Maintain Your Legal Status in Canada with Maintained Status

Overview: Understanding Maintained Status in Canada

For temporary residents in Canada, understanding your legal status is crucial. If you've applied to extend your stay as a visitor, student, or worker before your current permit expires, you may be eligible for what is known as Maintained Status (formerly implied status). This critical provision in Canadian immigration law allows you to legally remain in Canada under the conditions of your expired permit while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes your new application.

Maintained status provides peace of mind, ensuring you do not fall out of status during the processing period. It automatically extends your authorized period of stay, allowing you to continue your life in Canada without interruption, provided you meet specific criteria.

Benefits of Maintained Status

Securing maintained status offers several significant advantages for temporary residents:

• Legal Stay: You can legally remain in Canada even after your initial permit expires, avoiding the complexities and risks of being out of status.
• Continuity of Activities: In most cases, you can continue working or studying under the same conditions as your previous permit while awaiting a decision on your extension application.
• Protection for Future Applications: Maintained status ensures there are no gaps in your legal stay, which is beneficial for any future applications, including Permanent Residence.
• Peace of Mind: Reduces stress and uncertainty, allowing you to plan your life in Canada more effectively.

How to Obtain and Maintain Your Status

Key Steps for Maintained Status:

1. Apply Before Expiry: The most crucial step is to submit your application for an extension (e.g., work permit, study permit, or visitor record) before your current permit's expiry date.
2. Adhere to Deadlines: IRCC uses Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Your application must be submitted before midnight UTC on the date your status is set to expire. Missing this deadline will result in you losing the right to maintained status.
3. Automatic Grant: If your application is submitted correctly and on time, you automatically gain maintained status once your previous permit expires, while your new application is being processed. There is no separate application for maintained Status.

Important Considerations While on Maintained Status:

• Continuing Activities: If you applied for an extension of the same type of permit (e.g., work permit for the same employer, study permit for the same institution), you can generally continue your activities under the conditions of your expired permit.
• Changing Conditions: If you apply for a different type of permit (e.g., from work permit to study permit) or for a permit with different conditions (e.g., work permit for a new employer, study permit for a new institution), you must cease your previous activities (work or study) once your original permit expires and await a decision on your new application.
• Leaving Canada: Maintained status applies only as long as you remain in Canada. If you leave Canada while on maintained status, you may be permitted to re-enter (if you are TRV-exempt or hold a valid TRV). However, you cannot resume your work or studies until your new permit is officially issued. It is highly recommended to carry proof of your extension application if you travel.
• Application Refusal: If your extension application is refused while you are on maintained status, you will be considered out of status. In some situations, you may be eligible to apply for restoration of status within a specific timeframe.
• Proof of Status: Always retain proof of your application submission (e.g., IRCC confirmation email, application number) as evidence of your maintained status.

Who Can Benefit from Maintained Status?

Maintained status is designed for temporary residents in Canada who:

• Are currently holding a valid visitor record, study permit, or work permit.
• Wish to extend their stay in Canada for the same or a different purpose.
• Have submitted an application for an extension before their current status expires.
• Are awaiting a decision from IRCC on their extension application.

Whether you're a student nearing the end of your program, a temporary worker whose contract is expiring, or a visitor wishing to prolong your stay, understanding and utilizing maintained status is vital for a seamless transition.

Secure Your Future in Canada with Samakav Immigration Corp.

Navigating the complexities of Canadian immigration can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining your legal status. At Samakav Immigration Corp., our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) are experts in ensuring your applications are submitted accurately and on time, helping you secure maintained status and avoid potential issues.

Don't risk losing your legal status in Canada. Contact Samakav Immigration Corp. today for a professional consultation. We will assess your situation, guide you through the extension application process, and help ensure your continued legal stay in Canada.