Many temporary workers in Canada feel relieved after submitting an application before their current permit expires.
They feel safe assuming they can stay in Canada and continue working while IRCC is processing their application.
But today I want to talk about a very important distinction:
Being allowed to stay in Canada does not always mean you are allowed to keep working.
This distinction matters, especially if you are changing from one type of temporary status to another, for example, from a work permit to a study permit.
What does “maintained status” mean?
Maintained status generally means that you submitted an application to extend or change your temporary resident status before your current status expired, and you are waiting for IRCC to make a decision.
In many cases, this allows you to remain in Canada while your application is being processed.
But maintained status is not one single rule that applies the same way to every situation.
What you are allowed to do during this waiting period depends on:
- what type of status you had before
- what application you submitted
- the conditions on your previous permit
- whether the law allows you to keep working during that specific transition
This is where many people make a risky assumption.
They think:
“I applied before my permit expired, so I can keep working.”
Sometimes that is true.
Sometimes it is not.
When can you keep working after your work permit expires?
If you applied to extend or change your work permit before your current work permit expired, you may be authorized to keep working while IRCC processes the application.
However, you are only allowed to do so under the same conditions as your original work permit. For example, if you had an employer-specific work permit, you must continue working for the employer and in the occupation listed on that permit.
But let’s be clear, this does not mean every person with maintained status can work.
Changing from worker to student is different
Here is a common example:
You are in Canada with a valid work permit.
Before it expires, you apply for a study permit.
You assume that because you applied before the expiry date, you can keep working while IRCC processes your study permit.
This is not the case. If you applied for a study permit or visitor record after having a work permit, you must stop working on the day your original work permit expires.
In other words:
You may be allowed to remain in Canada, but not allowed to work.
That is the key difference.
Maintained status may protect your ability to stay in Canada temporarily while waiting for a decision. But it does not automatically carry forward your work authorization when your new application is not a work permit application.
Why this mistake matters
Working without authorization can create serious immigration problems.
It may affect future applications, including applications to extend temporary status, apply for another permit, or pursue permanent residence.
This is why the question should not be:
“Do I still have status?”
The better question is:
“Do I have authorization to work right now?”
Those are not always the same thing.
Before you keep working, pause and check
If your permit is expiring or you are changing your status in Canada, do not rely only on what happened to a friend, coworker, or someone online.
Before continuing to work, confirm:
- What status you currently hold
- What application you submitted before expiry
- Whether that application allows continued work authorization
- Whether you must follow the same conditions as your previous permit
- Whether your new status, if approved, will allow you to work
This is especially important if you are moving between categories, such as:
- worker to student
- worker to visitor
- student to worker
- closed work permit to open work permit
- study permit to PGWP
- temporary status to permanent residence planning
Each situation has different rules.
If you are unsure whether you can continue working, confirm before you continue.
That can feel frustrating, especially if you depend on your income or your employer is asking questions. But guessing is not a strategy. A short pause to confirm your work authorization can help prevent bigger problems later.
