Overview
Maintained status for workers
Maintained status arises when an eligible extension or change application is filed before temporary status expires. The person may remain in Canada; continued work depends on the application type and old permit conditions.
The rule in plain language
What the official wording means
“you’re authorized to keep working under the same conditions as your original permit until we make a decision”
What that means
If IRCC receives an eligible work-permit extension or change application before the existing permit expires and the worker remains in Canada, the worker can usually stay and keep working while IRCC decides the application—but only under the old permit’s conditions.
Why the wording matters
Maintained status does not ordinarily allow someone to begin the proposed new job or work for a new employer. Applying to become a visitor or student does not preserve work authorization after permit expiry. A late restoration application also does not authorize work while it is pending.
Timely filing is essential
IRCC must receive the application before the expiry date. Proof includes the submission confirmation and fee receipt, not a draft saved in the account.
Temporary resident permit holders do not receive maintained status through a pending TRP application.
Work continues only under the old conditions
A worker awaiting another work permit can normally work for the same employer, job and location shown on an employer-specific permit. An open-permit holder can continue within the old open conditions.
A person who applied to switch to visitor or student must stop working when the old work permit expires.
Remaining in Canada matters
Leaving can end the ability to work under maintained status after re-entry. Admission as a visitor does not carry the former work authorization back across the border.
Before travel, assess entry documents and whether waiting for approval abroad is acceptable.
A decision ends maintained status
Approval replaces the old conditions with the new permit. Refusal ends authorization on the decision date, and the worker must stop immediately.
Restoration may be available within the allowed period but does not itself permit work while the restoration application is pending.
When to get legal advice
When the dates and conditions controlling work are uncertain: Maintained status for workers
An immigration lawyer can identify when work may begin or must stop and how travel, an extension decision or changed conditions affect authorization.
The extension was filed close to or after expiry
The worker left Canada while waiting
The approval contains an unexpected condition
The employer or occupation changed during processing
A focused question may only need 15 minutes.
Use the time to identify the issue, any immediate risk and the next sensible step. If the matter needs more work, the lawyer can explain the proposed scope before you decide whether to proceed.
Read what an immigration lawyer can do and how an immigration law firm may handle further work.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about maintained status for workers
Can I start the new employer’s job on maintained status?
Not under the ordinary rule. You keep the old employer conditions unless IRCC grants separate interim authorization.
Can I renew my SIN while on maintained status?
Service Canada may not update the expiry while the permit is expired, but eligible workers can keep working under maintained status.
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