Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a key change to how it handles ‘maintained status’ — a provision affecting temporary residents who submit multiple immigration applications. The new guidance, issued on May 28, 2025, significantly alters what happens when a second application is submitted while the first is still being processed.
Previously, temporary residents who submitted a second application for a visa or permit extension while under maintained status — and whose first application was ultimately refused — were allowed to remain in Canada legally while waiting for the second decision. Although they were not allowed to work or study, their authorized stay was extended merely by virtue of that pending application.
Under the revised rules, this is no longer the case. If a person’s first application is denied and they are on maintained status, the second application will no longer extend their authorized stay in Canada. In fact, the second application will be considered invalid and returned, leaving the applicant without legal status unless they take immediate action, such as applying for restoration of status.
Maintained status — formerly called implied status — permits temporary residents to continue living, working, or studying in Canada under the terms of their original permit while they await a decision on an extension, provided they applied before the original permit expired. For this status to apply, the individual must remain in Canada.
According to IRCC, the shift aims to close a loophole that previously allowed some applicants to remain in Canada longer than intended without a valid legal basis. Essentially, the new policy prevents individuals from using the system to “chain” multiple applications for the purpose of prolonging their stay.
To stay compliant under the new rules, applicants must be particularly cautious about the timing and viability of their applications. If your initial application is still pending, and you’re on maintained status, it’s critical to avoid assumptions that another submission will automatically preserve your legal stay.
This update potentially impacts a wide range of temporary residents — including workers, students, and visitors — who may be dealing with complex or uncertain application timelines. Experts recommend that applicants seek legal advice or consult with immigration professionals to understand the implications before submitting follow-up applications.
By streamlining this aspect of immigration policy, IRCC appears to be reinforcing both clarity and compliance across Canada’s temporary resident system.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments in IRCC policy and provide timely updates to help applicants navigate Canada’s evolving immigration framework.