Everything You Need to Know About Maintained Status

If you’re hoping to extend your stay in Canada as your current permit nears expiry, the concept of maintained status is critical to grasp. Being well-informed about this status can provide peace of mind and legal grounding to continue residing in Canada until a decision is reached on your extension application. It’s essential to submit your application for before the expiration of your permit. Unveiling answers to commonly asked queries surrounding maintaining your status, you’re invited to delve into the intricacies of how it works.

Maintained status serves as a legal provision allowing individuals to remain in Canada under their expired permit’s conditions while awaiting the outcome of their application for its renewal. It primarily applies to those seeking to prolong their work, study or visitor status. Notably, an explicit application for maintaining your status isn’t necessary; it kicks in automatically once you submit your extension request before the expiration of your current permit, up until midnight UTC on the permit’s expiry date.

The eligibility for maintaining status extends to family members as well, provided that individual applications are submitted for each family member holding a permit. The term “maintained status” is recent, adopted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2022 and is synonymous with the former “implied status.”

Individuals can continue working or studying as per their expired permit under maintained status. However, should you require a different type of permit, the new conditions will not be effective until IRCC processes your application. Also, maintained status holds only if you remain within Canada—it ceases the minute you leave the country, and re-entry is subject to the rules applicable to your new visa status or exemption.

Your access to public health insurance under maintained status might vary by province, with the local government’s provisions playing a decisive role. A refusal of your extension application will result in an immediate cessation of maintained status, although in some cases, you might be eligible to apply for a restoration of status.

As for documentation, having your expired permit and proof of the submitted application, like an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) or delivery proof, is essential. Take note that an incomplete application will negate the possibility of obtaining maintained status. If you file multiple extension applications, the outcome and processing of the first submission predominantly establish your status.

Maintaining your status is an invaluable provision for those seeking to continue their stay in Canada while awaiting the decision on their permit extension. By understanding the prerequisites and ramifications of this special status, individuals can ensure legal residence and uninterrupted daily life in Canada. Always remember to apply before your current permit expires and remain within the country to benefit from the maintained status. Each person’s and family member’s case might differ, therefore consistent monitoring of IRCC updates and possibly consulting with an immigration professional is advisable to navigate this process successfully.