Under Maintained Status (Implied Status) in Canada, you are legally allowed to continue working while IRCC processes your extension, as long as you applied before your current work permit expired. For a standard renewal in Vancouver, the base application fee is $155 CAD, and you must remain in the country to keep your working rights active.
Watching the expiry date on your work visa approach can be incredibly stressful, especially if you rely on your Canadian income to support your family. 🕐 Many foreign workers worry that they will have to stop working, lose their jobs, or pack up and leave the country if the government does not process their renewal in time. Fortunately, the immigration system provides a legal safety net known as Maintained Status (Implied Status) Canada. This policy ensures that you do not face sudden career interruptions just because the government is experiencing processing backlogs.
Essentially, maintained status acts as an automatic, temporary extension of your legal rights. 💼 If you submit a complete application to extend your work permit before your current one officially expires, the law generally allows you to stay in the country under the exact same conditions. This means you can keep waking up, going to your job, and collecting your paycheque while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reviews your file. Many applicants find that seeking guidance from a professional in our lawyer directory helps them avoid minor mistakes that could cost them this valuable status.
Step-by-Step Process in Vancouver, British Columbia
Although the application is processed federally through the IRCC online system, managing your documentation and local requirements is important for applicants living in Vancouver, British Columbia. 🏙 Navigating this process correctly is crucial, as a rejected or returned application will immediately strip you of your right to work.
Step 1: Confirming Your Deadline and Eligibility
The most critical rule of maintained status is that IRCC must receive your extension application before midnight (UTC) on the day your current permit expires. 📅 Most immigration professionals recommend starting the process at least 30 to 60 days in advance. If your visa expires and you have not applied, you lose your legal right to work immediately and must apply for a much more complicated Restoration of Status.
Step 2: Preparing the Online Application
To request an extension, you generally need to fill out Form IMM 5710 through your secure IRCC online account. 💻 Depending on your situation, you might need a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your employer, or proof of an LMIA exemption. It is very important to ensure your passport is valid for the entire length of the extension you are requesting, as IRCC will not issue a work permit that goes beyond your passport’s expiry date.
Step 3: Submitting Your File and Completing Biometrics
Once you pay the fees and submit the application online, IRCC will generate a confirmation letter. 🗴 In some cases, you may be required to provide updated biometrics, which includes fingerprints and a digital photograph. If you live in the lower mainland, you can generally book an appointment to complete this step at a designated Service Canada location, such as the major centre located inside the Sinclair Centre at 757 Hastings St W, Vancouver.
Step 4: Proving Your Status to Your Employer
Employers are legally required to verify that their staff are authorized to work in Canada. 📝 Shortly after you submit your application online, IRCC will provide a PDF letter, often called a WP-EXT letter, directly in your secure portal. This letter serves as your official proof of maintained status. You should print or email this document directly to your Human Resources department in Vancouver to prove that you are legally allowed to remain on the company payroll.
How Much Does it Cost?
Planning your finances for a work permit extension is fairly straightforward, as federal processing fees are standard across the country. 💰 All payments must be made online using a credit or debit card at the exact time of submission. As of March 2026, the standard government fees are as follows:
| Type of Application or Service | Cost in CAD |
|---|---|
| Work Permit Extension (Base Government Fee) | $155 |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee (If applicable) | $100 |
| Biometrics Processing Fee (If required) | $85 |
| Restoration of Status Penalty (If deadline missed) | $225 |
Keep in mind that if you choose to hire an immigration lawyer from our extensive directory to handle the paperwork properly, professional legal fees will vary based on the complexity of your specific case. 💵 However, many applicants find this investment worthwhile to guarantee their maintained status is protected.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Because of high application volumes and recent adjustments in immigration quotas, waiting for a final decision can take a considerable amount of time. 🕐 As of March 2026, IRCC reports that inland work permit extensions submitted online generally take between 120 to 140 days to process.
The most comforting part of Maintained Status (Implied Status) Canada is that this historically long wait time does not negatively impact your daily life. 🏡 Even if the WP-EXT letter provided by IRCC states a specific “valid until” date that passes while you are still waiting, the law clearly states your maintained status continues indefinitely until an immigration officer actually opens your file and makes a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I travel outside of Canada while on maintained status?
While you are legally allowed to leave the country, doing so will immediately cancel your right to work upon your return. If you travel outside of Canada, you can re-enter as a visitor if you have a valid temporary resident visa or eTA, but you cannot resume your job until your new work permit is officially approved and physically mailed to you. Most applicants choose to stay inside the country to keep working seamlessly.
Can I switch employers while waiting for my extension?
The rules are very strict about employment conditions. If your original work permit was a closed permit, meaning it was tied to a specific employer in British Columbia, you must continue working only for that specific employer under the exact same conditions. If you want to change jobs, you generally must wait for your new open permit to be approved, or submit a new closed permit application.
What happens if my extension application is refused?
If IRCC refuses your application, your maintained status ends on the exact day the negative decision is made. You must stop working immediately. In most cases, you will then have a short 90-day window to either apply to restore your status as a visitor or make plans to leave the country. This is why submitting a perfect application from the start is highly recommended.
Do I need to maintain my provincial health insurance while waiting?
Yes, maintaining your healthcare coverage is highly recommended. In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) generally allows you to request temporary coverage while on maintained status. You must supply them with the IRCC confirmation receipt showing that you applied for your work permit extension on time.
Leave a Reply