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Implied status (maintained status) — Canada

Glossary 🇨🇦 IRPR s 183(5) (visitor); IRPR s 186 (workers); IRPR s 189 (students) Current to: 2026-03-17 Verified: 2026-05-23

Statutory definition

IRPR ss 183(5), 186, and 189 provide that where a foreign national applied to extend their status as a visitor, worker, or student respectively before the expiry of their status, and the application has not been decided, they are deemed to be maintaining their status until the decision is made. The same activities authorised under the original status are permitted during the implied status period.

Explanation

Implied status is colloquially the same as "maintained status." The critical rule is that the application must have been submitted before the status expired. Late applications do not create implied status — the person is technically out of status from the day their permit expired, even if their renewal application is pending. Persons on implied status should keep evidence of their on-time renewal application submission readily available (e.g., the IRCC application confirmation with timestamp).

How this term is used

Information only. Nothing on this page is immigration advice or legal advice. Only an authorised representative (RCIC or immigration lawyer) may give immigration advice in Canada.

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