Maintained Status in Canada Explained for Temporary Residents

Maintained status in Canada allows temporary residents to remain lawfully in the country while waiting for a decision on an extension application. In 2026, misunderstanding how maintained status works remains one of the most common causes of accidental non-compliance for visitors, workers, and students.

Understanding maintained status in Canada, when it applies, and what activities are permitted during this period is essential for protecting future immigration options.

What Is Maintained Status in Canada

Maintained status applies when a temporary resident submits a complete extension application before their current status expires. While the application is pending, the individual may remain in Canada under the same conditions as their previous authorization.

Maintained status was previously referred to as implied status, and the underlying legal concept remains the same.

Who Can Benefit From Maintained Status

Maintained status may apply to visitors, workers, and students who apply to extend or change their temporary status from within Canada before expiry.

The key requirement is timely submission. Applications filed after expiry do not qualify for maintained status.

What You Can And Cannot Do While on Maintained Status

During maintained status, individuals must continue to comply with the conditions of their previous permit.

• Workers may continue working only if extending the same work authorization
• Students may continue studying if extending a study permit
• Visitors may remain in Canada but cannot work or study

Changing employers, occupations, or institutions without proper authorization may result in non-compliance.

Travel Risks During Maintained Status

Leaving Canada while on maintained status can be risky. If an individual departs Canada, maintained status may be lost, and re-entry may depend on the new application being approved.

Careful planning is required before travelling while an application is pending.

Maintained Status and Refusals

If an extension application is refused, maintained status ends immediately. From that point, the individual may be out of status and required to leave Canada or apply for restoration.

Understanding refusal risk is critical when submitting an extension application.

Maintained Status for Employers and Businesses

Employers relying on foreign workers under maintained status must ensure that work continues strictly within authorized conditions.

Employers coordinating onboarding or housing support through partners such as MAC Furnished Residences Inc. or MAC Real Estate Services Inc. should confirm that maintained status is valid before continuing employment.

When Legal Guidance Is Important

Maintained status is not automatic and is frequently misunderstood. Errors can affect future work permits, permanent residence applications, and admissibility.

If you are unsure whether maintained status applies to your situation, contact us before your status expires.

At Zohil-Morton Law, we assist individuals and employers with temporary status extensions, compliance, and long-term immigration strategy.

Still have questions? Book a consultation today with Cristina Zohil-Morton and the team at Zohil-Morton Law.

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We’re here to keep you informed and empowered on your Canadian immigration journey.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a licensed immigration professional regarding your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does maintained status allow someone to work?

Only if the individual applied to extend the same work authorization before their permit expired.

Is maintained status automatic?

No. It applies only if a complete application is submitted before expiry.

Can maintained status be lost?

Yes. Leaving Canada or receiving a refusal may end maintained status.