What Is Maintained Status, and What Can I Do While I Have It?
Maintained status (once called implied status) lets you stay in Canada legally after your permit expires, as long as you applied to extend or change it before it expired. While IRCC decides, you keep the same conditions as your old permit, so a worker can usually keep working for the same employer and a student can keep studying. It ends when IRCC makes a decision, and it isn't available if you apply after your permit has already expired.
How does maintained status work?
When you apply to extend your stay or change your conditions before your current status expires, you're allowed to remain in Canada while your application is processed, even if your permit's expiry date passes in the meantime.
Your status continues under the same conditions until IRCC finalizes your application and tells you the decision. There's no separate document for it: your proof is your on-time application.
Can I keep working?
Usually, yes. If you applied to extend or change your work permit before it expired, IRCC says you're authorized to keep working until it decides your application, as long as you:
- Stay in Canada.
- Follow the same conditions as your original permit. On an employer-specific permit, that means working only for the employer named on it.
If your employer asks for proof that you can keep working, IRCC has a list of documents you can show them. Keep your application confirmation handy.
Can I keep studying?
If you applied to extend your study permit before it expired, you can stay in Canada while IRCC processes the application and continue under your existing conditions. If you're eligible to work off campus, that eligibility also continues while you meet the requirements. See how many hours international students can work.
What you can't do on maintained status
- Change your conditions early. You must keep following your old permit's conditions. For example, you can't start working for a new employer until a new permit allowing it is approved.
- Renew some provincial documents. IRCC notes you may not be able to renew documents like a driver's licence or health card, or get a SIN card, while on maintained status.
- Count on it after leaving Canada. Maintained status depends on staying in Canada. If you travel, you may not be able to keep working or studying on return until your new permit is approved, and you may need to apply again.
What if my application is refused?
Maintained status ends when IRCC makes its decision. If you're refused, you must stop working or studying, and you can only stay until the expiry of your temporary resident status. In many cases you can apply to restore your status within 90 days of losing it, provided you met the conditions of your stay. Restoration requires a restoration fee plus the permit fee, approval isn't guaranteed, and you usually can't work or study until it's approved.
What if I didn't apply before my permit expired?
Then you don't have maintained status. You're out of status from the day your permit expired and must stop working or studying. You may be able to apply for restoration within 90 days. After 90 days, you generally must leave Canada and apply from outside.
When should I apply?
IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before your current status expires. Make sure your application is complete: an application returned as incomplete is treated as if it was never submitted, which means you wouldn't have maintained status.
Common mistakes we see
- Applying the day after expiry. Even one day late means no maintained status.
- Submitting an incomplete application. If it's returned, you're treated as never having applied.
- Starting a new job too early. On an employer-specific permit, you can only work for the employer named on it until the new permit is approved.
- Travelling without a plan. Leaving Canada can cut off your ability to work or study on return.
Every situation is different. Book a consultation with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, for a review of yours.
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Frequently asked questions
What is maintained status in Canada?
It's the legal status that lets you stay in Canada under your current conditions after your permit expires, as long as you applied to extend or change it before it expired. It lasts until IRCC decides your application.
Can I work on maintained status?
Yes, if you applied to extend your work permit before it expired, you stay in Canada, and you follow the same conditions as your original permit, including working only for the named employer on an employer-specific permit.
Is maintained status the same as implied status?
Yes. Implied status is the older name for the same thing.
What happens if I leave Canada on maintained status?
Maintained status depends on staying in Canada. If you leave, you may not be able to keep working or studying when you return until your new permit is approved, so get advice before you travel.
What if my permit already expired and I didn't apply?
You don't have maintained status and must stop working or studying. You may be able to apply to restore your status within 90 days of losing it.
Fact-checked: Based on IRCC's Help Centre answer Can I keep working if my permit expires?, Guide 5551, Extend your study permit or restore your status and Restore your status and get a work permit. Verified October 29, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
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