Maintained Status: What It Means and How It Actually Works

“Maintained status” is IRCC’s official term for what was formerly called “implied status.”

Under section 183(5) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, a person keeps their existing temporary status if they applied to extend that status before it expired and they remain in Canada while waiting for a decision.

Canada confirms the following:

• A worker on maintained status may continue working under the same conditions as their previous work permit.

• A student may continue studying under the same conditions.

• A visitor remains a visitor.

Maintained status ends when:

• IRCC issues a decision, or

• The person leaves Canada.

Why this matters:

Maintained status is a valid federal status, but some provincial programs (health coverage, licensing bodies) may require specific documentation. IRCC’s instructions state that proof includes the expired permit + the extension application confirmation.

Always keep copies of:

• Your previous permit

• The confirmation of submission for your new permit

• any IRCC correspondence

Maintained status is one of the most important and most misunderstood protections in Canadian immigration. When a person applies to extend their status before it expires and remains in Canada, IRCC legally allows them to continue with the same conditions they previously held. Workers may keep working, students may keep studying, and visitors may remain visitors until IRCC makes a decision.

However, while a maintained status is a fully valid temporary status under federal law, some provincial programs, employers, and service providers may ask for additional proof. Keeping clear documentation, your previous permit, your extension submission receipt, and all IRCC correspondence ensures you can demonstrate your continued legal status whenever needed.

Understanding maintained status helps prevent gaps in work authorization, interruptions in studies, and unnecessary restoration applications. It is a simple but powerful safeguard that allows individuals to remain compliant and secure while IRCC processes their application.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Immigration policies and regulations can change without notice, and interpretations may vary based on individual circumstances. While care is taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, Immigration Station Canada Corp. and its Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) cannot guarantee that all information remains current or applicable to every situation. For advice tailored to your personal immigration needs, please consult directly with a qualified RCIC.

If you require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Station Canada. We offer professional immigration advice to help you through every step of the process.

Immigration Station Canada will work with you and guide you through the best process to

achieve your goals, wherever they lead!

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About Us

Immigration Station Canada is a dedicated, professional Canadian Immigration firm practicing out of Northumberland County, just east of Toronto, Canada. We serve clients from Kingston, Belleville, Brighton, Cobourg, Oshawa, the GTA, Guelph, Milton, Stratford, St. Catharines, and around the world. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Anne C. McCaughey (Annie), is an experienced immigration services provider and a fifth-generation Canadian who values the immigration process and the unique individuals who immigrate to Canada to become part of the fabric of this wonderful country. If you would like to submit a question to Ask Annie, use the contact form.

How Can We Help?  We do work permits, study permits, visitor visas, Express Entry, spousal sponsorship, family class sponsorship, and Canadian citizenship, with expertise in Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications and Global Talent Stream applications. Please contact us if you would like assistance with your immigration application or to book an appointment.