On May 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced key changes to the Maintained Status policy, which affects temporary residents such as international students, foreign workers, and visitors. This update clarifies how individuals can legally remain in Canada while waiting for decisions on extension applications.
What Has Changed?
1. Submit Before Your Permit Expires – Or Lose Your Status
- If your extension application is submitted before your current permit expires, you will maintain your legal status under the same conditions until a decision is made.
- If your application is submitted after your permit has expired, you will no longer have maintained status and will be considered out of status. You must apply for restoration if eligible.
2. Multiple Applications No Longer Protect You
- If your first extension application is refused while on maintained status, any subsequent application will also be refused, even if it was submitted while your original application was still in process.
- You must stop working or studying immediately if your maintained status ends due to refusal.
3. No More Border Applications
IRCC has removed the option to apply for work or study permits at the port of entry. This aligns with restrictions on “flagpoling” and means you must apply from within Canada before your permit expires.
What This Means for You
Even a short delay in applying for an extension can result in loss of legal status, work or study disruption, and additional immigration complications.
That’s why Uniland Immigration is here to help. From reviewing your documents to submitting timely and complete applications, we ensure your case is handled with precision and care.
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