Maintained Status in Canada: What You Need to Know

If your current permit is about to expire and you want to stay in Canada, you might be eligible to remain under "maintained status." This status allows you to continue living in Canada under the conditions of your expired permit while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes your application for an extension.

To take advantage of maintained status, you must apply for an extension before your current permit expires.

What is Maintained Status?

Maintained status means you can legally stay in Canada after your permit expires as long as you’ve applied for a new one before the expiration date. This applies to people extending their work, study, or visitor permits. You’ll continue under the same conditions as your expired permit until IRCC makes a decision on your new application.

Do I Need to Apply for Maintained Status?

No separate application is needed. If IRCC receives your extension request before your permit expires, you automatically get maintained status.

When Should I Apply for an Extension?

To be eligible for maintained status, your application must be submitted before your current permit expires. The deadline is 00:00 UTC on the expiration date.

Does Maintained Status Apply to My Family?

Yes, if your family members are staying with you in Canada under your permit’s conditions. However, each person with their own permit (such as a work or study permit) must apply individually for an extension to benefit from maintained status.

What’s the Difference Between Maintained Status and Implied Status?

They’re the same. "Maintained status" replaced the term "implied status" in February 2022.

Can I Work While on Maintained Status?

Yes, if your expired permit allowed you to work. You can continue working under the same conditions until IRCC processes your new application. But keep in mind, the new permit’s conditions (if different) will only apply once IRCC makes a decision. For example, if you apply to switch from a closed work permit to an open one, you’ll need to wait for approval before changing employers.

Can I Study While on Maintained Status?

Yes, if your expired permit allowed you to study. You can continue under the same conditions until IRCC makes a decision. If your study permit was tied to a specific institution, you must stay at that institution while on maintained status.

How Long Does Maintained Status Last?

Maintained status lasts from the time IRCC receives your extension application until they make a decision, as long as you remain in Canada.

Can I Leave Canada While on Maintained Status?

No. Maintained status only applies while you stay in Canada. If you leave the country, you lose your maintained status. You may be able to re-enter Canada as a visitor if you have a multiple-entry visa or are visa-exempt, but you won’t be able to work or study until your new permit is approved.

Can I Get Maintained Status After My Permit Has Expired?

No. To qualify, IRCC must receive your extension application before your permit expires. If you apply after the expiration date, you won’t get maintained status.

What Happens if I Apply for a Different Type of Permit?

If you apply for a different type of permit (such as switching from a work permit to a study permit), you must stop working or studying once your original permit expires and wait for IRCC’s decision on your new application.

Does Maintained Status Affect Public Health Insurance?

Your eligibility for health insurance while on maintained status varies by province. For instance, Alberta doesn’t extend coverage while you’re on maintained status, but British Columbia offers temporary coverage for up to 6 months. It’s important to check your province’s specific health insurance rules.

What Happens if My Extension Application is Refused?

Maintained status ends immediately if IRCC refuses your application. In some cases, you may be able to apply for restoration of status. If your application was rejected due to being incomplete, IRCC treats it as though it was never submitted. If your current permit is still valid, you can resubmit before it expires to regain maintained status.

What Documents Prove I’m on Maintained Status?

You’ll need your expired permit and proof of submission of your extension application. This could be an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) if you applied online, or delivery tracking information if you submitted a paper application.