According to data from IRCC, for 2024, up until August, 1.37 lakh Indian students out of 3.74 lakh international students — accounting for 36.7 per cent — received study permits. India is Canada’s largest source country for foreign students, with an estimated 4.27 lakh students studying there in 2023.

With so many Indians going to Canada every year — also on other visas — one of the common questions is which is one of the most suited ways of settling down in Canada. If one applies to extend their temporary resident status before it expires, the student might be eligible to remain in the country while awaiting a decision on the application. One of the most suited ways of doing that is through ‘Implied Status’

As per IRCC, Implied or maintained status allows temporary residents to legally stay in Canada under the same conditions of their original permit while their application for extension is processed.

If a candidate who is in the last leg of their study visa or work visa applies for Implied Status and their permit expires during this time, they can still remain in the country with the assurance that their stay is lawful until the government renders a decision.

One of the important things to remember while applying for this is that temporary residents must submit their extension applications at least 30 days before their current permit expires to maintain uninterrupted status. Although, even applying a single day before the expiration makes one eligible for this, applying early is best suited. If a student’s application is under review while their original permit to stay in the country has expired, the student can keep studying under the conditions of their original study permit.

It is important to note that Implied Status applies only as long as the applicant remains in Canada. If a temporary resident in Canada on implied status leaves the country, he or she may be permitted to re-enter as a temporary resident Canada if:

— They are exempt from the requirement for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

— They have a TRV

If a student is having to travel outside Canada due to unavoidable reasons, applicants should understand that re-entry may restrict their ability to resume work or study until their extension is approved. For example, a student who departs Canada while awaiting a study permit extension may face restrictions on studying upon re-entry until a decision on their extension application is made. It is advised that students should stay within the country. Staying within the country during this period allows for a seamless continuation of study or work under implied status.

If the extension application is approved, the date of issue printed on the document will represent the date a decision was made. The period of authorised stay will be equivalent to the validity of the new document.