New UCI assigned + No WP-EXT letter

On November 3, 2025, my lawyer submitted my work permit extension application online as my representative. I am currently on an open work permit and applied for an extension through IRCC. My previous work permit expired on December 31, 2025.

After submission, I never received my WP-EXT letter (IMM5988).

In December 15, 2025, my lawyer received a letter from IRCC requesting biometrics. I was confused because my biometrics are still valid (10-year validity, not expired). I went to Service Canada and provided my biometrics again as requested.

In March, 2026, while reviewing everything again, I noticed that the UCI number on my biometric instruction letter was different from my original UCI. It appeared that I had been assigned a new UCI number, which I believe may be related to the issues I have been experiencing (such as not receiving the implied status letter and being requested to provide biometrics again).

I contacted IRCC by phone. They told me that both of my UCI numbers have been merged. They also confirmed that there is no issue, both UCIs are valid, and my updated UCI is the one I should use going forward. When I checked my biometrics separately under each of my UCI numbers, everything appeared normal and I did not see any issues.

I received my “Submission Confirmation” around February 10, 2026.

Since the beginning, I have tried more than 100 times to link my application to my GCKey account, but it has never worked even though all information is correct. I even accidentally linked a previous work permit application instead. My lawyer also sent me a screenshot of the representative portal, and everything appears normal there, but I still cannot link it on my side.

My lawyer submitted two webforms and a Case Specific Enquiry. I also called IRCC, submitted a webform myself, and contacted my MP. IRCC keeps responding that my application is still in process. I was also told that my application is currently in background check.

However, the only response I receive is that I may continue working under maintained status, but my employer requires the official IMM5988 confirmation letter as proof of status, otherwise they do not allow me to work.

As a result, I have been unable to work for over 4 months now.

My current processing time is around 178 days, while the IRCC average processing time is 217 days.

Has anyone experienced something similar?

At this point, I’m wondering if maybe there was some incorrect information entered during the application, which led to a new UCI being created. Maybe that is why I have not been able to link my application to my GCKey account.