ISS is available virtually and in-person Mondays-Fridays during business hours.

Maintained status (formerly called "implied status") vs Out of Status

Is your study permit expiring soon? Has it already expired? Not sure what to do next?

Here’s what you should know:

MAINTAINED STATUS

  1. If you apply to extend your study permit from inside of Canada before it expires, you can continue studying under maintained status until you receive an answer on your new study permit application - but only if you remain in Canada.
  2. To obtain maintained status, an application to extend your stay in Canada as a student must be submitted online from inside Canada by 11:59:59 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on the date your study permit expires. If you do not apply to extend your stay in Canada by 11:59:59 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on the date your study permit expires you will lose your status as a student in Canada.***
  3. In order to obtain a new study permit, you will need to have a valid CAQ that covers the period you wish to extend your study permit for – if you receive an “Intention of refusal” letter from Immigration Quebec, contact ISS RIGHT AWAY.
  4. If you are concerned that you may not receive your new CAQ before your study permit expires – contact ISS RIGHT AWAY.
  5. What is Universal Coordinated Time (UTC)?


OUT OF STATUS

  1. If you are in Canada and you do not apply to extend your study permit before it expires – you have lost your status as a student and are no longer authorized to study (or work) in Canada until you obtain a new study permit. 
    NOTE: There is no “90 day grace period” during which you may continue studying once your study permit has expired.
  2. International students in Canada have 90 days from the date they lost their status to apply to restore their status as a student – an application to restore your status can only be made from inside Canada. You are NOT authorized to study (or work) while waiting for an answer.



*** IMPORTANT ***
 

Renewing your immigration documents?
Contact ISS RIGHT AWAY, if:

  • You receive a CAQ intention of refusal letter;
  • Your CAQ or study permit application is refused; or
  • You have lost your status as a student.


Planning on travelling?
Contact ISS RIGHT AWAY, if:

  • You currently have maintained status;
  • You are currently out of status and have applied for restoration; or
  • Your study permit expires while outside of Canada.


Still have questions or concerns?
Contact International Student Services!
We're Here to Help

 

In addition to the information above, please also review ISS' FAQs page.

Back to top