Maintained Status in Canada: Stay and Keep Working or Studying While You Wait
Maintained status means you can legally stay in Canada while IRCC decides your extension, if you applied before your status expired. You usually keep the same conditions. It has limits: it does not renew your driver’s licence or health card, and temporary resident permit applicants do not get it.
since 1991
What is maintained status?
If you apply to extend or change the conditions of your permit before it expires, you are legally allowed to stay in Canada while IRCC processes your application. In most cases you can keep working or studying under the same conditions until IRCC decides, as long as you stay in Canada (IRCC).
What are the limits?
On maintained status you usually cannot renew provincial documents such as a driver’s licence or health card, and you cannot get a SIN card. If you leave Canada as a worker on maintained status, you lose the ability to work when you return until the new permit is approved. Read our extension guide, the extend or change study permit guide and the visitor record guide.
Key rules at a glance
- Timing: IRCC must receive your application before your status expires. Online applications count by UTC time.
- Same conditions: an employer-specific worker keeps the same employer, job and location. Open permit holders can usually change jobs.
- No new job without approval: you cannot start with a new employer or job until IRCC approves, unless you get an authorization to work.
- TRP: temporary resident permit applicants do not benefit from maintained status.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
Maintained status applies if
- You applied to extend or change conditions before your status expired.
- You are staying in Canada while IRCC decides.
- Your application was complete and was submitted in time.
Another route fits if
- Your status already expired: read the restore status guide.
- You want to change category: read the change of status guide.
- You are waiting on PR: read the bridging open work permit guide.
See the Temporary residence hub and the work permits hub.
Caregivers and farm workers: see our caregivers guide and agricultural workers guide.
Why maintained status fails
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Applied after expiry
If IRCC receives your application after your status expires, you lose maintained status and may need to restore it.
Incomplete application
If your extension is returned or refused as incomplete, you may lose the right to stay on maintained status. Send everything the first time.
Switched jobs too early
On an employer-specific permit you cannot start a new job or employer until IRCC approves, unless authorized.
Left Canada
Leaving Canada while on maintained status can end your right to work until the new permit is approved.
TRP application
Temporary resident permit applicants cannot maintain status while IRCC processes the application.
Not sure your application is in time?
We check your dates and your file before you submit.
Deadlines you cannot miss
30 days early
Apply at least 30 days before your permit or status expires. Check your passport expiry too, since IRCC cannot extend past it.
For online applications, IRCC must receive it before midnight UTC on the day your permit expires. Check the time difference from your local time.
If you applied online to extend a work permit, you usually get a work permit extension letter, except for PGWP holders. Paper applications get no such letter.
Documents to gather
Your online application builds a checklist. Start with these.
How to keep maintained status, step by step
Six stages from your dates to your decision.
Check your expiry date
Look at your permit and your passport.
Prepare a complete file
Gather every checklist item the first time.
Apply before expiry
Apply online and note the UTC time.
Keep your proof
Keep your receipt and your extension letter.
Stay in Canada
Follow your current conditions.
Plan for the decision
Know your next step if it is refused.
Maintained status costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Maintained status FAQs
What is maintained status?
It is the right to stay in Canada while IRCC decides your application to extend or change your permit, if you applied before your status expired. You usually keep the same conditions.
Can I keep working on maintained status?
In most cases yes, under the same conditions as your current permit. An employer-specific worker keeps the same employer, job and location. Open permit holders can usually change employers or jobs.
Can I start a new job on maintained status?
Not on an employer-specific permit. You cannot start with a new employer or in a new job until IRCC approves, unless you request and receive an authorization to work.
Can I study on maintained status?
Yes, if you applied to extend your study permit before it expired. You can keep studying under the same conditions until IRCC decides, as long as you stay in Canada.
Do visitors get maintained status?
Yes. If you apply for a visitor record before your status expires, you can stay legally until IRCC decides. Read our visitor record guide.
What happens if I leave Canada?
If you leave as a worker on maintained status, you lose the ability to work when you return until the new application is approved. Check the IRCC travel rules before you go.
Can I renew my driver’s licence or health card?
Usually not while you are on maintained status. You also cannot get a SIN card. Make sure your documents are valid before your permit expires.
Do TRP applicants get maintained status?
No. Temporary resident permit applicants cannot maintain status while IRCC processes the application.
What if my extension is refused?
You may lose the right to stay, depending on your situation. You may be able to restore your status within 90 days. Read our restore status guide and our work permit refused guide.
How do I prove I can keep working?
If you apply online, you usually get a work permit extension letter, unless you hold a PGWP. Paper applications do not get this letter.
When should I apply?
At least 30 days before your status expires. Applying early gives a buffer for biometrics or missing documents.
Can you check my dates?
Yes. We check your expiry date, your file and your fallback plan. Book a Strategy Consultation.