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Extension & Renewal
Understanding Implied Status in Canada
Know your rights and limitations while waiting for your extension decision. Implied status keeps you legal while IRCC processes your application.
Processing Time
Not applicable - Implied status continues until IRCC makes a decision on your extension
Government Fee
No fee for implied status itself (fees paid with extension application)
Biometrics Fee
Not applicable
Total Cost
No additional fees
Extension Overview
About Implied Status
Implied status is a legal concept in Canadian immigration that allows you to remain in Canada legally while waiting for a decision on your application to extend your visitor, study, or work permit. It occurs when you submit an extension application before your current status expires. During this waiting period, you have 'implied' status to remain in Canada under the same conditions as your previous permit.
The key to implied status is timing: you must submit your extension application before your current status expires. If you do this, you're legally authorized to remain in Canada while IRCC processes your application, even if your original document (study permit, work permit, or visitor authorization) expires during the waiting period. This is crucial given current processing times that can extend 12-18 months or longer.
However, implied status has important limitations. You can only continue doing what your previous permit allowed - if you had a work permit, you can only keep working for the same employer; if you had a study permit, you can only continue studying at the same institution. You cannot leave Canada during implied status without abandoning your application, and you cannot change the conditions of your stay. Understanding implied status rights and restrictions is essential for maintaining legal status during the extension process.
Important Deadlines
- You must have applied for extension BEFORE your previous status expired to have implied status
- Respond to any IRCC document requests immediately to keep your application active
- If you receive a refusal, your implied status ends immediately and you must stop working/studying or leave Canada
- If you leave Canada, your implied status and extension application are abandoned (with rare exceptions)
- Once your extension is approved, your implied status ends and your new permit conditions begin
Free Extension Assessment
Not sure if you qualify for an extension? Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your situation and guide you through the process.
Book Free ConsultationCheck Processing TimesOriginal Application InfoRCIC License: R515110
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet these requirements to qualify for Implied Status.
You submitted an application to extend your temporary resident status (visitor, study, or work permit)
Your application was submitted before your current status expired
You have not received a final decision on your extension application yet
You have not left Canada since submitting the extension application
Your previous status was valid immediately before submitting the extension
You have not been instructed to leave Canada by IRCC or CBSA
Documentation
Required Documents
Gather these documents before starting your extension application.
Proof that you submitted your extension application before your status expired (IRCC submission confirmation)
Copy of your extension application and receipt number
Copy of your expired or expiring status document (work permit, study permit, or visitor document)
Confirmation that your application is still in process (check IRCC account status)
Understanding of your implied status limitations based on your previous permit type
Documentation to prove your implied status to employers, schools, or border officials if needed
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to successfully extend your status in Canada.
1
Verify You Applied Before Expiry
Confirm that you submitted your extension application before your previous status expired. Check your IRCC account for the submission confirmation and timestamp. If you applied even one day after expiry, you do NOT have implied status and must apply for restoration instead.
2
Understand Your Permitted Activities
Know exactly what you can do on implied status based on your previous permit. Work permit holders can only work for the same employer in the same position. Study permit holders can only study at the same institution. Visitor status holders can only continue as visitors. You cannot change employers, schools, or status type.
3
Save Documentation of Your Implied Status
Print and save your extension application confirmation, IRCC submission receipt, and screenshots showing your application is in progress. Keep copies of your expired permit. This documentation proves your legal status if questioned by employers, educational institutions, or authorities.
4
Monitor Your Application Regularly
Check your IRCC account frequently for updates, messages, or requests for additional documents. Respond immediately to any IRCC communications. Set up email notifications so you don't miss important updates about your application status.
5
Avoid International Travel
Do not leave Canada while on implied status unless absolutely necessary and you fully understand the consequences. Leaving Canada typically abandons your extension application, ends your implied status, and may prevent you from returning until your new permit is approved.
6
Maintain Compliance with All Conditions
Continue following all conditions of your previous permit. Work only authorized hours, study full-time if required, don't work if on visitor status. Any violations can result in your extension being refused and losing your implied status.
7
Plan for Extended Wait Times
Prepare for the possibility of remaining on implied status for 12-18+ months given current processing times. Ensure your employer understands implied status, maintain your studies, and have contingency plans for extended waiting periods without being able to travel.
