What is maintained status?
Maintained status, previously known as implied status, is a temporary status allowing you to stay legally in Canada while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes your application to extend your current status (work permit, study permit, etc.).
Is there an application for maintained status?
No separate application exists for maintained status. You automatically get it if you had a valid temporary resident status (work permit, study permit, etc.) that recently expired, submitted an application to extend your status before it expired and are waiting for IRCC's decision on your extension application.
How to prove I am on maintained status?
The best proof is the receipt showing you submitted your extension application before your original status expired (payment receipt, application confirmation email).
Study Permit
How to maintain study permit status?
Maintain full-time enrollment at a designated learning institution. Ensure your study permit remains valid before starting a new program or changing institutions (may require updating your permit). Follow the conditions outlined on your study permit.
Can I still study on maintained status?
Yes, you can still study on maintained status. If you had a valid study permit that expired recently, and you applied to extend it before it expired, you can continue your studies while you wait for a decision on your extension application.
However, it's important to note that you can only continue your studies at the same designated learning institution (DLI) that was listed on your previous study permit. If you want to change institutions, you'll need to wait for the approval of your study permit extension.
Can I apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) on maintained status?
Potentially. If your study permit extension is approved and leads to a valid PGWP eligibility period, you can apply for a PGWP on maintained status.
Work Permit
What is maintained status work permit Canada?
Maintained status for a work permit applies when your current work permit expires, but you applied for an extension before it expired and are awaiting IRCC's decision.
Can I stay in Canada while my work permit is processing?
Yes, maintained status allows you to stay in Canada legally while waiting for a decision on your work permit extension. You must continue working under the same conditions outlined in your expired study permit.
Status Restoration and Refusal
How long does it take for IRCC to restore status?
The processing time for restoring status varies depending on your individual case and processing times at IRCC.
What happens when my application is refused while on maintained status?
You have 90 days from the refusal date to leave Canada or apply for restoration of status if eligible.