Canada revises ‘maintained status’ rules for temporary residents

Synopsis
Canada's IRCC has updated its maintained status rules, effective May 28, 2025. Now, a second extension application won't maintain status if the first is refused; it will be rejected. This change aims to streamline application processing and prevent automatic status continuation after an initial refusal. The update also removes port of entry application options.
Maintained status, earlier known as implied status, allows a foreign national to remain in Canada legally and continue working or studying under the conditions of their expired permit, provided they applied for an extension before the expiry date.
As per the CIC News report, under the previous rules, individuals could still be considered under maintained status even if their first application was refused and a second was pending. This has now changed. If the second application is submitted after the permit expiry and the first application is rejected, the individual is now considered out of status. They may apply for restoration if eligible.
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The updated officer instructions have also removed a section related to applying for work or study permits at the port of entry, aligning with the ongoing restrictions on flag-poling.
These changes aim to bring clarity and consistency to how immigration officers process multiple applications and to ensure that applicants are not automatically kept in status solely due to a second pending application after a refusal.