As of May 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its guidelines on maintaining immigration status (Maintained Status) for temporary residents in Canada. These changes particularly affect individuals who submit a second application while already on maintained status.
Now, it’s not only the timing of the application that matters, but also the outcome of the first one. Here’s a breakdown of what has changed.
Why Did IRCC Make These Changes?
Previously, many temporary residents submitted multiple extension applications one after another. The law did not clearly define what should happen if the first application was refused, but the second was already submitted.
This created a legal grey area that allowed individuals to remain in Canada indefinitely simply by submitting repeated applications before a final refusal.
IRCC has now closed this loophole with strict, clear instructions.
What You Must Do Now:
- Track expiration dates on your documents carefully
- Submit applications in advance
- Most importantly — prepare each application properly
A well-prepared application is now more important than ever.
Quality over quantity is the new rule.
Multiple Applications No Longer Offer Protection
1. Maintained Status: No More “Safety Net” After Refusal
Previously: If you submitted a second application while on maintained status (after submitting the first before your permit expired), you could remain in legal status even if the first was refused, until the second was processed.
Now: If the first application is refused, maintained status is lost, even if the second application has already been submitted.
- The second application will be rejected and returned
- You become out of status and must apply for restoration of status, if eligible
2. Who Retains Status?
You retain status only if:
- You applied before your current permit expired
- The application is still under review
- There has been no refusal
If all conditions are met, you can remain in Canada and work or study (if permitted under your previous permit).
3. The Second Application Is No Longer a Backup
IRCC has officially stated:
- A second application does not maintain your status if the first has already been refused
- It doesn’t matter whether the second application was submitted before or after your permit expired
In other words, hoping for a “backup” strategy no longer works.
4. Timing Is Critical
- Applying after your permit expires = no maintained status
- Applying after a refusal = the second application is automatically rejected
5. Violations Lead to Loss of Status
If you:
- Work without authorization
- Study without a valid permit
- Stay in Canada without legal status
You may face:
- A ban on re-entry to Canada
- Cancellation of pending applications
- Loss of future permanent residence opportunities
6. Increased Responsibility During Processing
IRCC now has the authority to request additional documents at any time during processing.
Failure to respond may result in the application being paused or closed.
7. Restoration Is Possible
If you lose your status, you may be eligible to apply for restoration of status, but only if:
- You meet the criteria
- You apply within the allowed time frame
8. Stay in Contact with IRCC
Update your address, check your email regularly, and respond to all requests.
Ignoring messages can now directly harm your application.
9. Seek Help from a Licensed Immigration Consultant
As the rules tighten and mistakes become more costly:
- Unsure how to apply properly?
- Don’t know what documents are needed?
- Got a refusal and don’t know what to do next?
Don’t take risks. Consult a licensed immigration professional — it’s better to prepare correctly than to fight to restore lost status.
Conclusion:
Maintained Status is no longer a backup plan in case of refusal.
Since May 2025, the priority is now one well-prepared, complete, and timely application.
Submitting “just in case” applications no longer works.
IRCC has closed the grey area — and demands full responsibility from every applicant.
So:
- Track your deadlines
- Prepare early
- Apply correctly
- And if needed — don’t hesitate to seek professional help
Your application = your responsibility.
And your status is your foundation in Canada. Protect it.