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In a significant update to Canadian immigration procedures, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has changed the maintained status rules for workers, students, and visitors in Canada. These changes, announced in early June 2025, are part of a broader effort to ensure program integrity and reduce the misuse of immigration pathways.

This update has major implications for those living in Canada on temporary permits, especially international students, foreign workers, and visitors who often rely on maintained status while waiting for application decisions. If you’re currently on a temporary status or planning to apply for an extension, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know.

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🔍 What Is Maintained Status?

Maintained status—previously known as “implied status”—allows a person in Canada to legally stay in the country while awaiting a decision on their new application, as long as they applied before their previous permit expired.

Under maintained status, you were allowed to continue working, studying, or staying as a visitor under the same conditions as your original permit until IRCC made a decision on your new application. However, with these new changes, IRCC is introducing more accountability and proof requirements during this period.

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🆕 What Has Changed in 2025?

IRCC is now tightening the rules for people who are on maintained status. The key changes include:

• Proof of compliance required: You now need to prove that you are still meeting the conditions of your original permit while waiting for your application to be processed.
• Increased scrutiny: Officers will assess whether the applicant has been complying with the terms of their previous authorization when determining eligibility for an extension or restoration of status.
• Application refusals: If you are found to have violated your conditions while on maintained status, your extension may be refused, and you could be asked to leave Canada.

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📌 Impact by Permit Type

1. For Workers
If you’re on a work permit, you must now prove that you are continuing to work under the same employer, position, and conditions as listed in your current permit. Any unauthorized change in job or employer could lead to a refusal of your extension.

2. For Students
International students must show they are still actively studying, which means being enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI), attending classes, and making academic progress. Failure to remain a full-time student can jeopardize your ability to maintain legal status.

3. For Visitors
Those in Canada on visitor visas must not engage in work or study unless explicitly authorized. IRCC will be checking whether the individual has complied strictly with their visitor status.

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📉 Why These Changes?

IRCC stated that they observed a growing number of applicants misusing maintained status, such as working without authorization, changing schools without notifying IRCC, or staying in Canada with no clear activity.

The new rules are intended to:

• Promote compliance with immigration laws
• Protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration programs
• Ensure fair treatment for applicants who follow the rules
• Deter those who attempt to take advantage of policy loopholes

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🧾 What Documents Do You Now Need?

To avoid delays or refusals, applicants on maintained status must be able to provide evidence of continued compliance, such as:

• For workers: Pay stubs, job letters, signed contracts, or a recent T4
• For students: Enrollment letters, class schedules, transcripts, attendance records
• For visitors: Proof of travel insurance, accommodation details, and confirmation that no unauthorized work or study took place

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💡 Expert Tips to Stay Protected

• Apply early: Submit your extension at least 30–60 days before expiry
• Keep records: Maintain up-to-date documents to prove compliance
• Don’t assume: Just because you’re waiting doesn’t mean you can bend the rules
• Consult professionals: If unsure, speak to a licensed immigration consultant

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🗣️ Sober Immigration’s Advice

At Sober Immigration, we’ve helped thousands of clients successfully extend or restore their status in Canada, even in complex situations. If you’re currently on maintained status or unsure how these rule changes affect your application, don’t take chances.

Our team of licensed consultants is here to help you navigate the new rules with confidence and compliance.

📩 Book a consultation today to secure your legal stay in Canada.

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