How do I request an extension from IRCC?
If a police certificate won't arrive in time, upload a letter asking for more time.
Upload a short letter asking for an extension in place of the document IRCC requested, along with proof that you've already asked for it.
Your two options. If you're waiting on police certificates, you can either wait to start your application until you have them all, or go ahead now and request an extension when you reach the upload step.
Writing the letter
- Use a business-style "To whom it may concern" format.
- Keep it brief: state the request and the reason.
- Include supporting evidence, such as your receipt for the police certificate request with the issuing government's acknowledgment and processing times.
- Add the evidence as a screenshot in the letter, or merge everything into one PDF.
What happens next. IRCC usually responds with a letter in your account rather than contacting you directly. It'll give a new deadline or say something like "just send it to us when you get it." IRCC has the authority to reject an extension request, but we've seen them granted routinely over the years.
See our 2026 IEC Working Holiday application instructions for more.