Maintained Status (Formerly Implied Status)
Maintained status, formerly called implied status, lets a temporary resident stay in Canada under the same conditions after their permit expires, as long as they applied to extend or change their status before it expired and are waiting for a decision.
Key rules
- You must apply before your current status ends. Applying one day late means no maintained status; you would need restoration of status.
- You keep the conditions of your old permit. A worker can usually keep working for the same employer under the same conditions.
- If you leave Canada, you lose maintained status. You may be able to return as a visitor but cannot work until the new permit is approved.
- If the application is refused, maintained status ends on the refusal date.
Rules on working while on maintained status can differ by permit type, so check IRCC guidance. See our maintained status page and extend your status.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on maintained status?
Usually yes, under the same conditions as your expired work permit, if you applied before it expired.
Can I travel on maintained status?
You can leave, but you lose maintained status. Returning is not guaranteed.
What if I applied after my permit expired?
You do not have maintained status. You may be able to apply for restoration within 90 days.
Official sources
- IRCC: Extend your staycanada.ca
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.