Maintained status
in Canada

What is maintained status in Canada?

Maintained status lets a temporary resident legally keep their status while an application to extend their stay is being assessed, when that application is submitted before their current status expires.

This used to be called "implied status". The expression is still widely used, but IRCC now says "maintained status".

What are the conditions for maintained status?

In general, maintained status applies when:

• the application is submitted before your current status expires;
• the application is valid;
• you stay in Canada while it is processed.

Some applications do not allow you to maintain your status, for example an application for a temporary resident permit. The rules depend on your situation and the type of application.

Can you work or study while the application is processed?

Studies: if you applied to extend your study permit before it expired, you can generally continue studying under the conditions of your previous permit until a decision is made. See our page on study permit extensions. In Québec, a valid CAQ is generally needed (see CAQ renewal).

Work: if you hold a work permit and applied to extend it before it expired, you can generally keep working under the conditions of your previous permit until a decision is made. See work permit extensions.

Other situations: for a change of conditions or category, your rights while the application is processed may be different. A pending application does not automatically give you the right to work or study: your situation needs to be checked.

What happens if you leave Canada?

According to IRCC, you must stay in Canada while the application is processed. Travelling can affect your status and your return: have your situation checked before leaving Canada.

What happens when a decision is made?

If the application is approved, you receive a new permit with a new validity period. If it is refused, maintained status ends; in some cases, an application to restore status can be submitted within 90 days.

Is your permit already expired?

An application submitted after your status has expired does not give you maintained status. In some cases, you can apply to restore your status within 90 days of the expiry. See our page on restoration of status.

How we can help

Pro Immigration can help you:

• review your situation;
• check the deadlines;
• review your application;
• explain the conditions that apply;
• guide you toward the necessary steps;
• support you and follow the file, depending on the agreed mandate.

We cannot guarantee IRCC's decision.