Individuals in Canada with a permit for temporary stay must leave the country by the expiry date. If that date is approaching and you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for a new permit. However, this application process takes time.
While you wait for a decision, you can stay in the country, even if the date on your original permit comes and goes. People in this situation will be on implied status. This can be a thorny time, so there are some crucial details to understand about implied status.
- You may not want to leave your current job. When you apply for a new work permit, you will have to stop working at your current job on the expiration date of your original permit if you apply for the extension for a different employer. If you will continue working for the same employer, you can continue working while you have implied status.
- You can face some challenges if you leave Canada. Re-entering Canada after travelling outside the country may not be possible, depending on where you go and whether you have a multiple-entry visa. Further, if you leave and return on implied status, you may not return to work until a decision has been made on your extension application.
- You won’t necessarily receive proof of implied status. You may be used to carrying around proof of your status in Canada. However, you will not receive something confirming you are awaiting a decision on a permit or visa. Because of this, it can be wise to carry or have accessible the paperwork from your application to show proof of your implied status.
- The clock is ticking. Even though implied status allows a person to stay in Canada after a temporary resident’s current status expires, the Government of Canada recommends that people apply for an extension at least 30 days before the expiration date on their current visa or permit. You must also be sure that your passport will not expire before the expiration date of the extension. Following these guidelines can alleviate some of the stress associated with expired statuses and extension applications.
Transition periods can be a challenge for anyone. But when a transition involves your immigration status in Canada, the state of flux can be especially stressful. However, this information can help temporary residents make informed decisions.