How to get maintained status
- Apply before your current permit or status expires. One day late means you don't have maintained status.
- IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before your permit expires.
- Stay in Canada. If you leave, you lose maintained status.
What you can do while you wait
| You applied for... | Can you keep working? | Can you keep studying? |
|---|---|---|
| A new or extended work permit, before your work permit expired | Yes, under the same conditions (same employer if your permit is employer-specific) | |
| A study permit extension, before your study permit expired | Yes, under the same conditions | |
| A visitor record, while holding a work permit | No, stop working when the work permit expires | No |
| A PGWP, before your study permit expired | Yes, full time, if you meet IRCC's conditions |
Keep a copy of your submission confirmation to show your employer or school.
If IRCC refuses your application
Your maintained status ends with the refusal. You must stop working or studying, and you may need to leave Canada or apply to restore your status within 90 days.
Common mistakes
- Applying on the expiry day with an incomplete application. Incomplete applications can be returned, and you can lose status.
- Travelling outside Canada. You can't use maintained status to come back in.
- Changing employers on an employer-specific permit while waiting.
- Switching to a visitor record when you actually need to keep working.
Next steps
- Permit already expired? See restoration of status.
- Applied for PR? You may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit.
- Need help with the extension? See our work permit service.