Risks of Leaving Canada on Maintained Status in 2026

Every year, thousands of temporary residents in Canada, including foreign workers, international students, and visitors, apply for a permit renewal while their current permit has already expired. Most know about maintained status, but very few understand what happens the moment they step outside Canada while on it.

The short answer is simple: travelling outside Canada while on maintained status carries real risks. It does not automatically cancel your application, but it changes your situation significantly. For many people, it means losing the ability to work or study the moment they cross the border.

With IRCC policy changes introduced on May 28, 2025, adding new layers of complexity, this is one area where misunderstanding the rules can cost you weeks or even months.

What Is Maintained Status

Maintained status, formerly known as implied status, allows temporary residents to legally remain in Canada under the same conditions of their expired permit, as long as they applied for an extension before the expiration date.

In practical terms, if your work permit expires while your renewal is still being processed, you can continue working under the same conditions. The same applies to study permit holders and visitors.

Maintained status ends when:

IRCC makes a decision
You withdraw your application
You leave Canada

That last point is where things become complicated.

What Happens When You Leave Canada

Maintained status ends immediately the moment you leave Canada, even if your application is still in process.

Your application is not cancelled. However, the legal protection that allowed you to stay, work, or study under your previous permit conditions disappears the moment you depart.

Travel is technically allowed, but it is strongly discouraged due to the risk of:

Losing work or study authorization
Re-entry complications
Delays or refusals

Once you leave, the rules change.

Can You Re-Enter Canada

Re-entry is possible, but never guaranteed.

To return, you must have:

A valid TRV (visitor visa), or
A valid eTA (if visa-exempt)

A border officer will assess your case independently. Even with valid documents, entry is not automatic.

When you return, carry:

Proof of your pending application
IRCC submission confirmation
Fee receipt
Acknowledgement letter (MyCIC)

These documents help demonstrate your intent and legal basis to remain in Canada.

Your Status After Re-Entry

If your permit expired and your renewal is still pending, you will typically re-enter as a visitor.

Your stay is determined entirely by the border officer. While visitors are often allowed to stay up to six months, this is not guaranteed. Officers may issue a shorter stay depending on your situation.

Work and Study Rights After Re-Entry

In most cases, you cannot resume work or study after returning to Canada until your new permit is approved.

This means:

Workers must stop working
Students cannot attend classes

until IRCC issues a new permit.

Important Exception: PGWP Applicants (IRPR 186(w))

There is one important exception.

Under Paragraph 186(w) of IRPR, if:

Your study permit was valid when you submitted your PGWP application

then you may:

Re-enter Canada
Continue working without a work permit

while your application is being processed.

This exception is very specific and only applies to eligible PGWP applicants.

The TRV and eTA Problem

Many people overlook this.

Your TRV or eTA often expires at the same time as your permit.

If your travel document is expired:

You cannot return to Canada
You must apply for a new one before travelling

Do not assume you can fix this from outside Canada easily.

IRCC Changes (May 28, 2025)

IRCC introduced stricter rules to prevent misuse of maintained status.

Key updates:

If your first application is refused and you submit a second one after your permit expires, the second application will be automatically refused
To maintain status, all applications must be complete and submitted before expiry
Incomplete applications returned after expiry result in loss of status

For travellers, this means:

If your application is refused while you are outside Canada, and no valid second application exists, you are out of status

What If You Lose Status After Travel

If you lose your status, you may be eligible to apply for restoration of status within 90 days.

However:

You cannot work or study during restoration
Approval is not guaranteed
You must remain in Canada to apply

This adds time, cost, and uncertainty to your situation.

When Travel Creates Bigger Problems

Leaving Canada on maintained status can create complications such as:

Having to apply for a new permit from outside Canada if refused
Delays in returning due to expired TRV
Gaps in work experience affecting permanent residence programs
Increased scrutiny on future applications

Even if not disqualifying, these issues can slow down your immigration pathway.

Before You Travel: Key Checklist

If travel is unavoidable:

Ensure your TRV or eTA is valid
Carry all proof of your application
Confirm if you qualify under the PGWP exception
Consider the financial impact of losing work authorization
Seek advice if you have multiple applications or refusals

Planning your next immigration step? Explore options under Express Entry to avoid future status gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does leaving Canada cancel my permit renewal application?
No, your application itself is not cancelled when you leave. However, your maintained status ends the moment you depart.

Can I work in Canada after returning from travel while on maintained status?
In most cases, no. Once you leave Canada and your maintained status ends, you cannot resume work or study until IRCC approves your new permit.

What happens if my application is refused while I am abroad?
If IRCC refuses your application while you are outside Canada, you will not have legal status to return as a worker or student. You would need to apply for a new permit from abroad.

Did the May 2025 IRCC changes affect travel rules?
The May 2025 changes primarily tightened rules around multiple applications and incomplete submissions. The most important consequence for travellers is that if your first application is refused and you are outside Canada without a valid second application submitted before your original permit expired, you are out of status and will not be able to return as a worker or student without applying for a new permit from abroad.

Should I travel if my PR application is pending alongside my work permit renewal?
Travel during this period does not directly affect a PR application, but losing work authorization after returning can create experience gaps that matter for programs like the Canadian Experience Class.