization to work pending decision on work permit renewal [R186(u)]: Authorization to work without a work permit – International Mobility Program (IMP) Source: IRCC
Date of update: 2026-04-28
Analysis:
- Positive impacts: The 365-day validity and “no second letter” clarification should reduce administrative burden, limit duplicate requests to IRCC, and give employers and foreign workers clearer continuity and planning certainty during processing.
- Potential cautions: Continued work remains contingent on meeting R186(u) requirements; the interim letter alone is not sufficient if eligibility lapses. The new guidance on subsequent applications may help avoid confusion, but employers and workers should carefully align filings to ensure continuous compliance until a decision is issued. This clarification aims to streamline processing and reinforce continuity of work where permitted, providing practical certainty to workers and employers while maintaining regulatory guardrails.
Tags: IRCC, Canada immigration, work permit, R186(u), R201(1), International Mobility Program, IMP, interim proof of work letter, policy update, program delivery update, temporary workers, employer compliance, immigration news
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