In the evolving world of Canadian immigration, one issue has become increasingly significant in 2025: maintaining legal status as a temporary resident or restoring it if it’s lost. Thanks to key changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), people in Canada on study permits, work permits or visitor status must pay special attention to deadlines, completeness of applications, and the regulations around maintained or implied status.

What just changed?

Maintained Status Rules

As of May 28, 2025, IRCC updated their instructions for “maintained status” (formerly “implied status”). Under the new rules:

• You must submit a complete extension or change-of-status application before expiry of your current permit. If you submit while your permit is still valid, great but if it’s after expiry your legal protection may vanish.
• If your first application is refused, and you submit a second application only after your status has already expired under the new rules, you may lose maintained status immediately, meaning you’re out of status and must apply for restoration.

Restoration of Status

If you do lose legal status in Canada, IRCC allows you to apply to restore your status, but only within 90 days of the date your status ended. During this period you must stop working or studying (unless you had other valid authorization) and remain in Canada while the restoration decision is processed.

Why this matters

• Temporary residents (students, workers, visitors) may find themselves inadvertently out of status which can affect eligibility for future permits, permanent residence and other immigration pathways.
• The new rules mean there is less room for error or delay. Applications must be timely and complete.
• You may lose right to work or study the moment your status lapses or your application is incomplete or refused under the new regime.

How Dalvora Consulting can help you

At Dalvora Consulting, we guide clients through the complex terrain of status maintenance and restoration. Here’s how:

1. Status Audit & Risk Assessment: We review your current permit, expiry date, whether an extension/change application is due, and advise on your risk of being out of status.
2. Timely Application Preparation: We ensure your application (extension, change of status or restoration) is completed and submitted well ahead of deadlines, with full documentation and correct fees.
3. Restoration Strategy: If you’ve already lost status, we develop a strong restoration submission, explaining your situation clearly, gathering supporting documents, and advising on your authorization to work or study during the wait (or if you must stop).
4. Ongoing Compliance Advice: We keep you updated on new IRCC policies (like the May 2025 changes) and help ensure you don’t unwittingly submit an incomplete “placeholder” application that risks your status.
5. Support beyond Status Pathway Planning: Maintaining status is step one. We also advise on how status affects permanent residency options, so you’re aligned with long-term goals.                     Book a Consultation  with us today and we can help you with your application