Canada Ends Maintained Status for Refused Visa Applicants

Canada's immigration department has introduced new rules that end "maintained status" for temporary residents if their first visa application is refused. A second application will not preserve their legal status, even if submitted before the original permit expired. Applicants who have filed multiple applications while trying to extend their stay may be impacted, with a refusal of the first application now shutting the door.

Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced significant changes to its maintained status rules for temporary residents. Effective May 28, 2025, the new regulations stipulate that a second application for extension will not maintain status if the first application is refused. This shift aims to streamline application processing and prevent automatic status continuation after an initial refusal.

Previously, if a temporary resident submitted a second extension application while already on maintained status and the first application was refused, the individual could still remain in Canada legally, although they would not have work or study rights. However, under the new rules, if the second application is submitted after the permit expiry and the first application is rejected, the individual is now considered out of status and must apply for restoration if eligible [1].

The changes also remove the option of applying for work or study permits at the port of entry, aligning with ongoing restrictions on flag-poling. This update is part of a broader effort to bring clarity and consistency to how immigration officers process multiple applications and ensure that applicants are not automatically kept in status solely due to a second pending application after a refusal [1].

In a separate development, the Trump administration has reversed its decision to revoke the legal status of a four-year-old girl and her family who were seeking medical treatment in the US. After facing national outcry and pressure from Democratic lawmakers, the administration restored their humanitarian parole status [2]. This decision highlights the importance of compassionate immigration policies, particularly in cases involving urgent medical needs.

These changes in immigration policies underscore the ongoing efforts to balance the need for efficient processing with the protection of vulnerable individuals. Temporary residents should be aware of these new rules and plan their applications accordingly to avoid disruptions in their stay and work/study rights [3].

References:
[1] https://m.economictimes.com/nri/migrate/canada-revises-maintained-status-rules-for-temporary-residents/articleshow/121588308.cms
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/03/trump-four-year-old-humanitarian-parole-medical-care
[3] https://www.cicnews.com/2025/06/ircc-changes-rules-for-maintained-status-0656026.html