Significant Change to Canada’s Temporary Resident Visa 2025

By Visa Jobs CanadaJuly 1, 2025Policy & Government Announcements2025 changes, Canadian immigration, temporary residents, visa sponsorship, work permits

As of May 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced important changes to the rules surrounding maintained status for temporary residents—those in Canada on work or study permits. If you’re considering moving to Canada and looking at visa paths, this change is crucial for you to understand.

What is Maintained Status?

Maintained status allows temporary residents to remain in Canada while they apply to extend their stay. Previously, applicants could submit an incomplete application just before their current status expired, thus maintaining their status until a decision was made. However, IRCC’s new guidelines are tightening these practices.

Key Changes Affecting Temporary Residents

Apply Before Your Status Expires: To maintain your status, you must apply for an extension before your current status runs out. This remains unchanged, and it’s essential to plan ahead.
Incomplete Applications: If you submit an application but it’s either rejected or deemed incomplete after your status has expired, you lose your maintained status. This means that foreign workers or students must stop their activities immediately and can only resume once their status is restored.
Submitting a Second Application: If new circumstances arise, you can submit a second extension request while waiting for a decision on your first application. If you do this before your status expires and your application is complete, you maintain your status during processing.
Post-Expiry Applications: If your first application is refused or rejected after your status has expired, and your subsequent application is submitted after this expiry, you will lose your status. Furthermore, the second application may be automatically refused, requiring you to apply for a restoration of status if eligible.

What is a Restoration of Status?

If your status expires and a subsequent application is refused, you have the option to apply for a restoration of status. This means that if your new application—including the restoration request—is approved, you would regain your valid status in Canada. Keep in mind that this application must be submitted within 90 days of losing your status.

Planning Your Work or Study Permit

With these changes, it’s vital to prepare well in advance for your status extension applications. Gather all necessary documentation to ensure your application is complete and submitted on time. If things don’t go as planned, seeking legal advice is wise to navigate the restoration process.

In summary, staying informed about the Canadian immigration regulations can make a significant difference in your journey to live and work in Canada.