Maintained Status in Canada: What You Can and Cannot Do While Waiting for a Decision

If you’ve submitted an application to extend your status in Canada and are waiting for a decision, you may benefit from what’s known as Maintained Status in Canada.

This status allows eligible temporary residents to remain legally in Canada while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes their application. However, many people misunderstand what rights and limitations come with maintained status.

Understanding these rules is essential to avoid accidentally violating immigration conditions.

What Is Maintained Status?

Maintained status occurs when a temporary resident submits an application to extend their status before their current permit expires.

As long as the application was submitted on time and the applicant remains in Canada, they can generally continue under the same conditions until a decision is made.

This applies to:

• Work permit holders
• Study permit holders
• Visitors applying for extensions

What Can You Do Under Maintained Status?

The answer depends on the type of permit you held before applying.

Workers

If you submitted a work permit extension before your permit expired, you can typically continue working under the same conditions while waiting for a decision.

This means:

• Same employer (if employer-specific)
• Same occupation
• Same work conditions

Students

Students may continue studying under the conditions of their previous study permit while waiting for a decision on an extension.

Visitors

Visitors can legally remain in Canada while their extension application is being processed.

What Can’t You Do?

Maintained status does not automatically give you new privileges.

For example:

• You cannot start working if you previously held visitor status.
• You cannot work for a new employer if your existing permit was employer-specific.
• You cannot study if your previous status did not authorize studying.

The key principle is simple: you generally maintain your previous conditions while waiting.

What Happens If You Leave Canada?

This is where many people encounter issues. In most situations, leaving Canada while under maintained status can affect your ability to continue working or studying when you return.

Although re-entry may be possible, maintained status itself is tied to remaining in Canada while the application is being processed. Travel should always be carefully evaluated before departure.

How Long Does Maintained Status Last?

Maintained status continues until IRCC makes a decision on the application.

Once a decision is issued:

• Approval = new status begins.
• Refusal = maintained status ends immediately.

At that point, additional options may need to be considered depending on the circumstances.

Bringing It Back to Northia Immigration

At Northia Immigration, we frequently assist clients who are navigating maintained status while waiting for decisions on work permits, study permits, visitor records, and other immigration applications.

A misunderstanding about maintained status can create unnecessary complications, particularly when it comes to employment, studies, or travel plans.

Our team helps clients understand:

• Their rights while waiting
• Travel risks during processing
• Permit extension strategies
• Next steps if an application is refused

When it comes to maintaining legal status in Canada, planning ahead can make all the difference.

Book a consultation with Northia Immigration.