Common Pitfalls
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes and avoid these common errors when applying for an extension.
Thinking implied status means they have a permit - It's temporary authorization while waiting, not a document
Leaving Canada for travel - This almost always abandons your application and ends implied status
Changing employers or schools - You can only continue under the exact same conditions as before
Not keeping proof of implied status - Save all documentation to prove your legal status
Assuming implied status lasts indefinitely - It ends when IRCC makes a decision (approval or refusal)
Pro Tip
Work with an RCIC to avoid these common mistakes. Our consultants have helped thousands successfully extend their status. We review your application before submission to catch errors and maximize approval chances.
Costs
Extension Fees
Government fees for Implied Status applications.
Government Fee
No fee for implied status itself (fees paid with extension application)Biometrics
Not applicableTotal
No additional feesFees are subject to change. Check IRCC website for current rates.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Implied Status
What exactly is implied status and how does it work?
Implied status is a legal provision that allows you to remain in Canada legally while waiting for a decision on your application to extend your temporary resident status (visitor, study, or work permit). It only applies if you submitted your extension application BEFORE your current status expired. During implied status, you're authorized to remain in Canada and continue the same activities you were doing under your previous permit (work for same employer, study at same institution, or remain as a visitor). You don't receive a physical document - your proof is your extension application confirmation and the expired permit. Implied status continues until IRCC makes a final decision on your extension application.
Can I work while on implied status?
Yes, but only if you had a valid work permit that you applied to extend before it expired, and only under very specific conditions. You can only continue working for the same employer, in the same position, under the same conditions as your previous work permit. You cannot change employers, take on a second job, or modify your work conditions while on implied status. If your extension is refused, you must stop working immediately. If you had a study permit (not a work permit), you cannot work full-time on implied status - you can only continue studying and working part-time as allowed for students. If you were on visitor status, you absolutely cannot work at all.
Can I travel outside Canada while on implied status?
Generally no, and this is one of the most important restrictions of implied status. If you leave Canada while on implied status, your extension application is automatically abandoned and closed by IRCC (with very limited exceptions for study permit holders with valid travel documents). Additionally, you may not be able to return to Canada until your new permit is approved because you no longer have a valid status document. Some study permit holders with a valid temporary resident visa may be able to travel and return, but this is risky and should only be done with proper advice. If you think you might need to travel internationally during the processing period, carefully consider whether applying for an extension from within Canada is the right strategy.
How do I prove I have implied status?
You prove implied status by showing documentation that demonstrates: (1) you had valid status before applying, (2) you submitted an extension application before that status expired, and (3) IRCC hasn't yet made a final decision. Specifically, keep copies of your expired permit, your extension application confirmation from IRCC (showing the submission date and receipt number), and current screenshots from your IRCC account showing your application is in progress. If your employer, educational institution, or any authority questions your status, provide these documents. Many employers and schools are familiar with implied status for their foreign workers and students, but having documentation readily available is crucial.
What happens to my implied status if my extension is refused?
If your extension application is refused, your implied status ends immediately on the date of the refusal decision. You must stop any activities authorized by your previous permit (stop working or studying) and either leave Canada or apply for restoration within 90 days if eligible. You should receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You may have options such as requesting reconsideration, applying for a different type of status, or consulting an immigration lawyer about appeals. However, you cannot continue working, studying, or remaining in Canada on implied status after a refusal. The refusal triggers immediate requirements to change your situation or depart Canada.
Other Extension Types
Study Permit Extension
4 months (120 days) - Apply at least 3-4 months before expiry
Continue your educational journey with a seamless study permit extension. Apply at least 3 months before your current permit expires.
Learn More
Visitor Visa Extension
18 months (540 days) for online applications - Apply well in advance
Stay longer in Canada with a visitor record extension. Apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay expires.
Learn More
Work Permit Extension
15 months (450 days) - Apply at least 4 months before expiry
Continue your Canadian employment with a work permit extension. Apply at least 4 months before your current permit expires.
Learn More
Ready to Extend Your Stay in Canada?
Don't risk losing your status. Book a consultation with our RCIC-licensed consultants today. We'll help you prepare a complete application and maximize your chances of approval.
RCIC License: R515110 | Member of CICC