The work permit extension canada new policy introduces significant changes to how temporary foreign workers maintain their status while applying for extensions. As of May 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revised the “maintained status” rules, meaning that if your first extension application is refused or found incomplete, any subsequent application will no longer preserve your right to stay or work in Canada. Applicants must submit their extension request before the current permit expires to retain legal status, but leaving Canada while the application is pending now voids maintained status, and re-entry is only possible once a new permit is approved.